Notary fees are set by state law, not by the notary, and they 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 legally allowed to collect for each signature they witness. In most states, that cap is between $2 and $10 per signature. Some states allow higher fees—up to $15 in a few places—while a handful set no limit at all. The notary you hire must charge at or below their state's maximum, though they can charge less.
The fee covers the notary's time to check your ID, watch you sign the document, and stamp it with their official seal. If a document has multiple signature lines, you typically pay per signature, not per document. A single page with three places to sign costs three times the per-signature fee.
Beyond the per-signature charge, some notaries add travel fees if you ask them to come to your home or office. Travel fees are not capped by state law in most places, so they vary widely—anywhere from $10 to $50 or more depending on distance and the notary's location. A notary working from a bank branch or UPS store usually charges only the state-set per-signature fee with no travel component.
Key Takeaways
- Your state law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge per signature, typically between $2 and $10, so the cost is predictable before you call.
- If a document has multiple signature lines, you pay the per-signature fee for each one, not a flat rate for the whole document.
- Travel fees—charged when a notary comes to you—are not capped by state law and can add $10 to $50 or more to your bill.
- Banks, credit unions, and UPS stores often notarize documents free or at the state minimum if you are a customer or member.
- Asking the notary their fee before they begin is standard practice and takes less than a minute.
Where to find the fee cap for your state
Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum notary fee. You can search "[your state] notary fees" online and find the official rate, or call your Secretary of State's office directly—they answer this question constantly and can tell you the exact amount in seconds.
Some states post the fee on their notary licensing page. Others list it in the state's administrative code or rules. If you cannot find it online, calling is faster than searching. Have your state name ready and ask for the maximum notary fee per signature.
Why notaries at banks and retailers often charge nothing
Banks, credit unions, and office supply stores like UPS and FedEx often notarize documents free for customers or members. They do this to build loyalty and because the notary is already on staff. The notary is not waiving their fee—the business absorbs it as a service cost.
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, call ahead and ask if they notarize for free. Many do. The same applies to credit unions. UPS stores and FedEx locations notarize for a fee (usually $5 to $15 per signature), but some offer discounts to members of their shipping programs.
Travel fees and mobile notary pricing
A mobile notary comes to your home, office, or hospital to notarize documents. They charge the state-set per-signature fee plus a travel fee. Travel fees depend on distance, time of day, and the notary's location. In a city, travel might cost $15 to $25. In a rural area or for evening service, it can reach $50 or more.
If you need a notary to travel to you, ask for the total cost upfront: the per-signature fee plus the travel fee. Some mobile notaries charge a minimum total (for example, $35 minimum even if the document is one signature). Others charge hourly if the job takes longer than expected—for instance, if you have many documents to sign or if the notary has to wait for you to gather papers.
Notarizing multiple documents at once
If you have five documents that each need one signature, you pay five times the per-signature fee. If you have one document with five signature lines, you also pay five times. The fee is per signature, not per document.
Some notaries offer a small discount if you bring many documents at once, but they are not required to. It is worth asking, especially if you are paying for travel. A notary might say, "Normally that is $50, but since you have ten signatures, I will do it for $40." That negotiation happens after you describe the job, not before.
What affects the total cost
| Factor | Effect on Cost |
|---|---|
| Number of signatures | Each signature is one fee. More signatures = higher total. |
| State you live in | Maximum fee ranges from $0.50 to $15 per signature by state. |
| Notary location (office vs. mobile) | Office notaries charge only the per-signature fee. Mobile notaries add travel fees. |
| Distance for travel | Farther distance = higher travel fee. Usually $15 to $50+. |
| Time of day | Evening or weekend service may cost more than daytime weekday service. |
| Customer status | Bank customers often notarize free. Non-customers pay the state fee. |
How to get the lowest cost
Start by calling your bank or credit union. If you have an account, ask if they notarize for free. If they do, you are done—cost is zero. If they do not, ask what they charge.
Next, check UPS stores and FedEx locations near you. Call and ask their notary fee. Many charge the state minimum or slightly above it, and you avoid travel fees by going to them.
If you need a mobile notary or cannot reach a bank during business hours, search online for "notary near me" or "mobile notary [your city]." Call three notaries and ask for the total cost: per-signature fee plus travel fee. Compare the totals, not just the travel fee. A notary with a $5 travel fee but a $10 per-signature fee may cost more than one with a $25 travel fee but a $3 per-signature fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary charge more than the state maximum?
No. State law sets the maximum fee, and notaries cannot legally exceed it. If a notary quotes you more than your state's cap, they are breaking the law. Report them to your state's Secretary of State office. You can always pay the state maximum instead and file a complaint.
Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?
No. If the notary makes an error—such as notarizing without checking your ID or stamping the wrong date—the document is invalid. You should not pay for a failed notarization. Ask the notary to redo it at no charge. If they refuse, contact your state's Secretary of State office.
What if I need notarization on a weekend or holiday?
Some mobile notaries work weekends and evenings. Call ahead to find one in your area. Weekend or holiday service usually costs more than the state-set per-signature fee—notaries charge extra for off-hours work. The travel fee may also be higher. Expect to pay 50 percent to 100 percent more than a weekday daytime rate.
Is there a difference between a notary and a notary public?
No. "Notary" and "notary public" mean the same thing. Both terms refer to a person licensed by the state to witness signatures and stamp documents. The fee is the same either way.
Can I notarize a document myself?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document they signed or have a financial interest in. You must use a different notary. This rule exists to prevent fraud. If you are the signer, you cannot be the notary.