Notary fees range from $5 to $25 per signature in most states, though some charge by the page or task instead

The cost depends on where you go and what you need notarized. A bank notary may charge nothing if you have an account there. A standalone notary office typically charges $10 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries who come to your home or office charge $25 to $50 or more because of travel time. Some states set a legal maximum; others do not, so the price can vary widely even within the same city.

What you are paying for is the notary's time to verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and stamp it with their official seal. The notary does not check whether the document itself is legal or whether you understand what you are signing — they only confirm that you signed it in front of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank notaries often charge nothing if you are a customer, making them the cheapest option if you have an account.
  • Standalone notary offices and UPS/FedEx locations typically charge $10 to $15 per signature.
  • Mobile notaries who travel to you cost $25 to $50 or more depending on distance and time of day.
  • Some states cap notary fees by law; others do not, so prices vary by location and business.
  • You may need multiple signatures notarized on the same document, which means multiple fees.

Where to find a notary and what each option costs

Your bank is the cheapest place to start. Most banks offer notary services free to account holders. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary on staff and ask about their hours — many banks only offer this service during business hours on weekdays. If you do not have a bank account or your bank does not have a notary, you have several other options.

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff. Expect to pay $10 to $15 per signature. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary. Call first to confirm the notary is available that day.

Standalone notary offices exist in most towns and cities. Search online for "notary public near me" to find them. Prices are typically $10 to $15 per signature, though some charge by the page or by the task (for example, $25 to notarize a power of attorney). Ask the price before you go in.

Mobile notaries come to your home, office, or another location you choose. They charge $25 to $50 or more per trip, depending on how far they travel and what time you need them. This option costs more but saves you time if you cannot leave your location or need the notary outside normal business hours.

What affects the price you pay

The number of signatures matters. If your document has three places where you need to sign, you may pay three separate fees — one per signature. Some notaries charge a flat rate per document instead, so ask whether they charge per signature or per page.

Time of day and day of week can raise the price. Evening and weekend notaries charge more than those working standard hours. Some mobile notaries add a surcharge for appointments before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Your state's law may set a maximum fee. California caps notary fees at $15 per signature. New York allows up to $2 per signature. Texas sets no state limit, so notaries can charge whatever the market will bear. Check your state's notary board or secretary of state website to learn the legal maximum in your area.

Whether the notary is independent or works for a business also affects price. Bank notaries are free to customers. Chain locations like UPS and FedEx charge a standard fee. Independent notaries set their own prices within the legal limit.

How to keep notary costs down

Use your bank first. If you have an account, the notary service is free. This is the single biggest way to save money.

Prepare your document completely before you go. Bring the original unsigned document, your ID, and any other papers the notary asks for. Do not make the notary wait while you hunt for pages or information — some charge by the minute for delays.

Combine multiple documents into one trip if possible. If you need three different documents notarized, bring all three at once rather than making three separate visits. You will pay three fees, but you will not pay travel time or multiple appointment fees.

Avoid mobile notaries unless you have no other choice. The convenience costs $15 to $40 more than walking into an office. If you must use a mobile notary, schedule during business hours rather than evenings or weekends to avoid surcharges.

What the notary fee does and does not cover

The fee covers the notary's time to check your ID, watch you sign, and explore their official seal and signature to the document. It does not cover the cost of making copies, printing, or binding the document. If you need copies made, ask whether the notary's office offers that service and what it costs separately.

The notary fee also does not mean the document is legal or valid for its purpose. A notary confirms only that you signed it in front of them. They do not check whether the document meets the legal requirements for a will, power of attorney, or loan. If you are unsure whether your document is correct, talk to a lawyer before you have it notarized — fixing it after notarization may mean paying to have it notarized again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a notary for free?

Yes, if you have a bank account. Most banks offer notary services free to customers. Some credit unions and employers also offer free notary services to members or employees. Call ahead to confirm availability and hours.

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

That depends on the notary. Some charge only if they complete the notarization. Others charge a consultation fee even if they refuse. Ask before you sit down whether you will be charged if the notary cannot help you.

What if I need a notary at night or on a weekend?

Mobile notaries often work evenings and weekends, but they charge more — sometimes $40 to $75 or higher. Some 24-hour UPS locations have notaries available outside standard hours. Call ahead to confirm availability and ask about the fee before you book.

Can I notarize a document by video or email?

Some states allow remote notarization by video, but not all. If your state permits it, you will still pay a notary fee, usually $10 to $25. Ask your notary whether they offer this service before you assume it is available.

What if the notary makes a mistake on my document?

Ask the notary to correct it. If they made an error, most will redo the notarization at no extra charge. If you made the error and need the document redone, you will likely pay another full notary fee.