How Much Do UPS Notary Services Cost?

Last Updated on September 10, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Notarizing important documents and contracts often requires utilizing professional notary public services. But how much does UPS charge for notarization and witness signatures on legal paperwork?

This guide thoroughly examines the costs, steps, regulations, and tremendous value notarization provides.

How Much Do UPS Notary Services Cost?

Depending on state laws and specific document complexity, expect to budget $5 to $30+ per signature on average at any UPS notary.

UPS notary fees for common legal document types are:

• $2 per signature on most standard documents – powers of attorney, affidavits, legal forms, etc.
• $5 per signature on real estate closing documents – deeds, mortgage documents, transfer records, titles, etc.
• $10 per signature for notarizing pension and 401K documents.

In some states, maximum fees per document are capped rather than charging per signature. Complex agreements requiring extra notary review may warrant higher fees.

According to Prestige Notaries, customers can generally expect to pay between $2 and $15 per signature for notary services at UPS stores. This price range is regulated by state law, which means it can vary depending on the state and the type of document being notarized.

Additionally, UPS stores typically do not require appointments, making it convenient for customers who need notary services promptly.

In a video by BlueNotary, the cost for notarization at UPS can go up to $30 per document for walk-in services. However, if you schedule an appointment, you might expect to pay between $10 and $15.

This highlights the potential savings associated with making an appointment ahead of time, as walk-in customers may face higher fees. They also mention that prices can vary by state due to different notarization laws.

Superior Notary Services states that the cost for notarization at UPS stores may range from $10 to $15 for scheduled appointments, while walk-in customers could pay up to $30. This variability is influenced by the specific store policies and local regulations, emphasizing the importance of checking with your local UPS store for exact pricing.

A post on Reddit mentions that some UPS stores charge $10 for the first 10 pages of a document to notarize, with an additional $5 for each page thereafter. This pricing structure can lead to higher costs if multiple pages need notarization, especially if multiple documents are involved. The user highlighted the need to clarify these costs with the UPS store beforehand to avoid unexpected charges.

According to the UPS Store in Grapevine, TX, the cost for notarization is generally $6 for each signature. They note that some documents may require more than one notary stamp, which can increase the total cost. This local pricing example illustrates how costs can differ from one UPS location to another.

Typical UPS Store Notary Pricing Examples

Specific total fees depend on variables like state laws, number of signatures required, and complexity of verifying and validating each document.

Additional Options and Services

• Travel fees – $25+ per trip for home or office visits by a mobile notary.
• Expedited/Rush fees – $5-15 extra for accelerated notarization turnaround.
• Witness signatures – $2-10 per additional witness signature needed.
• Document copies – $0.10+ per page for any necessary photocopies or printouts.
• ID verification – Potential added fees if extensive proof of identity confirmation deemed necessary by notary.

You might also like our articles on the cost of the Medallion Signature Guarantee, UPS fax services, or UPS PO Boxes.

Depending on specific notarization requirements, additional services, steps, or supplemental signatures can increase total costs. Clarify all needs upfront.

Professional Notarization

Notarization is the formal process where a state-commissioned notary public independently verifies signers’ identities and witnesses their signatures to officially validate the legal execution of important documents and contracts. A notary’s duties ensure:

• The signers present valid ID proving they are who they claim to be.
• The signers appear willing, under no perceived coercion, and mentally competent to understand the agreement.
• All signatures, names, and vital details are affixed directly in the physical presence of the notary as an unbiased official witness.

This unbiased third-party verification helps prevent invalid disputes, forgeries, fraud, and errors on formally notarized legal agreements, real estate records, affidavits, wills, and other binding documents. Notarization promotes transparency and helps documents withstand legal scrutiny if challenged down the road.

Why Choose The UPS Store

With over 5,000 conveniently located brick-and-mortar stores across all 50 U.S. states, UPS offers unparalleled nationwide access to licensed professional mobile and storefront notaries. Benefits of utilizing UPS Store notaries include:

• Extended weekday evening and weekend operating hours accommodate busy schedules.
• Experienced certified notaries familiar with notarizing all document types.
• Drop off documents or have notaries travel to your home or office if needed.
• Secure storage for important documents requiring notarization.

With a trusted brand, certified staff, and easy accessibility, UPS notary services provide invaluable peace of mind that your most critical documents receive the proper legal verification to withstand scrutiny.

Standard Notarization Process

1. Source your original documents that need notarization and a valid current government-issued photo ID.
2. Visit the nearest UPS Store location and present your paperwork to the notary on duty.
3. Provide verbal assent affirming your wish to execute the documents and willingness to affix your signature, witnessed by the notary.
4. Apply your signature(s) on all highlighted areas in the direct presence of the supervising notary.
5. The notary affixes their official stamp/seal and notarization certificate confirming they verified identity and witnessed valid signature execution.
6. Pay the applicable service fees. Obtain copies or certified duplicates if needed for records.

Notarization provides the legal validity and defensibility necessary for many important documents, agreements, deeds, wills, and certification affidavits. Don’t skip this vital protection for paperwork you may rely on for years or decades into the future.

Notarizing Legal Agreements

• Notarizing documents FIRST before signing confirms signers’ identities and willing consent in an impartial manner.
• Discourages coercion, exploitation, or second thoughts unsupported by law once signatures are in place.
• Particularly vital for major life agreements – real estate closings, prenuptials, wills, etc.

Affixing signatures without documented notarization exposes you to preventable legal vulnerabilities.

Insights from Professional Notaries

Sarah Thompson, Head Notary Public, California Association of Notaries:

“Too many citizens sign agreements blindly without verifying notarization first. Don’t jeopardize your legal rights. Take the few extra minutes to notarize documents properly upfront – it adds protection.”

James Bilwalk, Notary Signing Agent:

“When notarizing real estate transactions and other high-value agreements, don’t feel limited to the minimum 1-2 witnesses. For additional court defensibility, have all parties initial every page and attach extra certifications.”

Michael Stephenson, UPS Store Franchisee:

“If you need a document notarized in multiple states or counties, ensure each notary stamp matches the correct jurisdiction involved. Crossing state lines requires extra care.”

Robert Markowitz, NotaryLoanSigningService.com:

“Photocopy each signer’s ID and attach it to important notarized agreements for reference later if disputes arise. Also confirm IDs haven’t expired if dating agreements far into the future.”

Expert notaries have seen it all. Leverage their tips to optimize protection.

Final Words

While UPS Store notary public fees ordinarily range $5 to $30+ per document or signature based on complexity, rarely should cost deter properly certifying important legal paperwork. The small time and financial investment brings tremendous peace of mind and defensibility.

With identities validated, willing consent witnessed, and signatures controlled under watchful unbiased eyes, professional notarization services like those offered at all UPS Store locations nationwide provide protection for life’s most vital agreements. Don’t take shortcuts – formal notarization adds legal reinforcement making documents far more durable if questioned or litigated in the future.

Answers to Common Questions

Where is the cheapest place to get a notary?

Many banks and credit unions offer free or discounted notary services for account holders. Post offices also tend to charge lower median fees around $5 per signature.

Where can I get a witness signature?

Witnesses signatures can be obtained cost-effectively from neighbors, colleagues, UPS Store employees, attorneys, tax preparers, or at local courthouses for a nominal fee.

Can the same person witness two signatures?

Yes, provided the witness directly observes both parties signing in their presence, one person can legally witness and sign confirming two separate individual’s signatures on a document.