Notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries

The cost of notarizing a document depends on which state you are in, because each state sets its own maximum fee. A notary cannot charge more than the state allows, though they can charge less. Most states set a cap between $2 and $15 per signature, with $5 to $10 being common. Some states allow notaries to charge a travel fee if you ask them to come to your location instead of you going to theirs.

The fee covers the notary's time to verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and add their official stamp and signature. It does not cover the cost of the document itself or any copies you need made. If a notary charges you more than your state allows, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office.

Key Takeaways

  • State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge, which ranges from $2 to $15 per signature in most states.
  • You pay only for the notarization itself, not for printing, copying, or preparing the document.
  • Travel fees are legal in many states if the notary comes to your home or office, but the base notarization fee stays the same.
  • Banks, credit unions, and some employers offer notary services to customers or employees at no cost.
  • The total cost depends on how many signatures need notarizing, since each signature is a separate fee.

How many signatures you need notarized affects your total cost

If your document has one signature that needs notarizing, you pay one fee. If it has three signatures, you pay three times the fee. A notary counts each signature separately, even if they are all on the same page or the same document. Before you go to a notary, count how many places you need to sign and ask the notary what their per-signature fee is.

Some documents require notarization on multiple pages. A power of attorney, for example, might need your signature notarized on the first page and again on the last page. Ask the notary whether they charge per page or per signature—most charge per signature, but it is worth confirming so you know the total cost before you sit down.

State-by-state fee limits vary widely

Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum fee notaries are allowed to charge. A few states set very low caps: Louisiana allows $3 per signature, while Florida allows $10. Other states like New York cap fees at $2 per signature. Some states do not set a maximum at all, which is rare but means the notary can charge whatever they want.

If you are notarizing a document for a state other than where you live, the notary you use must follow the rules of the state where they are licensed, not the state where the document will be used. If you need a document notarized for use in another state, you can ask the notary whether they know that state's rules, or you can contact that state's Secretary of State office to confirm the fee.

Banks and employers often notarize for free or low cost

Many banks and credit unions offer notary services to their customers at no cost. Some employers offer the same service to their employees through their HR or legal department. If you have a bank account or work for a larger company, call and ask whether they have a notary on staff. This can save you money if you need just one or two signatures notarized.

The catch is that free or low-cost notaries may have limited hours, may require an appointment, or may only notarize certain types of documents. A bank notary might notarize a power of attorney but not a real estate deed. Always call ahead to confirm they can notarize what you need before you make a trip.

Travel fees add to the cost if the notary comes to you

If you cannot go to a notary's office, you can ask them to come to your home, workplace, or hospital room. Most states allow notaries to charge a travel fee on top of the per-signature fee. Travel fees are not capped by state law in most places, so they vary widely—anywhere from $10 to $50 or more depending on distance and the notary's policy.

Some notaries charge a flat travel fee; others charge by the mile. Ask the notary for their travel fee before you book them. If the travel fee seems high, you might find it cheaper to go to a notary's office yourself, or to use a bank or employer notary if one is available.

Online notarization costs the same or slightly more

Remote notarization, where you sign the document on a video call with a notary, is now legal in all 50 states. The per-signature fee is usually the same as in-person notarization, but some online notary services charge a platform fee on top of the state-allowed signature fee. That platform fee might be $5 to $25 depending on the service.

Online notarization is fastest if you need something notarized outside business hours or if you live far from a notary's office. However, not all documents can be notarized remotely—some states do not allow it for real estate deeds or certain financial documents. Check your state's rules or ask the online notary service whether your document type is allowed before you pay.

How to find a notary and confirm the cost beforehand

Start by calling your bank or employer to see if they offer free notary services. If not, search online for "notary public near me" or check your state's Secretary of State website, which often lists licensed notaries by county. When you find a notary, call them and tell them exactly what you need notarized—how many signatures, what type of document, and whether you can go to their office or need them to travel.

Ask for the total cost before you commit. A notary should be able to tell you the per-signature fee (set by state law) plus any travel fee or platform fee. If they cannot give you a clear answer, try another notary. Once you know the cost, bring your unsigned document, a valid photo ID, and the exact amount they quoted, or ask whether they take cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge me more than the state maximum?

No. State law sets the maximum fee, and notaries cannot legally charge more. If a notary overcharges you, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office. You may also be able to dispute the charge with your credit card company if you paid by card.

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

No. If the notary makes an error that makes the notarization invalid, they should redo it at no extra charge. If you have already paid and the notarization is flawed, ask the notary to correct it for free. If they refuse, contact your state's Secretary of State office.

What if I need multiple documents notarized on the same day?

You pay per signature, not per document. If you have three separate documents with one signature each, that is three fees. Some notaries offer a small discount if you bring many documents at once, but they are not required to. Ask before you go.

Is online notarization cheaper than going in person?

The per-signature fee is usually the same, but online services sometimes add a platform fee of $5 to $25. In-person notarization may be cheaper if you use a free bank notary, but online notarization is faster if you need it outside business hours or live far away.

Do I need to tip a notary?

Tipping is not required or expected. You pay the fee set by state law, and that is all the notary is owed. If a notary provides exceptional service or goes out of their way to help, you can tip if you want to, but it is entirely optional.