Notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries, and most states cap the amount a notary can charge per signature

A notary public cannot charge whatever they want. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries are legally allowed to charge, and that fee applies to the core service of witnessing and certifying a signature. In most states, this maximum ranges from $2 to $15 per signature, though some states set no limit at all. The notary you hire must charge at or below their state's cap — charging more is a violation of their notary commission.

The catch is that the state-set fee covers only the act of notarization itself: the notary checks your ID, watches you sign, and stamps the document. Anything beyond that — travel to your home, rush service, or preparing documents — may be charged separately, and those add-on fees are not capped by most states. A notary who comes to your house might charge $25 to $75 on top of the per-signature fee, depending on distance and local market rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge per signature, typically between $2 and $15, and notaries cannot legally exceed this amount.
  • Travel fees, rush fees, and document preparation are separate from the per-signature fee and are not capped in most states.
  • Banks, credit unions, and some employers offer notary services to customers or employees for free or at a reduced rate.
  • Online notary services charge between $25 and $100 per document, depending on the provider and whether you need same-day service.
  • Asking the notary upfront what their total cost will be — including any add-on fees — prevents surprises at the time of service.

What the per-signature fee covers in your state

The base notary fee is what you pay for the notary to perform the core notarization: verify your identity using a government-issued ID, watch you sign the document, and explore their official stamp and signature. This is the fee your state law sets. To find your state's maximum, search "[your state] notary public fees" or contact your state's Secretary of State office — most publish the fee schedule online.

Some states set different fees for different types of notarization. For example, a few states charge less for a straightforward acknowledgment (where you confirm you signed the document) than for a jurat (where you swear under oath that the contents are true). A notary must tell you which type your document requires and what the fee will be before they perform the service.

Travel, rush, and preparation fees that notaries can add

If you ask a notary to come to your home, office, or hospital, they can charge a travel fee on top of the per-signature fee. This fee is not set by state law in most places, so it varies widely. A notary traveling within 5 miles might charge $25 to $40; one traveling 10 to 20 miles might charge $50 to $100 or more. Some notaries charge by the mile, others by the hour, and some have a flat rate for any trip outside their office.

Similarly, if you need the notarization done urgently — same day or outside normal business hours — the notary may charge a rush fee. This is also unregulated in most states. Before you book a notary, ask for their total cost in writing: the per-signature fee, any travel fee, and any rush fee. This prevents a bill that is much larger than you expected.

Where to find notaries for free or low cost

Many banks and credit unions offer notary services free to customers, even if you are not conducting banking business at that moment. Call your bank's main branch and ask if they have a notary on staff and whether you need an appointment. Some employers also have notaries in their HR or legal departments who will notarize documents for employees at no charge.

Public libraries in many cities have notaries on staff or can refer you to one nearby. UPS Store locations and some FedEx offices employ notaries and charge the state-set fee plus a small service charge — usually $5 to $10 total. If you need a notary for a real estate transaction, your title company or real estate attorney will often arrange notarization as part of the closing process.

Online notary services and their costs

Remote notarization — where you meet the notary by video call — is now legal in all 50 states, though the rules vary. Online notary services typically charge $25 to $100 per document, depending on the provider and how fast you need it done. Same-day service usually costs more than service within a few days. Some services charge a flat rate per document; others charge per signature if the document has multiple pages that need notarizing.

Online notaries still must verify your identity, so you will need a government-issued ID and a clear view of the document on camera. The process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. If you are notarizing a document that requires a jurat (a sworn statement), the notary will administer the oath over video. Check the provider's website for their exact fee before you start, because some charge additional fees if you need to reschedule or if the notary cannot verify your identity on the first try.

What affects the total cost you will pay

The total you pay depends on where you go, how many signatures need notarizing, and whether you need the notary to travel or rush. A single signature at your bank's notary window costs nothing. The same signature at a UPS Store costs $5 to $10. If you ask that UPS Store notary to come to your home 15 miles away, you might pay $50 to $75 total. An online notary for the same document might cost $25 to $50, depending on the service and how quickly you need it.

Some documents require multiple notarized signatures — for example, a power of attorney might need notarization on two pages. Ask the notary whether they charge per signature or per document. If they charge per signature and your document has three notarized signatures, you will pay three times the base fee, plus any travel or rush fees.

How to avoid overpaying for notary services

Before you book a notary, call or email and ask for the total cost. Specify how many signatures need notarizing, whether you need the notary to travel, and whether you need same-day service. Ask them to confirm the total in writing — an email or text message counts — so there is no dispute later. If a notary refuses to quote a price upfront, find another one.

If you are notarizing a document for a legal matter — a will, power of attorney, or real estate transaction — ask your attorney or the other party's attorney whether they have a notary they work with regularly. Many attorneys have notaries they trust and may offer to arrange the service as part of their work for you. For routine notarizations, your bank or library is almost always the cheapest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge me more than the state maximum?

No. The per-signature fee is set by state law, and a notary cannot legally charge more than that amount for the notarization itself. However, they can charge separately for travel, rush service, or document preparation. Always ask for the total cost upfront.

Do I have to pay if the notary cannot verify my identity?

No. If the notary cannot verify your identity using your government-issued ID, they cannot notarize the document and should not charge you. If they do charge you, that is a violation of notary law. Report it to your state's Secretary of State office.

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

If you bring multiple documents to a notary at the same time, ask whether they charge per document or per signature. Some notaries offer a discount for multiple documents, though they are not required to. An online notary might charge one flat fee for all documents if you do them in one session.

Is it cheaper to use an online notary or go in person?

It depends. An online notary costs $25 to $100 per document. A notary at your bank costs nothing. A notary at a UPS Store costs $5 to $10. If you need travel, an in-person notary might cost $50 to $100 total, making online notarization competitive. Compare the total cost for your specific situation.

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the document is fraudulent, if you cannot prove your identity, or if notarizing it would violate the law. They cannot refuse based on the content of the document or their personal beliefs about it. If a notary refuses, they should not charge you.