Notary fees vary by state and service, but most range from $5 to $25 per signature

The cost of notary services depends on where you live and what document needs notarizing. Most states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge — typically between $5 and $15 per signature — though some states allow higher rates. A few states do not cap fees at all, which means prices can go higher in those places.

Where you get the notarization also affects the price. A notary at your bank or credit union may charge nothing if you have an account there. A notary at a UPS Store, FedEx Office, or independent notary office will charge a flat fee per signature. Mobile notaries who come to your home or office usually charge more — often $25 to $50 or higher — because they add travel time.

Some documents require multiple signatures or multiple notarizations, which means multiple fees. A real estate closing, for example, might involve 10 or more signatures across several documents, so the total cost could be $50 to $150 or more depending on your state and the notary you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states cap notary fees between $5 and $15 per signature, though a few states allow notaries to charge more.
  • Bank and credit union notaries are often free for account holders, while UPS Store and FedEx Office locations typically charge $10 to $25 per signature.
  • Mobile notaries who travel to you usually cost $25 to $50 or more per trip, depending on distance and your state.
  • Real estate transactions and loan closings involve multiple signatures, so the total notary cost can reach $100 or more.

State-by-state fee limits and where they explore

Each state sets its own maximum notary fee, and these limits vary widely. In states like California, Florida, and Texas, the cap is around $15 per signature. In New York, the limit is $2 per signature for most documents, making it one of the cheapest states. In contrast, states like Alaska and Hawaii allow higher fees because of geography and lower competition.

Some states do not set a maximum fee at all, which means notaries can charge whatever they want. This is rare, but it means you should ask the price before you commit. Even in states with fee caps, notaries may charge less than the maximum — many charge $5 to $10 per signature as a standard rate.

The fee cap usually applies to the notarization itself, not to other services. If a notary has to travel to you, make copies, or handle rush requests, they may charge extra fees on top of the per-signature cost. Always ask what the total cost will be before the notary starts work.

Where to get notary services and what each option costs

Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free if you have an account with them. This is the cheapest option if you may have access to. Call ahead to confirm they offer notary services and whether you need an appointment. Some banks limit notarizations to account holders only, while others notarize for non-customers for a small fee.

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff at most branches. Fees typically run $10 to $25 per signature, depending on the state and location. You can walk in without an appointment at many locations, though wait times vary. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available and to ask the exact fee.

Independent notary offices are standalone businesses that notarize documents. Fees are usually $10 to $20 per signature and follow your state's fee cap. These offices often have longer hours than banks and may offer same-day service. Search online for "notary public near me" to find local options.

Mobile notaries travel to your home, office, or another location you choose. They charge $25 to $75 or more per trip, depending on distance and your state. This option costs more but saves you time if you cannot leave home or need service outside normal business hours. Many mobile notaries also handle multiple documents in one visit, which can lower the per-signature cost if you have many signatures.

Real estate closings and loan documents

Real estate transactions and loan closings involve many documents and many signatures, so notary costs add up quickly. A typical home purchase closing might require 10 to 20 signatures across multiple documents. At $10 to $15 per signature, the notary portion of closing costs could be $100 to $300.

In real estate deals, the title company or closing attorney usually arranges the notary and includes the cost in your closing disclosure — the document that lists all closing costs. You will see the notary fee listed separately. Some title companies have in-house notaries, which may lower the cost. Others hire independent notaries, which may raise it.

For loan documents outside of a closing — such as a refinance or a personal loan — the lender may have a notary on staff or may direct you to a specific notary. Ask the lender whether the notary fee is included in the loan costs or whether you pay it separately.

How to reduce notary costs

Start by checking whether your bank or credit union offers free notary services. If you have an account, this is almost always the cheapest option. Call ahead to confirm they notarize the type of document you need — some banks will not notarize certain documents like powers of attorney or affidavits.

If your bank does not offer notary services, compare prices at nearby UPS Store, FedEx Office, and independent notary offices. Fees can vary by location, so a call to three or four places takes 10 minutes and could save you $10 or $15. Ask whether they charge per signature or per document, because the difference matters if you have multiple signatures on one page.

Combine multiple documents into one trip if you can. If you have five documents that need notarizing, some notaries charge one fee for the whole batch rather than five separate fees. Ask before you schedule. Also ask whether rush fees explore — some notaries charge extra for same-day service, so planning ahead can save money.

What affects the final cost

The number of signatures is the biggest factor. Each signature usually means one fee, so a 10-page document with one signature costs less than a 2-page document with 10 signatures. Count the signatures before you call for a quote.

Your state's fee cap is the second factor. If you live in a state with a $2 cap (like New York), you will pay far less than someone in a state with a $15 cap. You cannot change this, but it helps to know what your state allows.

The type of notary you choose is the third factor. A bank notary is free or cheap. A UPS Store notary costs $10 to $25. A mobile notary costs $25 to $75 or more. The convenience you need determines which option makes sense for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document online?

Some states allow remote online notarization, where you sign the document on video while the notary watches. The cost is usually the same as in-person notarization — $5 to $25 per signature — though some notaries charge extra for the technology. Check your state's laws or ask a notary whether remote notarization is available where you live.

What if I need notarization after hours or on a weekend?

Mobile notaries often work evenings and weekends, though they may charge a rush fee or higher travel fee. Some UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have extended hours. Call ahead to find a notary near you that works when you need them. Expect to pay more for off-hours service.

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

No. A notary can refuse to notarize a document if it appears fraudulent, if you cannot prove your identity, or if the document is not notarizable. If a notary refuses, you should not be charged. If you are charged, ask why and request a refund.

Is the notary fee the same as the cost of getting a certified copy?

No. A notarization is a signature and seal on an original document. A certified copy is a photocopy that the notary certifies as a true copy of the original. Some notaries charge the same fee for both, while others charge extra for certified copies. Ask which service you need and what it costs.