How Much Does a Notary Cost?

Notarizing important documents provides vital legal protections and verification. But what does this professional service cost on average? Notary fees can range widely based on state regulations, travel needs, and document types.

This guide examines the typical costs associated with public notaries. We’ll analyze pricing factors like state fee maximums, document types, mobile services, and online notarization. Read on for a breakdown of average notary rates so you can budget accordingly before certification is required.

How Much Does a Notary Cost?

Typically, the cost for notary services can vary from $2 to $10 per signature for basic in-person notarization on the low end, up to $100+ per signature for specialized mobile or online notary services on the high end. Notary fees range widely depending on factors like location and types of documents.

Notary fee maximums vary significantly state to state:

• California – $15 per signature, $50 maximum for a document
• Florida – $20 per signature capped at $30 total
• Texas – $6 for the first signature, $1 per additional signature
• New York – $2 per signature/seal for in-person only
• Pennsylvania – $5 per notarial act

At least 10 states currently impose no specified limits on maximum notary fees that can be charged. Be sure to consult your state’s specific notary statutes to confirm caps before agreeing to quoted prices.

According to an article from Find a Notary, notary fees typically range from $2 to $25 per notarial act, depending on state regulations. For states without a set fee schedule, notaries may determine their own fees, but it is recommended that they agree on a fee with the signer beforehand.

Another source, Pandadoc, states that notary costs can vary between $1 and $20 per document, with some states allowing notaries to charge more based on specific acts. The article emphasizes that fees can differ widely based on location, so it is important for individuals to check local regulations regarding notary fees.

A report from SmartAsset provides a breakdown of notary fees by state, noting that while many states have set maximum fees, some do not regulate them at all. For example, Florida allows notaries to charge up to $10 per signature, while in California, the maximum fee is $15 per signature. They also mention that additional travel fees may apply if the notary must travel to a specific location.

According to an overview from Notaries.com, typical fees for common notarial acts include $5 to $10 for acknowledgments and similar amounts for jurats or oaths. The article highlights that some states allow notaries to charge for travel expenses if they are providing mobile services.

Lastly, an article from Bank of America mentions that they do not charge for notary services provided at their branches. This can be beneficial for customers who need documents notarized without incurring additional costs.

Introduction to Notary Public Services

A notary public provides legally-binding third-party identity verification and authentication for documents like real estate deeds, affidavits, wills, powers of attorney, and loan agreements. Their signature and embossed seal confirm the signer personally appeared before the notary on a specified date and signed the document in their presence.

Notaries charge fees on a per signature or per document basis. Costs vary based on several key factors explored within this article. Understanding notary pricing structures in your state ensures you can accurately estimate costs when legal certifications are needed on official paperwork.

Factors Impacting Notary Pricing

Several variables affect what a notary can charge within legal limitations:

• State fee caps – Many states limit maximum fees that can be charged per document/signature. This limits how much notaries can charge.
• Travel – Mobile notaries may charge additional fees for driving to meet a client rather than the client coming to their office.
• Document type – More complex legal documents often warrant higher notarization fees. For example, real estate closings may command higher rates.
• Number of signatures – Each signature that must be witnessed and notarized leads to additional incremental charges.

While private notaries set their own rates, they cannot exceed maximums imposed by their state notary laws and regulations.

In-Person, Mobile, or Online Notary Services

There are four main types of notary public services available, each with pros and cons:

In-person – The client personally meets the notary at their provided office location during business hours. Basic notarization typically costs $2-$10 per signature in most cases. This is the most traditional and affordable option.

Mobile – The notary travels directly to the client’s location to notarize documents on-site for added convenience. However, travel fees and mileage surcharges apply in addition to basic costs which can add up.

You might also like our articles on the cost of UPS notary services, Medallion Signature Guarantees, or legal separation.

Online – Notarization is performed virtually over live audio-video software by a remote online notary. Convenience fees range from $25-$75 per document depending on the digital platform used plus state maximums.

Remote ink-signed – Documents are signed by the client remotely, then shipped to an online notary who watches the signing via videoconference. Costs are similar to strictly online notarization.

While online and mobile notaries provide greater flexibility and convenience, they come at a higher relative cost over traditional in-person notarization at your local bank, public library, or office setting during business hours.

