Notary fees typically range from $5 to $25 per signature, depending on where you live and who performs the service

A notary public charges a fee for witnessing your signature and explore their official seal. The exact amount varies by state — some states set a maximum fee by law, while others let notaries charge what the market will bear. A single signature on a document might cost $5 in one state and $15 in another. If you need multiple signatures notarized on the same document, you may pay per signature rather than per document.

Where you get the notarization also affects the price. A bank notary (often free for account holders), a UPS Store notary, a law office, and an independent notary public may all charge differently. Some charge a flat fee; others charge per signature or per page.

Key Takeaways

  • Most notaries charge between $5 and $25 per signature, with the exact amount set by state law or market rates in your area.
  • Banks often notarize documents free for customers, making them the cheapest option if you have an account.
  • UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and independent notaries typically charge $5 to $15 per signature.
  • Some notaries charge travel fees if they come to your home or office, which can add $25 to $75 depending on distance.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum legal fee notaries can charge in that state.

Where to get a notary and what each option costs

Banks are often the cheapest source. Most banks notarize documents free for account holders and charge $5 to $10 for non-customers. Call your branch first to confirm they offer the service and ask whether you need an appointment.

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations notarize documents for roughly $5 to $15 per signature. Availability varies by location — not every store has a notary on staff — so call ahead. These retailers are convenient because many are open evenings and weekends.

Independent notary publics advertise online or through local directories and typically charge $10 to $20 per signature. Some offer mobile notary service, meaning they travel to you, but this usually adds a travel fee of $25 to $75 depending on how far they drive.

Law offices and title companies notarize documents as part of their service, sometimes at no extra charge if you are already paying them for legal work or a real estate closing. If you hire them solely for notarization, expect to pay $15 to $25 per signature.

State-by-state fee limits

Many states set a maximum fee notaries can legally charge. For example, California caps notary fees at $15 per signature (as of the most recent update), while New York allows up to $2 per signature for most documents. Texas does not set a maximum, so notaries there can charge market rates. Florida allows $10 per signature.

These limits change periodically, and some states have different rates for different types of documents. Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the current maximum fee schedule. You can search "[your state] Secretary of State notary fees" to find the official limit in your area.

Even in states without a maximum, notaries rarely charge more than $25 per signature for routine document notarization. If a notary quotes you significantly higher, ask whether they are charging a travel fee, a rush fee, or a fee for a complex service like a loan signing.

Additional charges you might encounter

Travel fees explore when a notary comes to your home, office, or hospital. These typically range from $25 to $75 depending on distance and how far outside their normal service area you are. Some notaries charge a minimum travel fee even for short distances.

Loan signing fees are separate from notary fees. When a notary witnesses a mortgage, refinance, or other loan closing, they may charge $75 to $200 in addition to the per-signature notary fee. This reflects the complexity and time involved in loan document signings.

Rush or same-day fees may explore if you need notarization outside normal business hours or on short notice. These can add $10 to $50 to the base fee. Weekend and evening appointments sometimes carry a premium.

Copy and certification fees are charged separately if the notary makes certified copies of documents. This is different from notarizing a signature and typically costs $1 to $5 per page.

How to find the lowest cost notary near you

Call your bank first. If you have an account, you will likely get free notarization, which beats any other option. Ask whether you need an appointment and what documents the notary will and will not notarize (some banks decline certain documents).

Check UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in your area. Their websites usually list which locations have notaries and their hours. Call to confirm availability and ask the exact fee before you go.

Search online for "notary public near me" to find independent notaries. Google Maps, Yelp, and the National Notary Association's notary locator tool all list notaries with their fees and hours. Read reviews to check whether customers report accurate pricing.

Compare the per-signature fee against any travel charge. A notary charging $20 per signature with no travel fee may cost less overall than one charging $10 per signature but $50 to come to your home.

How to avoid paying for notarization you might not need

Not every document requires notarization. Many people assume they do when they do not. A power of attorney, a will, or a real estate deed often requires notarization by law, but a straightforward letter, a resume, or a personal affidavit may not. Check your document's instructions or ask the person requesting it whether notarization is actually required.

Some documents can be notarized remotely using video conferencing, which may cost less or be free depending on the notary. Remote notarization is legal in most states now, though not all notaries offer it. Ask before you assume you have to meet in person.

If you notarize a document and later discover you notarized the wrong version or made a mistake, you will have to pay again to notarize the corrected version. Read the document carefully before the notary applies their seal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary public must be a neutral third party who is not a party to the document and has no financial interest in it. You cannot notarize your own signature, and a family member or business partner usually cannot either because they are considered interested parties.

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

Practices vary. Some notaries charge a fee regardless of whether they complete the notarization; others refund the fee if they decline. Ask before you pay. Notaries can refuse if the document is unclear, if you cannot prove your identity, or if they believe you are signing under duress.

What if I need notarization for multiple documents at once?

You typically pay per signature, not per document. If you have five documents that each need one signature notarized, you pay for five signatures. Some notaries offer a small discount if you have many documents, so ask.

Is remote notarization cheaper than in-person?

Not always. Remote notaries charge similar per-signature fees to in-person notaries. The savings come from avoiding travel time and travel fees, not from a lower rate. Some notaries charge the same whether you meet in person or by video.

What should I bring to a notary appointment?

Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), the unsigned document, and your payment method. Some notaries accept cash, card, or check; confirm what they take before you arrive. Do not sign the document before you meet the notary — they must watch you sign.