Notary fees range from $5 to $25 per signature in most states, though some charge by the page or document instead
The cost depends on where you go and what state you're in. A bank notary may charge nothing if you have an account there. A standalone notary business or UPS Store typically charges $5 to $15 per signature. Some states set maximum fees by law—Florida caps it at $10 per signature, while Texas allows up to $6. Other states have no legal limit, so prices vary widely.
The fee structure matters. Most notaries charge per signature, meaning if a document has three places you need to sign, you pay three times. Some charge per page instead, which can be cheaper if one page has multiple signatures. A few charge a flat rate for the whole document, usually $15 to $25. Always ask how the notary charges before you hand over your document.
Key Takeaways
- Bank notaries are often free for account holders, making them the cheapest option if you may have access to.
- Standalone notary offices and shipping stores typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, depending on your state.
- Some states set maximum fees by law, while others allow notaries to set their own prices.
- Ask whether the notary charges per signature, per page, or per document before you commit.
- Mobile notaries who come to you usually charge $25 to $50 or more, plus travel fees.
Where to find notaries and what each option costs
Your bank is the first place to check. Most banks offer free notary services to customers with checking or savings accounts. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary on staff and ask about their hours—some branches have limited availability. If you don't have a bank account, this option won't work.
UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and similar shipping centers employ notaries. Expect to pay $5 to $15 per signature. These places are convenient because they're open on weekends and evenings in many areas, but availability varies by location. Call first to confirm a notary is working that day.
Standalone notary offices exist in most towns and cities. Search online for "notary public near me" to find them. Prices range from $5 to $20 per signature depending on your state and the notary's experience. Some specialize in real estate documents or immigration paperwork and may charge more for complex work.
Mobile notaries come to your home or office. This costs $25 to $50 or more per visit, plus travel fees if you're far from their base. It's convenient if you can't leave home or need notarization outside business hours, but it's the most expensive option.
State-by-state maximum fees
Some states set a legal cap on what notaries can charge. This protects you from surprise costs, but it also means notaries in those states may charge the maximum allowed rather than less. Here are examples of states with set maximums:
| State | Maximum Fee Per Signature |
|---|---|
| California | $15 |
| Florida | $10 |
| New York | $2 to $5 (varies by type) |
| Texas | $6 |
| Virginia | $5 |
Many other states have no legal maximum, so notaries set their own prices. If you live in a state without a cap, call ahead to ask the fee before you go. Some notaries in high-cost areas charge $20 or more per signature when there's no legal limit.
What affects the price you'll pay
The type of document matters. A straightforward one-page affidavit takes five minutes and costs less. A real estate closing with 20 pages and multiple signatures takes longer and may cost more, especially if the notary has to travel or work outside normal hours. Some notaries charge extra for rush jobs or evening appointments.
Your location affects price too. Notaries in rural areas may charge less because they have fewer competitors. Notaries in major cities often charge more. If you're in a state with no fee cap, urban notaries may charge $15 to $25 per signature while rural ones charge $5 to $10.
Whether you go to them or they come to you changes the cost significantly. A notary at their office charges the standard fee. A mobile notary adds travel time and mileage, so expect to pay double or triple. Some mobile notaries have a minimum charge of $50 or $75 just to show up, regardless of how many signatures you need.
How to keep notary costs down
Start with your bank. If you have a checking or savings account, call and ask if they offer free notary services. Many do, and this saves you money entirely. Even if your bank charges, it's often less than a standalone notary.
Combine your documents if possible. If you have three separate one-page documents that need notarizing, ask the notary if they charge per page or per signature. If they charge per page, you might save money by combining them into one document with three signatures. If they charge per signature, it doesn't matter.
Go in person rather than requesting a mobile notary unless you truly can't leave home. The travel fee alone can double your cost. A quick trip to a UPS Store or notary office costs only the base fee.
Ask about the fee structure before you commit. Some notaries offer discounts if you have multiple documents or multiple signatures. Others charge the same whether it's one signature or ten. Knowing this upfront helps you choose the cheapest option.
What's included in the notary fee
The fee covers the notary's time to verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and explore their official seal and signature. It does not cover the cost of the document itself, copies, or mailing. If you need copies made, the notary may offer that service for an additional fee, usually 25 cents to $1 per page.
The fee also does not include legal information. A notary cannot tell you whether a document is correct or whether you should sign it. They only confirm that you signed it in front of them and that your identity is real. If you need legal guidance, you must consult a lawyer separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a notary for free?
Yes, if you have a bank account. Most banks offer free notary services to customers. Some credit unions and employers also provide free notarization. If none of those options work for you, you'll pay a fee at a standalone notary or shipping store.
Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?
No. If the notary makes an error—such as misspelling your name on the seal or dating it wrong—they should redo the notarization at no charge. If they refuse, contact your state's notary licensing board to file a complaint.
What if I need notarization outside business hours?
Mobile notaries work evenings and weekends, but they charge more—usually $25 to $50 or higher. Some UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are open late or on Sundays, so call ahead to check. A late-night fee may explore.
Can the notary charge extra for a long document?
It depends on how they charge. If they charge per signature, the length doesn't matter. If they charge per page, a long document costs more. Some notaries charge a flat rate per document regardless of length. Ask which method they use before you start.
Do I need to bring anything besides the document?
Yes, bring a valid photo ID. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing anything. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works. Without ID, the notary cannot proceed, and you'll have wasted the trip.