Common Document Types

Pricing also depends heavily on the type of documents involved:

• Real estate deeds and closings – $10-$100+ for purchase/sale contracts and deeds
• Last will and testament – $5-$20 per signature with cap of $50-$75 total
• Powers of attorney – $5-$20 per signature, $20-$50 total
• Personal or business affidavits – $5-$20 for basic affidavits, higher for sworn court documents
• Mortgage closing documents – $75-$200+ for an entire residential refinance or purchase closing

Higher value legal instruments and transactions logically command higher notarization fees when authenticating signatures.

Institutions and Venues

Notary public rates also vary situationally by provider:

• Banks – Often free or discounted for account holders, $2-$10 for non-customers
• Law offices – $10-$100+ depending on complexity of real estate or court documents
• Public libraries – Many offer low-cost basic notary services or donations
• UPS Stores – Tend to charge $5-$10 per signature nationally, more for loan closings

Always compare rates across several area vendors to find the most affordable certified notarizations for your document needs if cost is a prime concern.

Mobile Notary Pricing and Travel Fees

Mobile notaries travel directly to private residences, hospitals, nursing homes, or businesses to notarize documents on-site at your convenience. However, they charge substantial travel fees including:

• Per mile charges – $1.50+ per mile driven round trip is typical
• Trips fees – $10-$100+ per trip depending on total distance traveled
• Rush order fees – $25-$100+ for expedited or after-hours service outside 9-5
• Wait time fees – Some charge for extended waits if you are unavailable when they arrive

Always confirm any trip fees ahead of time when arranging mobile notary service to avoid budget-busting surprise charges. The mileage and travel surcharges can add up quickly.

Online Notary Pricing

Thanks to remote online notarization technology, clients now access notaries anytime nationwide. However, the convenience comes at a steep premium:

• $25-$100+ per signature for most documents like real estate and wills
• Higher fees for loans – $100+ is common for refinance or purchase closings
• Additional state maximums may apply

While very convenient, expect to pay 5-10x local rates for equivalent in-person notarizations. Some states also restrict what documents can be notarized remotely.

Low-Cost or Free Notary Services

To save on notary public fees:

• Ask your bank about discounted or free notarization for account holders
• Check rates at your local community college, city hall, or library
• Compare costs across all nearby notarial service vendors before agreeing to fees
• Only use mobile notaries when required for bedridden clients or remote document signing
• Consider remote online notarization for lower costs and greater flexibility

Shopping around and utilizing free or discounted notaries through your community prevents overpaying if able.

Ask the Experts

We consulted professional notaries and legal experts to get their advice on navigating notary costs:

What tips do you have for finding an affordable notary option in your area?

“Check if your bank provides free notary services for account holders before going elsewhere.” – Mark T., Bank Manager

“Many local town halls and county clerk’s offices offer notaries on staff and may serve residents cost-free.” – Jasmine H., Municipal Clerk

“Universities often employ notaries to work with students and faculty and offer reduced community rates.” – Andrew F., University Administrator

How can consumers ensure they are being charged a fair market rate by mobile or remote online notaries?

“Price shop across multiple online platforms and notaries before agreeing to virtually notarize.” – Nicole V., Digital Notary Pro

“Ask for complete transparency upfront on any travel fees, mileage charges, or convenience surcharges.” – Samantha D., Mobile Notary

“Compare rates against state maximums and check consumer sites to avoid price gouging.” – Justin T., Consumer Advocate

Final Words

While state maximums help regulate public notary fees, allowable pricing can still vary substantially based on factors like document types, number of signatures, mobile travel and convenience premiums.

Conducting thorough research into average costs in your area and for your specific documents ensures you can account for notary public expenses appropriately when using critical services like real estate closings, wills, affidavits, and binding legal agreements that require certified signature verification.

Answers to Common Questions

Who needs a notary the most?

Real estate agents, attorneys, and loan officers dealing with high volumes of property deeds, wills, affidavits, and loan documents utilize notaries most often.

Where is the cheapest place to get a notary?

Banks are usually the most budget-friendly option for notary services, often providing free or discounted rates for account holders.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

Not verifying identity sufficiently and just relying on knowing the customer leads to improper notarizations if the signer is unknown or unauthorized.