Notary fees are set by state law, not by the notary, and range from $0.50 to $15 per signature depending on where you live
A notary cannot charge whatever they want. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries are allowed to collect, and most notaries charge less than the legal limit. The fee covers one signature on one document — if you need five signatures notarized, you pay five times. Some states cap the fee at $2 per signature. Others allow up to $15. A few states, including Florida and Texas, let notaries set their own price within a range.
The fee you pay depends entirely on which state the notary is licensed in, not where you are physically located when the notarization happens. A notary licensed in New York cannot charge a California fee, even if they notarize your document while visiting California. This matters if you use a mobile notary or an online notary service — check their license state, not your own.
Many notaries charge less than the state maximum because they are competing for business or because they work for a bank or law firm that sets its own policy. Some charge nothing at all if you are a customer of their employer.
Key Takeaways
- Notary fees are set by state law and range from $0.50 to $15 per signature, depending on the state where the notary is licensed.
- You pay per signature, not per document, so a document with three signatures costs three times the per-signature fee.
- Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free if you hold an account with them.
- The notary's home state determines the fee cap, not the state where you live or where the notarization takes place.
- Online and mobile notaries must disclose their state license and fee schedule before you book them.
State-by-state fee caps and what they mean for your wallet
The lowest fees are in states like Colorado, Georgia, and South Carolina, where the cap is $5 per signature or less. Mid-range states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio allow $2 to $5 per signature. The highest caps are in California, where notaries can charge up to $15 per signature, and in states like Florida and Texas, where notaries can set their own price within a range (typically $5 to $25).
If you need a document notarized and you have a choice of notaries, the fee difference can add up. A five-signature document costs $2.50 in Colorado but could cost $75 in California if the notary charges the maximum. However, most notaries do not charge the maximum. Calling ahead and asking the fee before you book saves time and money.
Some states allow notaries to charge extra fees for travel, copies, or administering an oath. These are separate from the per-signature fee. A mobile notary in California might charge $15 per signature plus $25 for travel, for example. Ask about all fees upfront.
Where to find free or low-cost notarization
Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free if you have an account with them, regardless of the state fee cap. Call your bank's main branch and ask whether they offer notary services to account holders. Many do, and the service is free. This is the cheapest option if you may have access to.
Law firms sometimes notarize documents for free if you are a client, or for a small fee if you are not. Real estate agents and title companies notarize documents as part of their service. If you are buying or selling property, the title company will handle notarization as part of closing.
Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost. Check with your HR department. Libraries, courthouses, and government offices sometimes have notaries on staff who notarize documents for the state maximum fee or less. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
What happens if you use an online or mobile notary
Online notaries and mobile notaries (who come to your home or office) charge the state maximum fee per signature, plus travel fees if applicable. Online notaries typically charge $25 to $50 per signature because they are providing a service beyond what a walk-in notary does. Mobile notaries charge the state per-signature fee plus a travel fee, usually $25 to $75 depending on distance.
Online notaries are licensed in a specific state and can only notarize documents for people in that state or in states that recognize remote notarization. Before you book an online notary, confirm that they are licensed in a state that allows them to notarize your document. Some states do not yet recognize online notarization.
Mobile notaries must be licensed in the state where they perform the notarization. If a mobile notary travels across state lines, they must be licensed in each state where they work. Ask for their license number and state before you book.
How to verify a notary's license and fee
Every notary is registered with their state's Secretary of State office or equivalent body. You can search the state database to confirm the notary is licensed and to check whether there are any complaints against them. The Secretary of State website also lists the state fee cap.
Before you pay, ask the notary for their license number and the state where they are licensed. Confirm the fee in writing — email or text is fine. If the notary quotes a fee that exceeds the state maximum, that is a red flag. Report it to your state's Secretary of State office.
If you are using an online notary service or a mobile notary company, ask for the individual notary's license number and state, not just the company name. The company is not licensed; the notary is. Verify the individual's credentials before you book.
What you need to bring to a notarization appointment
Bring a government-issued photo ID. The notary must see it and record the ID number in their journal. Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it. Bring any other documents the notary asks for — for example, if you are notarizing a power of attorney, the notary may ask to see proof of your relationship to the person you are authorizing.
If you are using an online notary, you will need a government-issued photo ID and a camera or webcam. The notary will verify your identity on video and watch you sign the document electronically or on paper. Some online notaries require you to use their platform to upload and sign the document; others will work with documents you prepare yourself.
Do not sign the document before the notarization appointment. The notary must watch you sign. If you sign it early, the notarization is invalid.
Why notary fees vary and what affects the price you pay
Notary fees vary by state because each state legislature sets the fee cap independently. Some states set low caps to keep notarization affordable for people who need it for legal documents. Other states allow higher fees because notaries are independent contractors who set their own prices within the cap.
The type of notarization also affects price. A straightforward acknowledgment (the notary watches you sign and confirms your identity) is the standard service and costs the per-signature fee. A jurat (the notary administers an oath and watches you sign) may cost extra. A certification of a copy (the notary compares your copy to the original) may also be a separate fee. Ask which type of notarization you need before you book.
Convenience affects price too. A walk-in notary at a bank or UPS store charges the state fee or less. A mobile notary who comes to your home charges the state fee plus travel. An online notary charges more because they are providing a service outside normal business hours and across state lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge more than the state maximum?
No. Notaries who charge above the state maximum are breaking the law. If a notary quotes a fee higher than your state allows, report them to your state's Secretary of State office. You can find the state maximum by searching "[your state] notary fee" or by calling your Secretary of State office.
Do I have to pay the full state maximum?
No. The state maximum is a cap, not a requirement. Many notaries charge less, and some charge nothing. Ask the notary their fee before you book. If they charge the maximum and you think it is too high, find another notary who charges less.
What if the notary makes a mistake?
Ask the notary to correct it. If the mistake is minor (a misspelled name, a wrong date), the notary can issue a corrected certificate. If the mistake is major, you may need to redo the notarization. You should not pay twice for the same signature, but ask the notary about their policy on corrections before you book.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document for a spouse, parent, child, or sibling in most states. Some states allow it only if the notary has no financial interest in the document. Find a notary who is not related to you. This rule exists to prevent fraud.
How long does a notarization take?
A straightforward notarization takes five to ten minutes. The notary will check your ID, ask you to sign the document, and record the details in their journal. If the notary has questions about the document or your identity, it may take longer. Online notarizations may take longer because the notary must verify your identity on video.