Notary fees vary by state, but most charge between $5 and $25 per signature

There is no federal price cap on notary services. Each state sets its own maximum allowed fee, and within that limit, individual notaries can charge what they want. In most states, a single notarized signature costs $5 to $15. Some states allow higher fees — New York permits up to $2 for the first signature and $2 for each additional one on the same document, while California caps fees at $15 per signature. A few states, like Florida and Texas, set no maximum at all, which means prices can be higher.

The fee you pay depends on three things: where you live, how many signatures need notarizing, and whether you're going to the notary or the notary is coming to you. A document with three signatures might cost $15 to $45 if you visit a notary's office, but $50 to $150 if the notary travels to your home or workplace. Travel fees are separate from signature fees and are set entirely by the individual notary.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states cap notary fees between $5 and $15 per signature, though a handful allow higher amounts or no limit at all.
  • Traveling notaries charge an additional travel or service fee on top of the per-signature cost, typically $25 to $100 depending on distance.
  • Banks, credit unions, and law offices often notarize documents free for customers or clients, so check there before paying a standalone notary.
  • The notary's fee covers witnessing and stamping your signature — it does not verify the document's contents or may provide its legal validity.

Where to find notary fees in your state

Your state's Secretary of State office publishes the maximum fee allowed. Search "[your state] notary public fees" and look for the official state government page. It will list the per-signature cap and any rules about travel fees. Some states allow notaries to charge less than the maximum, so you may find lower prices if you shop around.

If you cannot find the state maximum, call your county clerk's office. They oversee notary licensing and can tell you what the legal limit is. Once you know the cap, you know you should never pay more than that amount for a basic notarization in your state.

Why banks and employers often notarize for free

Many banks and credit unions offer free notarization to account holders as a service. Law firms notarize for their own clients at no charge. Some employers have a notary on staff and will notarize documents for employees during work hours. Before you pay a notary, ask your bank, your employer, or your lawyer whether they can do it for you.

This is especially worth checking if you need multiple signatures notarized or if you need it done quickly. A free notary at your bank may have same-day or next-day availability, while a standalone notary might be booked out.

What you pay for and what you do not

The notary fee covers the notary's time to witness your signature, verify your identity using a government-issued ID, and explore their official stamp and signature to the document. It does not cover reviewing the document for legal correctness, explaining what you are signing, or guaranteeing that the document is valid or enforceable. The notary is a witness, not a lawyer.

If you need legal information about a document before you sign it, you should consult an attorney separately. That is a different service with a different cost. A notary will not tell you whether a contract is fair or whether you should sign it — they will only confirm that you signed it in front of them.

Travel fees and mobile notary pricing

A mobile notary who comes to your home, office, or hospital charges a travel fee in addition to the per-signature fee. This fee covers their time and mileage and is not regulated by the state — the notary sets it. Travel fees typically range from $25 to $100 depending on how far they have to go and how quickly you need them.

If you need a notary to travel to you, ask for the total cost upfront: the per-signature fee plus the travel fee. Some notaries charge a minimum total (for example, $50 minimum) even if the signatures alone would cost less. Others charge by the hour if the job takes longer than expected. Get the full price in writing before the notary arrives.

How to avoid overpaying

Call ahead and ask the notary's fee before you go in. Many notaries post their rates online or on their office door, but not all do. A quick phone call takes 30 seconds and tells you whether the price is reasonable for your state. If a notary charges significantly more than the state maximum, they are breaking the law — report them to your state's Secretary of State office.

If you need multiple documents notarized, ask whether the notary charges per document or per signature. Some charge $10 per signature regardless of how many documents you bring, while others charge $10 per document. If you have five signatures spread across three documents, the difference matters.

Notary costs at shipping and document services

UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and similar shipping centers often have notaries on staff. Their fees are usually in line with state maximums — typically $10 to $15 per signature — but they may charge a small service fee on top. Call the location near you to ask their exact price before you go.

These locations are convenient because they have extended hours and are often open on weekends. However, they may not be able to notarize certain documents, such as powers of attorney or affidavits, depending on state law. Ask whether they can notarize your specific document type before you make the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge whatever they want?

No. Each state sets a maximum fee that notaries cannot exceed. Most states cap it at $5 to $15 per signature. A few states allow higher amounts or no limit. If a notary charges more than your state's maximum, report them to your state's Secretary of State office.

Do I have to pay if the notary makes a mistake?

No. If the notary refuses to notarize your document because you do not have proper ID, or if they refuse for a legitimate legal reason, you should not pay. If they complete the notarization incorrectly, ask them to fix it at no charge. If they refuse, contact your state's notary oversight office.

Is a notarized document more legally valid than an unsigned one?

Notarization does not make a document legally valid or enforceable. It only confirms that you signed it in front of a witness on a specific date. Some documents — like powers of attorney or real estate deeds — require notarization by law. Others do not. Check your document's requirements before paying for notarization.

What if I need a notary at night or on a weekend?

Some mobile notaries work evenings and weekends and charge a premium for it. Shipping centers like UPS Store and FedEx Office often have weekend hours. Call ahead to find availability and ask whether there is an extra fee for after-hours service.