Typical notary fees range from $5 to $25 per signature, depending on where you live and what the notary charges

Most notaries set their own prices within limits set by state law. A single signature on a document costs anywhere from $5 to $15 in most states, though some charge up to $25. If you need multiple signatures on the same document, some notaries charge per signature and others charge a flat fee for the whole job. A few states cap what notaries can charge — for example, California sets a maximum of $15 per signature — while others have no limit at all.

The price also depends on where you go. A notary working from a UPS Store or FedEx location may charge differently than one working from a law office or a standalone notary shop. Banks sometimes notarize documents for free if you have an account with them, though this varies by bank and by what you need notarized.

Key Takeaways

  • Most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature, with some states capping the fee and others allowing higher amounts.
  • Banks may notarize documents for free if you are a customer, but policies differ by institution and document type.
  • Travel fees, rush services, and notarizing multiple documents can add $10 to $50 or more to the base cost.
  • Calling ahead to ask the price before you visit saves time and prevents surprises at checkout.

Where to find notaries and what they charge

UPS Stores, FedEx locations, and Staples typically charge $10 to $15 per signature. These are often the easiest places to find a notary without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary on duty.

Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free or at a reduced rate for account holders. Not all branches offer this service, and some banks limit it to certain types of documents. Call your bank's main number or visit in person to ask whether they notarize and what documents they will handle.

Law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies employ notaries and may charge $10 to $25 per signature. These places often handle complex documents like deeds and mortgage papers, so their fees reflect that specialization.

Independent notaries working from home or small offices typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. You can find them through online notary directories, local business listings, or by asking at your bank or courthouse.

Extra charges beyond the base fee

Travel fees explore when a notary comes to your home or office instead of you visiting them. Expect to pay $10 to $50 extra depending on distance and the notary's policy. Some notaries charge a flat travel fee; others charge per mile.

Rush or same-day service may cost more than standard notarization. If you need something notarized outside normal business hours or within a few hours, the notary may add $10 to $25 to their usual fee.

Notarizing multiple documents or multiple pages can increase the total cost. Some notaries charge per signature, so a document with five signatures costs five times the base fee. Others charge a flat fee per document regardless of how many signatures it contains. Ask which method they use before you hand over your papers.

How to find out the exact price before you go

Call or visit the notary's location and ask directly: "What do you charge per signature?" and "Are there any additional fees?" This takes two minutes and prevents arriving only to find the price is higher than you expected.

If you are using a bank, ask whether the service is free for account holders and what types of documents they notarize. Some banks will not notarize certain documents like powers of attorney or affidavits.

For online notary services, which allow you to have documents notarized remotely via video call, prices typically range from $25 to $50 per signature. These services are useful if no local notary is available, but they cost more than in-person notarization and are not accepted for all document types.

State-by-state fee limits

Some states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge. California caps fees at $15 per signature. New York allows up to $2 per signature for most documents, though some documents have different limits. Texas has no statewide cap, so notaries can charge what they want.

If you live in a state with a fee cap and a notary charges more than the legal limit, you can report them to your state's Secretary of State office. However, most notaries follow the law in their state.

Check your state's Secretary of State website or call your county clerk's office if you want to know the fee limit where you live. The information is usually listed under "notary public" or "notary regulations."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized for free?

Some banks notarize documents for free if you have an account with them, though policies vary. A few nonprofits and legal aid offices may notarize documents at no cost, but this is not common. Your best bet is to call your bank first and ask.

What if the notary charges more than the state limit?

Report it to your state's Secretary of State office, which oversees notaries. You can also refuse to pay the excess and ask for an itemized receipt showing what you were charged for. Keep records of the overcharge in case you want to file a complaint.

Do online notaries cost more than in-person notaries?

Yes, online notaries typically charge $25 to $50 per signature, which is higher than the $5 to $15 most in-person notaries charge. However, online notarization is faster and more convenient if no local notary is available or if you cannot leave your home.

Can I negotiate the price with a notary?

Some independent notaries may negotiate, especially if you need multiple documents notarized. It never hurts to ask, but most notaries have set fees they explore to all customers. Chain locations like UPS Store have fixed prices you cannot change.

What documents cost more to notarize?

Most notaries charge the same per signature regardless of document type. However, some may charge extra for complex documents like real estate deeds or powers of attorney if they require research or take significantly longer to notarize. Ask when you call.