Notary costs range from $5 to $25 per signature in most states, though some charge by the page or document instead
The price of getting a document notarized depends on where you go and what state you live in. Most states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge — typically between $5 and $15 per signature — but many notaries charge less. Some places like banks, credit unions, and title companies notarize documents free if you're a customer. Others, like UPS stores and independent notaries, charge the state maximum or close to it.
A few states cap fees differently. Some charge per page rather than per signature, which matters if one page has multiple signatures. A handful of states don't set a maximum at all, so prices can vary widely. The best way to know what you'll pay is to call ahead and ask the specific notary or business what they charge for your document type.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow notaries to charge $5 to $15 per signature, though many charge less and some charge nothing for customers.
- Banks and credit unions often notarize documents free for account holders, making them the cheapest option if you have an account.
- UPS stores, FedEx offices, and independent notaries typically charge the state maximum or near it.
- Some states charge by the page instead of by signature, so the total cost depends on your document's length and structure.
- Calling ahead to ask the price takes two minutes and saves you a trip if the cost is higher than you expected.
Where notarization costs nothing or almost nothing
Your bank or credit union is often the cheapest place to get a document notarized. Most banks offer notary services free to customers with an account, even if you're just stopping by to use the service once. Call your branch first to confirm they have a notary on staff and ask about their hours — not every location has one.
Some employers also offer notary services to employees at no cost. Check with your HR or administrative office. Law firms sometimes notarize documents free for clients, though they may charge if you're not a client. Title companies notarize documents free when you're buying or selling property through them, since the notarization is part of the closing process.
Public libraries in some areas have notaries on staff or can refer you to one nearby. Call your local library to ask. A few states allow notaries to work for government offices, so your county clerk's office may notarize documents free or for a small fee.
What you'll pay at retail locations and independent notaries
UPS stores, FedEx offices, and Staples locations that offer notary services typically charge between $10 and $25 per signature, depending on your state's maximum fee. These businesses are convenient because they have long hours and many locations, but they're rarely the cheapest option. Prices vary by location, so two UPS stores in the same city might charge different amounts.
Independent notaries — people who work for themselves rather than for a business — usually charge the state maximum or close to it. You can find them through an online notary search, your state's notary association, or by asking your bank for a referral. Some independent notaries offer mobile services and will come to your home or office, which adds a travel fee of $10 to $50 on top of the notarization cost.
Online notary services have grown in recent years and typically charge $25 to $50 per document. These work through video call and are useful if you can't visit a notary in person, but not all states allow them yet and not all document types can be notarized online.
How state fee caps work and why they matter
Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries can legally charge. This cap protects you from being overcharged, but it also means notaries in your state can charge anything up to that limit. A notary charging $15 per signature in a state where the cap is $15 is legal, even if another notary in the same state charges $5.
Some states set different fees for different services. For example, a state might cap the fee for a standard notarization at $10 but allow $15 for a document that requires a thumbprint or seal. A few states charge by the page — say, $5 per page — rather than per signature, which can save you money if your document has multiple signatures on one page.
Three states — Montana, Nevada, and South Carolina — do not set a maximum fee, so notaries can charge whatever they want. If you live in one of these states, asking the price before you commit is especially important.
What affects the total cost of your notarization
The number of signatures on your document is the main factor. If you're notarizing a single-page document with one signature, you'll pay one notary fee. If the same document has three signatures, you'll pay three times the per-signature fee. Some notaries charge a minimum fee even for a single signature, so a $5 per-signature state might have a $10 minimum.
The type of document can also matter. A standard notarization — where the notary watches you sign and verifies your identity — costs the standard fee. A certified copy, where the notary makes a copy of an original document and certifies it's accurate, may cost more. A document that requires a thumbprint or acknowledgment statement might have a higher fee in some states.
Travel adds cost if you use a mobile notary. Some charge a flat travel fee of $15 to $50 regardless of distance; others charge per mile. If you need the notary to come to you, ask whether the travel fee is separate from the per-signature fee or included in the total price.
How to find the lowest price in your area
Start by calling your bank or credit union. If you have an account, you may get it free. If not, ask what they charge. Then call two or three UPS stores or FedEx offices near you and compare their prices — they often differ even in the same city.
Search online for "notary public near me" to find independent notaries in your area. Many list their fees on their websites or in their online profiles. If you don't see a price listed, call and ask. You can also search your state's notary association website, which usually has a directory of notaries by county.
If you need the notarization done quickly, factor in travel time. A notary five minutes away is worth more than one across town, even if the fee is slightly higher. If you need multiple documents notarized, ask whether the notary offers a discount for multiple signatures or documents — some do, though it's not common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge whatever they want?
No, except in Montana, Nevada, and South Carolina. Most states set a maximum fee notaries can charge, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Notaries can charge less than the maximum, but not more. Check your state's notary board website to find your state's fee cap.
Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?
No. If the notary makes an error that makes the document invalid, they should redo it at no charge. If you've already paid and the notary refuses to fix it, contact your state's notary board to file a complaint. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
Will my bank notarize a document if I'm not a customer?
Most banks notarize free for customers only. If you're not a customer, some branches will notarize for a small fee of $5 to $10, but it's not may provide. Call ahead to ask. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than banks about notarizing for non-members.
Is online notarization cheaper than in-person?
Online notaries typically charge $25 to $50 per document, which is more than most in-person notaries. However, if you can't leave your home or office, the convenience may be worth the extra cost. Check whether your state allows online notarization and whether your document type is may be able to access before you book.
What if I need the document notarized the same day?
Call a notary directly rather than going through a business like UPS. Independent notaries and mobile notaries often have same-day availability. Expect to pay the standard fee plus a travel charge if they come to you. Calling early in the day gives you the best chance of finding someone available.