Notary service costs range from $5 to $25 per signature in most states, though some charge by the page or document instead

The price depends on where you go and what state you're in. A bank notary who serves customers may charge nothing. A notary public working from a private office typically charges $10 to $15 per signature. UPS Store and similar retail locations usually charge $10 to $20. Online notary services (where the notary verifies you by video) often charge $25 to $50 per document because they handle the technology and identity verification themselves.

Some notaries charge a flat fee per document instead of per signature — useful if your document has multiple pages but only needs one notarization. Others charge travel fees if they come to your home or workplace, typically $25 to $50 on top of the notarization fee. Always ask the total cost before the notary begins work.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank notaries often notarize for free if you have an account, making them the cheapest option if one is available to you.
  • Independent notary publics and retail locations charge $10 to $20 per signature, with some adding travel fees for house calls.
  • Online notary services cost more ($25 to $50) because they verify your identity by video and handle the technology themselves.
  • Prices vary by state — some states set maximum fees by law, while others let notaries charge what they want.
  • Always confirm the total cost before the notary starts, especially if your document has multiple signatures or pages.

Where to find notaries and what each type charges

Your bank or credit union is the first place to check. Most institutions notarize documents for account holders at no charge, and many will do it for non-customers for $5 to $10. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service and ask whether an appointment is needed.

Independent notary publics work from private offices, home-based businesses, or mobile services. You can find them through your state's notary registry (each state maintains a list of commissioned notaries), through a local search engine, or by asking your attorney or real estate agent. They typically charge $10 to $15 per signature and may add a travel fee if they come to you.

Retail locations like UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples offer notary services at most locations, though not all. Expect to pay $10 to $20 per signature. Call ahead — not every store has a notary on staff, and hours vary.

Online notary services let you upload your document and meet with a notary by video call. They verify your identity through your driver's license or passport and watch you sign. These cost $25 to $50 per document and work in most states, though a few states restrict them. They're useful if you can't reach a notary in person or need service outside business hours.

State-by-state fee differences

Some states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge — typically $5 to $10 per signature. California, for example, caps notary fees at $15 per signature. Other states like Texas and Florida have no maximum, so notaries can charge what the market will bear.

A few states charge notaries a commission fee (the cost to become a notary public), which some pass along to customers through higher per-signature fees. Check your state's Secretary of State website to learn whether your state sets fee limits and what they are. If you're having a document notarized in a state where you don't live, the notary must follow the rules of the state where they are commissioned, not where you live.

What affects the total cost

The number of signatures matters. If your document needs three signatures notarized, you'll pay three times the per-signature fee — so $30 to $45 at a typical notary office. Some notaries offer a discount for multiple signatures on the same document, so ask.

Travel adds cost. If the notary comes to your home, office, or hospital, expect a travel fee of $25 to $50 on top of the notarization fee. Some notaries include travel in their base fee if you're within a certain distance; others charge per mile. Mobile notaries (who travel to you) often charge more than office-based notaries because of the time and fuel involved.

Timing can affect price. Notaries who offer same-day or rush service may charge extra. Evening and weekend appointments sometimes cost more than daytime appointments during the week.

How to keep notary costs down

Start with your bank. If you have an account, you may get notarization for free or at a low flat rate. This is the cheapest option available.

Use a retail location if your bank doesn't offer notary service. UPS Store and FedEx Office are widely available and charge standard rates. Call ahead to confirm a notary is on duty and ask the exact fee.

Combine errands. If you need multiple documents notarized, bring them all at once. Some notaries charge per document rather than per signature, which saves money if you have several pages that need only one notarization each. Ask about this before you start.

Avoid travel fees by going to the notary instead of having them come to you. If you must have a mobile notary, ask whether they have a minimum fee or whether they'll waive the travel charge if you're close to their office.

What you need to bring to a notary

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see this to verify you are who you say you are. Bring the unsigned document that needs notarization. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them.

If you're using an online notary, you'll upload the document and your ID photo before the appointment. Have your camera and microphone ready so the notary can see and hear you during the video call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a notary for free?

Yes, if you have a bank account. Most banks notarize documents for account holders at no charge. Some will also notarize for non-customers for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. Call your bank to ask whether they offer the service and whether you need an appointment.

How much does it cost to notarize a document with multiple pages?

It depends on how the notary charges. If they charge per signature, you pay once even if the document is 20 pages long. If they charge per page, you pay for each page. If they charge per document, you pay one flat fee regardless of length. Ask the notary which method they use before you start.

Do online notaries cost more than in-person notaries?

Yes, typically $25 to $50 compared to $10 to $20 in person. Online notaries charge more because they handle video verification, technology, and identity checks themselves. However, they're useful if no notary is available near you or you need service outside business hours.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or evening?

Some independent notaries and mobile notaries work weekends and evenings, though they may charge extra for off-hours service. Online notaries often have extended hours or 24/7 availability. Call ahead to confirm availability and ask whether there's a rush or after-hours fee.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they suspect fraud, if you don't have proper ID, if you're not signing in front of them, or if the document is illegal. They can also refuse if they have a conflict of interest — for example, if they're a family member or stand to gain from the document. This refusal doesn't cost you anything.