Notary fees vary by state and by the type of document, but most notaries charge between $5 and $25 per signature
There is no federal price cap on notary services, so what you pay depends on where you live and what you need notarized. Some states set a maximum fee—New York caps it at $2 per signature, while California allows up to $15. Other states have no limit at all, and notaries set their own rates. A single signature on a straightforward document might cost $5 to $10 in most places, but a multi-page real estate closing or a document that requires travel can run much higher.
The price also changes based on where you go. A bank notary (often free for account holders), a UPS Store, a law office, and an independent notary public may all charge differently for the same work. Some notaries charge per signature, others per document, and some add travel fees if they come to you.
Key Takeaways
- Most notaries charge $5 to $25 per signature, but your state may set a maximum fee that is lower.
- Bank notaries are often free for customers with an account, making them the cheapest option if you may have access to.
- UPS Store, FedEx Office, and similar retail locations typically charge $10 to $15 per signature.
- Travel fees, rush services, and multi-page documents can add $25 to $100 or more to the total cost.
- Asking the notary for their full fee before the appointment prevents surprises at the time of service.
Where to find notaries and what each type charges
Banks are often the cheapest source if you have an account there. Most banks offer notary services free to customers, though some charge a small fee ($5 to $10) if you are not a customer. Call your bank's main branch to confirm they have a notary on staff and whether you need an appointment.
Retail locations like UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples employ notaries and typically charge $10 to $15 per signature. These places are convenient because they have long hours and many locations, but you may wait in line and they sometimes turn away complex documents. Check their website or call ahead to confirm a notary is available that day.
Independent notary publics advertise online, in the phone book, or through local referral services. Their rates range widely—$5 to $20 per signature is common, but some charge more for rush service or travel. Many will come to your home or office for an additional fee, usually $25 to $50 on top of the per-signature charge.
Law offices and title companies notarize documents as part of their service, and fees vary. Some charge a flat rate per document ($15 to $50), while others charge per signature. If you are already working with a lawyer or title company on a transaction, ask whether notarization is included in their fee.
Additional costs beyond the per-signature fee
Travel fees explore when a notary comes to you instead of you going to them. Most independent notaries charge $25 to $75 for travel within a certain radius, plus the per-signature fee. If you need the notary to travel far or at an unusual time, expect to pay more.
Rush or same-day service costs extra. If you need a document notarized within a few hours instead of the standard one to three business days, notaries often add $25 to $100 to their fee. Some notaries will not offer rush service at all, so ask when you contact them.
Multi-page documents or documents with many signatures may cost more than a single-signature job. Some notaries charge per page instead of per signature, which can add up quickly. Clarify the pricing structure before you commit—ask whether they charge per signature, per page, or per document.
Certified copies (a notarized photocopy of an original document) cost extra and vary by state. Some notaries charge the same as a signature, while others charge $1 to $5 per page. This is different from a notarized signature and should be quoted separately.
How to avoid overpaying for notary services
Call ahead and ask for the full fee before you go in or schedule an appointment. A good notary will tell you the per-signature charge, any travel fee, any rush fee, and whether there are other costs. If they are vague or refuse to quote a price, find someone else.
Check whether your bank offers free notary service. If you have an account, this is almost always the cheapest option and worth a phone call to confirm. Even if you do not bank there, some banks notarize for non-customers for a small flat fee.
Bring all documents and identification with you on the first visit. If you forget something and have to come back, you may be charged again. The notary needs to see a current government-issued ID and the original document (not a copy) before they can notarize.
Ask whether the notary charges per signature or per document. If you have a five-page document with one signature, you want per-document pricing. If you have one page with five signatures, per-signature pricing is better. Understanding the structure saves money on larger jobs.
State-by-state fee limits
Some states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge. These caps vary widely and change over time, so confirm the current limit in your state before you pay. A few examples: New York caps fees at $2 per signature, California at $15, Florida at $10, and Texas at $6. Many other states have no cap, meaning notaries can charge whatever they want.
If a notary charges more than your state's maximum, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office or the agency that oversees notaries in your state. However, if your state has no cap, there is no legal limit to challenge. In those cases, shopping around is your best defense.
What affects the total cost of a notarization
The type of document matters. A straightforward one-page affidavit is straightforward and costs the base fee. A real estate closing with multiple documents, signatures, and pages can cost significantly more because it takes longer and may require the notary to travel to a title company or closing office.
Your location affects price. Notaries in rural areas may charge more because they have fewer customers and longer travel distances. Notaries in cities with many competitors may charge less. If you live far from any notary, expect to pay a travel fee or a higher base rate.
The notary's experience and credentials also play a role. A notary who specializes in real estate closings or loan signings may charge more than a general notary. Some notaries hold additional certifications (like Notary Signing Agent) and charge premium rates for that informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document online or by video?
Some states allow remote notarization by video, but not all. If your state permits it, you will typically pay the same per-signature fee as in-person notarization, sometimes with a small technology fee added. Check your state's Secretary of State website or ask a notary whether remote notarization is available where you live.
Do I have to pay if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
No. A notary can refuse to notarize a document if it is incomplete, if you do not have proper identification, or if they believe something is fraudulent. You should not be charged if the notary does not complete the work. If you are charged, ask why and request a refund.
What if I need multiple documents notarized at once?
Ask whether the notary offers a discount for multiple documents. Some charge per document (so five documents cost five times the base fee), while others may reduce the rate if you bring several at once. This is worth negotiating, especially for larger jobs.
Is there a difference between a notary and a notary signing agent?
A notary signing agent is a notary with additional training in loan documents and real estate closings. They charge more—often $75 to $200 per signing—because they handle complex, high-stakes documents. A regular notary charges the standard per-signature fee and handles simpler documents like affidavits and powers of attorney.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid for notary services?
That depends on the notary and your state's rules. Some notaries will refund overpayment if you ask when ready. If you believe you were charged illegally (above your state's fee cap), contact your state's Secretary of State office to file a complaint. They can investigate and may order a refund.