Notary costs range from $5 to $25 per signature in most states, though prices vary by location and the type of document

A notary public charges a fee each time they witness your signature and stamp a document. The amount depends on where you live, whether you visit them or they come to you, and what kind of document needs notarizing. Most notaries working in an office or retail location charge $5 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries who travel to your home or workplace typically charge $25 to $75 for the visit, plus per-signature fees on top.

Some states set maximum fees by law. For example, California caps notary fees at $15 per signature, while New York allows up to $2 per signature. Other states have no legal limit, so prices depend on what the notary decides to charge. Banks often notarize documents for free if you have an account with them, though this is a courtesy rather than a requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • Office-based notaries typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, while mobile notaries charge $25 to $75 for travel plus per-signature fees.
  • Your state may set a maximum fee that notaries cannot exceed, so calling ahead to ask the price is the fastest way to know what you will pay.
  • Banks and credit unions often notarize documents free for account holders, making them the cheapest option if you have a relationship with one.
  • Notaries charge per signature, not per document, so a single page requiring three signatures costs three times the per-signature fee.

Where to find notaries and what they charge

Notaries work in several places, and prices differ by location type. Banks and credit unions notarize for free if you are a member, though availability is limited to business hours and they may require an appointment. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and other shipping centers employ notaries and typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Independent notary offices charge similar rates, usually $5 to $12 per signature.

Mobile notaries come to your home, office, or another location you choose. They charge a travel fee (usually $25 to $75 depending on distance) plus $5 to $15 per signature. This option costs more upfront but saves time if you cannot leave your location or need notarizing outside normal business hours. Some mobile notaries offer evening and weekend appointments for an additional fee.

Online notary services exist in some states and use video conferencing to connect you with a notary remotely. Prices range from $25 to $50 per signature. Check whether your state allows remote notarization and whether the document you need notarized qualifies—not all documents can be notarized this way.

State-by-state fee limits

Many states set a maximum fee notaries can charge, though the limits vary widely. States with strict caps include California ($15 per signature), New York ($2 per signature), and Florida ($10 per signature). Other states like Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania allow notaries to set their own fees with no legal maximum. A few states charge per document rather than per signature, which can save money if your document has multiple signatures.

The easiest way to find your state's fee limit is to search "[your state] notary public fee" or call your state's Secretary of State office. They can tell you the maximum allowed and point you toward notaries in your area. If you are having a document notarized out of state, ask the notary what their state allows before you arrive.

What affects the final price you pay

The number of signatures on your document is the biggest cost factor. A single-page affidavit with one signature costs one fee. A power of attorney with three signature lines costs three times that amount. Count the signature lines before you contact a notary so you can ask for an accurate quote.

Travel distance affects mobile notary pricing. A notary traveling 5 miles charges less than one traveling 30 miles. Some mobile notaries have a service area and charge a flat travel fee within it, then add mileage fees beyond that. Ask whether the travel fee is fixed or if it changes based on distance.

Timing also matters. Notaries who work standard business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) charge standard rates. Those offering evening, weekend, or same-day service often add a rush fee of $10 to $25. If you need notarizing outside normal hours, expect to pay more.

How to get the lowest cost

Start by checking whether your bank or credit union offers free notarizing. If you have an account, this is always the cheapest option. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary available and ask how long the appointment takes—some branches have limited notary hours.

If your bank cannot help, call three to five notaries in your area and ask their per-signature fee and any travel charges. Mention how many signatures your document has so they can give you a total. Compare prices, but also ask how soon they can see you—the cheapest notary is not worth it if you need the document notarized today and they are booked for a week.

For documents with many signatures, ask whether the notary charges per signature or per document. Some notaries offer a flat rate for multiple signatures on the same document, which can save money. Also ask whether they charge extra for unusual documents like certified copies or acknowledgments—most do not, but some do.

What you should bring and what to expect

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and the unsigned document. The notary will ask you to sign in front of them while they watch. They will then stamp and sign the document themselves. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature. You pay when the notary finishes.

Do not sign the document before you arrive at the notary. The notary must watch you sign—if you sign beforehand, they cannot notarize it and you will have wasted the trip. Bring the original document, not a copy, unless the notary specifically says copies are acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a notary for free?

Yes, if you have a bank or credit union account. Most banks notarize documents free for members during business hours. Some employers and government offices also offer free notarizing to employees or the public. Call ahead to confirm availability before you visit.

What if I need notarizing outside business hours?

Mobile notaries often work evenings and weekends, though they charge a rush fee on top of their standard rate. Online notaries in states that allow remote notarization may also have extended hours. Expect to pay $50 to $100 total for after-hours service, depending on your location and the number of signatures.

Do I pay if the notary refuses to notarize my document?

Policies vary. Some notaries charge a consultation fee even if they cannot help. Others do not charge if they refuse the job. Ask before you meet whether there is a fee if they decline to notarize. This is rare—most notaries can notarize standard documents like affidavits and powers of attorney.

Is there a difference between a notary and a certified copy service?

Yes. A notary witnesses your signature and stamps the document. A certified copy service makes an official copy of an existing document and certifies it is a true copy. Certified copies usually cost $5 to $10 each and are often available at the same places as notaries.

Can I notarize a document I signed myself earlier?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need a new, unsigned copy and will have to sign it again in front of the notary.