Notary fees are set by state law, and most states cap them between $2 and $15 per signature

The cost to have a document notarized depends on which state you're in, because each state sets its own maximum fee. Most states allow notaries to charge between $2 and $15 per signature. Some states set a flat fee for the entire document regardless of how many signatures it contains; others charge per signature. A few states don't set a maximum at all, though notaries in those states typically stay within the $2 to $15 range anyway because that's the market rate.

The actual fee you pay may be lower than the state maximum. A notary public can charge less than the legal limit, and many do—especially notaries who work at banks, credit unions, or law offices as part of their job. Some charge nothing at all. A notary who runs a standalone business is more likely to charge the full amount allowed.

Beyond the per-signature fee, some notaries charge extra for travel if you ask them to come to your home or office. Travel fees vary widely and are not regulated by state law. A notary might charge $25 to $75 or more to travel outside their usual location, depending on distance and local rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states cap notary fees between $2 and $15 per signature, though the actual fee you pay may be lower.
  • Some notaries charge nothing, especially those working at banks or as part of a law office.
  • Travel fees for a notary to come to your location are not regulated and can range from $25 to $75 or more.
  • Calling ahead to ask the fee before the notary performs the work prevents surprises.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum allowed fee for notaries in that state.

Where to find the fee schedule for your state

Each state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum notary fee allowed in that state. You can find this information on the Secretary of State website by searching "[your state] notary public fees" or "[your state] notary fee schedule." The page will list the per-signature fee, any flat fees, and whether travel charges are permitted.

If you're having a document notarized in a state other than where you live—for example, if you're buying property in another state—use that state's fee schedule, not your home state's. The notary must follow the law of the state where the notarization takes place.

What affects the total cost

The number of signatures on your document is the main factor. A straightforward one-page document with one signature might cost $5 in a state that charges $5 per signature. A deed with three signatures could cost $15. Some documents, like powers of attorney or loan papers, often have multiple signature lines, so the cost adds up quickly.

The type of notarization also matters in a few states. Some states charge more for a certified copy (a notarized photocopy of an original document) than for a standard notarization. A certified copy might cost $5 to $10 per page in addition to any per-signature fees. Check your state's fee schedule to see if certified copies are priced differently.

Whether you go to the notary or the notary comes to you changes the total. If you visit a notary's office, you pay only the notarization fee. If you request a home or office visit, add the travel fee on top.

How to keep notary costs down

The easiest way to save money is to use a notary who charges nothing. Many banks and credit unions offer free notarization to their customers. Call your bank's main branch and ask if they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free. Law offices sometimes notarize documents for free if you're a client, so ask your attorney. Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost.

If you need a notary and don't have access to a free one, call ahead and ask the fee before you go in. This prevents surprises and lets you compare prices if multiple notaries are nearby. Some notaries in the same town charge the state maximum; others charge less. A quick phone call takes two minutes and can save you money.

Avoid requesting travel unless necessary. If the notary charges $50 to come to your home and the notarization fee is $10, you're paying $60 total. Visiting the notary's office costs only $10. If you can arrange to be at the notary's location, do that instead.

When notaries charge more than the state maximum

If a notary charges you more than your state's legal maximum, that's a violation of state law. Report it to your state's Secretary of State office, which oversees notary licensing and complaints. You can file a complaint through the Secretary of State website or by phone. Include the notary's name, the date of the notarization, the amount charged, and the state maximum fee.

You may be able to recover the overcharge, though the process varies by state. Some states allow you to file a small claims court case; others handle complaints through the Secretary of State's office directly. Document the fee you paid—keep your receipt or a record of the transaction—before you file a complaint.

Notarization fees for remote or online notarizations

Some states now allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies your identity and notarizes your document over video call. Remote notaries may charge the same per-signature fee as in-person notaries, or they may charge a different rate. A few states set a separate maximum for remote notarizations, often slightly higher than the in-person rate because of the technology involved.

Check whether your state permits remote notarization and what the fee is. Not all states allow it, and not all documents can be notarized remotely—some require the notary to see the original document in person. Your state's Secretary of State website will list which documents may have access to for remote notarization and what the fee is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge me if I don't have the document ready?

No. A notary should not charge you unless they actually perform the notarization. If you arrive without the document or realize you need a different form, a reputable notary will not charge you for the appointment. Some notaries may ask you to reschedule, but you should not pay for a service that was not completed.

What if the notary charges a fee but I'm a customer of their bank?

Most banks offer free notarization to customers, but policies vary. Ask the notary or the bank's customer service desk before the notarization whether the service is free. If you were told it was free and charged anyway, speak to the branch manager or file a complaint with your state's banking regulator.

Do I have to pay the notary in cash?

No. Notaries accept cash, check, card, or other payment methods. Ask what forms of payment the notary takes when you call to ask about the fee. If you're visiting an office, they'll tell you what they accept.

Is the notary fee the same if I need the document notarized in a different state?

No. The fee depends on the state where the notarization happens, not where you live. If you're having a document notarized in another state, use that state's fee schedule. The notary must follow the law of the state where they are licensed.