Notary fees vary by state and by the type of document, but most single-signature notarizations cost between $5 and $25

There is no federal price cap on notary services. Each state sets its own maximum fee, and many states allow notaries to charge less than the legal limit. A straightforward notarization of one signature typically costs $5 to $15 in most states, though some states permit higher fees for travel, multiple signatures, or complex documents.

The actual price you pay depends on where you live, who performs the notarization, and what document needs to be notarized. A bank notary may charge nothing if you have an account there. A mobile notary who travels to your home will charge more than one working from an office. A document with five signatures to notarize costs more than one with a single signature.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states cap notary fees between $5 and $25 per signature, though the actual price varies by state law and the notary's location.
  • Bank notaries often notarize documents free for account holders, while mobile notaries typically charge $25 to $75 or more depending on travel distance.
  • You can find the maximum fee allowed in your state by searching "[your state] notary public fee" or calling your state's Secretary of State office.
  • Multiple signatures on the same document, travel fees, and rush requests usually cost extra beyond the base notarization fee.

State-by-state fee limits

Each state publishes its own maximum notary fee. Some states set a flat rate; others allow different fees for different services. For example, California caps notary fees at $15 per signature for a standard notarization, but allows $20 for a certified copy of a document. Texas allows up to $6 per signature. New York allows up to $2 per signature for a standard notarization but permits higher fees for travel or other services.

The easiest way to find your state's limit is to visit your state's Secretary of State website and search for "notary public fees" or "notary fee schedule." You can also call the Secretary of State office directly. The fee you see posted at a notary's office or quoted over the phone should not exceed your state's legal maximum, though many notaries charge less.

Where to get a notarization and what each costs

Bank notaries are often free if you hold an account at that bank. Call ahead to confirm they offer notary services and ask whether there is a fee for non-account holders. Some banks charge $5 to $10 for customers of other banks.

Credit unions typically offer notary services to members at no cost. Non-members may pay $5 to $15. Call your credit union's main branch to ask whether they have a notary on staff and what the fee is for your situation.

Law offices usually charge the state maximum or close to it. Expect $10 to $25 per signature. Some law offices charge a flat fee for straightforward documents and higher fees for complex ones.

Mobile notaries come to your home or office and typically charge $25 to $75 or more, depending on how far they travel. A notary who travels 30 miles may charge $50; one traveling across town may charge $25. Ask about the travel fee when you call.

UPS stores and shipping centers often have notaries on staff. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available.

Online notary services charge $25 to $100 per document, depending on the service and whether the notarization is live or recorded. These services work in most states but not all; check whether your state permits remote notarization before paying.

Extra charges beyond the base fee

Most notaries charge only the base fee for a straightforward notarization. However, several situations trigger additional costs. A document with multiple signatures to notarize usually costs extra per signature—if the base fee is $10 per signature and your document has three signatures, expect to pay $30 total.

Travel fees explore when a mobile notary comes to you. The distance determines the cost; a notary may charge $0.50 to $1.00 per mile or a flat fee for trips within a certain radius. A rush request—notarization needed the same day or within a few hours—may cost 50 percent more than the standard fee. Certified copies of documents (a notarized photocopy) sometimes cost more than a straightforward notarization.

Ask the notary for a full price quote before the appointment. A reputable notary will tell you the base fee, any travel charge, and any other costs upfront so there are no surprises.

How to find the lowest price

Start with your bank or credit union. If you have an account, the notarization is often free, which beats any other option. If your bank does not offer notary services or charges a fee, call nearby banks to ask their rates.

Next, check UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and other shipping centers in your area. Many have notaries and charge $5 to $15. Call ahead to confirm availability and ask the exact fee.

If you need a mobile notary or have a complex document, search online for "notary public near me" or "[your city] mobile notary." Compare prices from at least two or three notaries. Ask each one for the total cost, including any travel or rush fees, before you commit.

Avoid paying significantly more than your state's legal maximum. If a notary quotes you $50 for a single signature in a state where the maximum is $15, that notary is overcharging. Report the overcharge to your state's Secretary of State office.

What affects the price you pay

The notary's location matters. A notary in a rural area may charge less than one in a major city, straightforward because demand and overhead differ. A notary working from a law office may charge more than one working from a UPS store.

The type of document also affects price. A straightforward affidavit with one signature costs less than a multi-page contract with five signatures. Some notaries charge extra for documents they consider complex or time-consuming, though they must stay within the state's legal maximum.

The time of day and day of the week can matter too. A notary who works evenings or weekends may charge a premium. A rush request—notarization needed within hours rather than days—typically costs more.

Whether you go to the notary or the notary comes to you changes the price significantly. An office-based notary charges the base fee only. A mobile notary adds travel costs on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary public must be a neutral third party who did not sign the document and has no financial interest in it. You cannot notarize your own signature or a document you created for your own benefit. The notary's role is to verify your identity and confirm that you signed willingly.

Do I have to pay the full state maximum?

No. The state maximum is a ceiling, not a requirement. Many notaries charge less than the legal limit. Always ask for the fee before the notarization takes place. If a notary charges more than your state allows, you can report it to your state's Secretary of State office.

What if I need notarization for multiple documents?

Most notaries charge per signature or per document. If you have five separate documents, each with one signature, expect to pay five times the base fee. Ask whether the notary offers a discount for multiple documents; some do, though they are not required to.

Are online notaries cheaper than in-person ones?

Not always. Online notaries typically charge $25 to $100 per document, which is often more than an in-person notary. However, online notaries save you travel time and work outside business hours in many cases. Check whether your state permits remote notarization before paying, as not all states do.

What if the notary makes a mistake?

If a notary notarizes a document incorrectly—missing a signature, using the wrong seal, or failing to verify your identity—you may need to pay for a second notarization to correct it. This is why it is important to watch the notary work and ask questions if something seems wrong before you leave.