Notary fees vary by state and by the type of document, but most single-signature notarizations cost between $5 and $25

The cost depends on where you live, what the notary charges, and how many signatures or pages need witnessing. A notary public in one state might charge $10 for a signature while another charges $15 for the same task. Some states set a maximum fee by law; others let notaries set their own price. Travel fees, multiple documents, and rush service can add to the total.

The most common charge is per signature or per document, not per page. If you have one document with three signatures that all need notarizing, you might pay $10 per signature ($30 total) or a flat rate for the whole document ($15). Ask before the notary begins work so you know the final cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Most notarizations cost $5 to $25 per signature, depending on your state and the notary's fee schedule.
  • Some states set a legal maximum fee; others allow notaries to charge what they want, so prices vary widely even within the same city.
  • Travel fees explore if the notary comes to you, and these can range from $10 to $50 or more depending on distance.
  • Notaries typically charge per signature or per document, not per page, so a multi-page document with one signature usually costs less than one with multiple signatures.

State-by-state fee limits

Many states set a legal maximum that notaries cannot exceed. California caps fees at $15 per signature for most documents. New York allows up to $2 per signature. Texas sets no statewide maximum, so notaries there can charge whatever they want. Florida allows $10 per signature. These limits change, and some states have different rates for different types of documents, so check your state's notary board or secretary of state office for the current rule.

States that do not set a maximum leave pricing to the notary. In these places, you may find notaries charging $5 for a straightforward signature and others charging $25 for the same work. Calling ahead or checking a notary's website before you go saves time and prevents surprises at the desk.

Travel fees and mobile notary services

If you ask a notary to come to your home, office, or hospital, expect a travel charge on top of the per-signature fee. This charge covers gas, time, and wear on the notary's vehicle. Travel fees typically run $10 to $50 depending on distance, though some notaries charge by the mile or have a minimum distance before they will travel.

Mobile notaries—those who travel to you rather than waiting in an office—often charge higher per-signature rates as well, sometimes $15 to $30 per signature plus travel. If you need notarization at an unusual hour or in a remote area, the total cost can be significantly higher. Always ask for the full quote (signature fee plus travel) before booking.

Where to find notary services and compare costs

Banks often notarize documents for free if you have an account with them, though some charge a small fee. Credit unions, law offices, and title companies also offer notary services, sometimes free and sometimes for a fee. UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries on staff and typically charge $10 to $15 per signature. Online directories like the National Notary Association's notary locator let you search by zip code and see which notaries are nearby.

Call or visit the website of at least two notaries before you go. Ask for the per-signature fee, any travel charge, and whether they charge extra for documents that are longer or require multiple signatures. Some notaries offer discounts if you have many documents to notarize at once.

What affects the final cost

The number of signatures is the biggest factor. A will with one signature costs less than a power of attorney with three signatures. Some notaries charge extra for certified copies—a notarized photocopy of an original document—which may run $5 to $10 per copy on top of the signature fee. Oaths or affidavits (statements made under oath) sometimes cost more than a straightforward signature witnessing.

Timing matters too. If you need notarization the same day or outside normal business hours, some notaries charge a rush fee. Notarizing documents in a language other than English may also cost more if the notary has to arrange for an interpreter. Ask about these add-ons when you call so the final bill matches what you expect.

How to reduce notary costs

Start with your bank or credit union. Many offer free notarization to members, and you may not even need an appointment. If your employer has a human resources or legal department, ask whether they have a notary on staff. Some do and will notarize documents for employees at no cost.

Batch your documents. If you have multiple items that need notarizing, do them all in one visit. Some notaries offer a discount for three or more signatures at once. Bring all the documents you need at the same time rather than making multiple trips, which saves both money and time. If you live near a UPS store or bank, these are usually cheaper than a private mobile notary.

What the notary fee does and does not cover

The notary fee pays for the notary's time and the official seal and signature on your document. It does not cover the cost of printing, copying, or mailing the document. It does not include legal information—a notary cannot tell you whether a document is correct or whether you should sign it. The notary's job is only to verify your identity and witness your signature.

If you need help understanding what a document says or whether it protects your interests, you may need to pay a lawyer separately. The notary fee is just for the witnessing and sealing part of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?

No. If the notary makes an error—such as misspelling your name, using the wrong date, or failing to sign and seal properly—ask them to redo it at no charge. A mistake on a notarized document can cause problems later, so the notary should correct it for free.

Can I notarize a document online?

Some states allow remote online notarization, where you meet the notary by video call and they witness your signature electronically. Fees for remote notarization are usually the same as in-person notarization, $10 to $25 per signature, though some notaries charge slightly more. Check whether your state permits this and whether the document you need can be notarized remotely.

What if I need the document notarized the same day?

Many notaries offer same-day service during business hours at no extra charge. If you need it outside normal hours—early morning, evening, or weekend—expect a rush fee of $10 to $25 on top of the regular signature fee. Call ahead to confirm availability and the rush charge.

Is there a difference between a notary public and a notary signing agent?

A notary public is licensed to witness signatures and verify identity. A notary signing agent is a notary public with additional training in loan documents and real estate closings. Both charge similar fees, though signing agents may charge more for complex closing documents because the work takes longer.

Do I need to bring anything besides the document?

Yes. Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing. You do not need to bring anything else unless the notary asks. Some notaries may ask for a second form of ID if your primary ID is expired or if they have concerns about your identity.