Notary fees are set by state law, not by the notary themselves

A notary cannot charge whatever they want. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries are legally allowed to charge per notarization. In most states, this maximum is between $5 and $15 per signature. Some states allow higher fees for travel or for notarizing documents outside normal business hours. The notary you hire must charge at or below their state's legal limit.

Because the law sets a ceiling, not a floor, notaries can charge less than the maximum. Many notaries working in banks or credit unions charge nothing to their customers. Independent notaries often charge the full state maximum because they rent office space and carry liability insurance. A notary in your state might charge $5, $10, or the state maximum of $15 for the same work—all legally.

The fee covers the notarization itself: witnessing your signature, checking your ID, and stamping the document. It does not cover the cost of the document itself, copies, or mailing. If you need copies made or the document mailed to you, ask whether the notary charges separately for those services.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge, which ranges from $5 to $15 per signature in most states, with some states allowing more for travel or after-hours work.
  • A notary can charge less than the state maximum, so prices vary even within the same town depending on whether they work for a bank, run an independent office, or notarize as a side service.
  • The notarization fee covers witnessing your signature and stamping the document, but does not include copying, printing, or mailing costs, which may be charged separately.
  • You can call ahead to ask the notary's fee before you visit, and you should confirm whether they charge extra for services like copies or travel to your location.

How to find the maximum fee in your state

Each state publishes its notary fee schedule in the Secretary of State's office or the state legislature's website. Search "[your state] notary public fees" or "[your state] notary maximum fee" to find the official rule. Some states list the fee in their notary handbook; others post it in the administrative code or statutes.

Common maximums are $5 per signature (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana), $10 per signature (California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas), and $15 per signature (Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania). A few states allow higher fees: Washington allows up to $10 per signature plus $5 for travel, and some states charge more for notarizing copies or certified documents. If you cannot find your state's rule online, call your Secretary of State's office—they can tell you the legal maximum in one call.

Why independent notaries charge differently than bank notaries

A notary working at a bank or credit union often notarizes for free or at a low flat rate because the bank pays their salary. The notarization is a service to customers, not a revenue source. If you have an account at a bank, call ahead to ask whether they notarize for free; many do.

An independent notary—someone with their own office or who notarizes part-time—usually charges the state maximum because they have real costs. They pay for a notary bond (required by law, typically $50 to $200 per year), liability insurance, office rent or a mobile setup, and the notary stamp itself. Charging the full legal fee helps cover those expenses. Some independent notaries also charge extra for travel if you ask them to come to your home or workplace.

A few notaries work through online platforms or mobile apps. These services often charge $25 to $50 per notarization because they handle scheduling, video conferencing, and document handling on top of the notarization itself. That price is higher than the state maximum, but it is a separate service fee, not the notarization fee itself—the notary still charges only the state-legal amount for the actual notarization.

Extra charges you might see

Beyond the per-signature fee, notaries may charge separately for:

  • Travel. If you ask the notary to come to your home, office, or hospital, they may charge $10 to $50 depending on distance and your state's rules. Some states cap travel fees; others do not.
  • Copies. If you need the notary to photocopy your ID or the document, they may charge $0.25 to $1 per page. This is separate from the notarization fee.
  • Certified copies. Some notaries can issue certified copies of documents (a copy with a notary's seal confirming it matches the original). This may cost $2 to $5 per page in addition to the notarization fee.
  • After-hours or weekend service. A few states allow notaries to charge extra if you request service outside normal business hours. Check your state's rules to see whether this is permitted.
  • Oath or affidavit preparation. If the notary writes or types an oath or affidavit for you, they may charge a document preparation fee on top of the notarization fee. This is not always allowed—check your state's rules.

Ask the notary upfront what their total cost will be, including any extra charges. A reputable notary will tell you the breakdown before you sign anything.

Where to find a notary and confirm their fee

Start with places you already have a relationship: your bank, credit union, or employer. Many offer free or low-cost notarization to customers or employees. If that does not work, search for independent notaries in your area through the National Notary Association's directory (notary.org), your Secretary of State's office, or a straightforward Google search for "notary public near me."

Call or visit the notary's website before you go. Ask three things: their fee per signature, whether they charge extra for copies or travel, and their hours. If they are mobile (they come to you), ask how far they travel and whether there is a travel fee. Write down the total cost so you are not surprised when you arrive.

If a notary quotes you a price higher than your state's legal maximum, do not use them. Report them to your Secretary of State's office—overcharging is a violation of notary law and can result in their license being revoked.

What affects the total cost of your notarization

The notarization fee itself is fixed by state law, but your total cost depends on how many signatures need to be notarized and what else you need. A single-page document with one signature might cost $10 (the state maximum). A five-page contract with signatures on three pages might cost $30 if each signature is notarized separately. If you also need copies and the notary charges $0.50 per page, add another $2.50 to $5.

Travel also adds up. If you ask a mobile notary to come to your home 20 miles away, the travel fee might be $25 to $50 on top of the notarization fee. For that reason, it is often cheaper to go to the notary's office if you can. Some notaries offer discounts if you notarize multiple documents at once, so ask about that too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge me more than the state maximum?

No. Your state law sets a legal maximum, and notaries cannot exceed it for the notarization itself. They can charge extra for separate services like travel, copies, or certified copies, but the notarization fee must be at or below the state limit. If a notary overcharges, report them to your Secretary of State's office.

Why do some notaries charge nothing?

Bank and credit union notaries often notarize for free because the bank pays them as part of their job. It is a customer service, not a separate business. Independent notaries charge because they have their own costs—office space, insurance, and the notary bond. Both are legal; it just depends on the notary's business model.

Do I have to pay the full state maximum?

No. The state maximum is a ceiling, not a requirement. A notary can charge $5 if the state maximum is $10. Call ahead and ask what they charge—prices vary even in the same town. Some notaries charge less to build business; others charge the full maximum to cover their costs.

What if I need the notary to come to my house?

Mobile notaries can travel to you, but they usually charge a travel fee on top of the notarization fee. This might be $10 to $50 depending on distance and your state's rules. Ask the notary what their travel fee is before you book them. For a single notarization, it is often cheaper to go to their office.

Are online notaries more expensive?

Online notary services charge $25 to $50 per notarization, which is higher than the state legal maximum. That extra cost is for the platform, video conferencing, and document handling—not the notarization itself. The notary still charges only the state-legal fee for the actual notarization. Use online notaries if convenience matters more than cost.