Notary fees are set by each state, and for a standard in-person notarization you’ll typically pay somewhere between $2 and $25 per signature, with most states landing in the $5 to $15 range. Banks, credit unions, and a few other places will do it for free if your document is straightforward. The bigger costs come from extras: a mobile notary who drives to you, a signing agent handling a loan closing, or an online session over video.
What a Standard Notarization Costs
Every state sets a maximum fee that a notary can charge per notarial act. A handful cap that fee at just $2. Others allow up to $25, particularly for real estate work. Most states sit between $5 and $15. Notaries can charge less than the maximum or waive the fee, but going over the cap puts their commission at risk.
A single per-signature number doesn’t always capture the full bill. Some states charge per signer instead of per signature, and some set different maximums for different types of notarial acts. If your document has multiple signers or multiple signatures, the total climbs even though each stamp stays within the cap. For a basic single-signature document like an affidavit, expect to pay well under $20 almost anywhere in the country.
Where to Get a Document Notarized for Free
Banks and credit unions are the most reliable free option. Many large banks notarize at no cost for account holders. Bank of America, for example, provides notarization at no charge in many of its financial centers.1Bank of America. Notary Services Credit unions commonly do the same for members. If you aren’t a customer, the institution may charge a small fee or decline the service, so start with your own bank or credit union.
AAA branches also offer notary services, and Premier members receive free notarization on personal documents. Other membership tiers and non-members may pay a fee that varies by location.2AAA. How to Get Something Notarized and What to Bring Some public libraries have a commissioned notary on staff, though availability varies; call ahead and book an appointment before making the trip. Larger employers and government offices sometimes keep a notary in-house who can handle simple documents at no charge.
Free options work well for a single, ordinary document. If you need a loan closing handled, several documents notarized in one sitting, or service at an unusual hour, you’ll almost certainly be paying someone.
Mobile Notary Fees
A mobile notary comes to you. The per-signature fee stays within the same state cap as any other notarization, but you pay extra for the travel. Some states peg the travel charge to a specific per-mile rate, often tracking the IRS standard mileage rate of $0.67 per mile. Others allow a “reasonable” fee that must be disclosed in advance. A number of states don’t regulate travel charges at all beyond requiring the notary to tell you the price upfront.
In practice, a mobile notary visit for a standard document typically runs $25 to $75, with the total depending on distance, time of day, and local market rates. Evenings, weekends, and holidays generally cost more. Ask for the full price before booking, travel included. A notary who won’t give you a clear quote in advance is one to skip.
Loan Signing Fees
Loan signings are the priciest notary service most people encounter. A signing agent handles a mortgage or refinance closing, which usually means dozens of documents and multiple signatures across an hour or more. The fee generally runs $75 to $200 per appointment, with complex commercial closings going higher.
You usually don’t pay the signing agent directly. The title company or lender hires and pays them, and the cost is folded into your closing costs rather than billed to you separately. If you’re refinancing and choosing a signing agent yourself, it’s worth getting quotes from two or three agents in your area.
Online Notarization Costs
Remote online notarization lets you handle everything over a live video call. As of early 2025, 45 states and the District of Columbia have permanent laws authorizing the process.3Congress.gov. HR 1059 – 118th Congress (2023-2024) SECURE Notarization Act
A typical online session costs $25 to $50. That price bundles the notary’s fee, a platform technology charge, a digital certificate for the electronic seal and signature, identity verification through multi-factor authentication and ID scanning, and secure document storage that generally lasts seven to ten years. Some platforms tack on a $10 to $20 rush surcharge for same-day or after-hours work.
Online notarization pays off when the alternative is a mobile notary or when you can’t easily reach one in person. If your bank does it for free and you live near a branch, the in-person visit is still cheaper. If you’re traveling, homebound, or working against a deadline outside business hours, $25 to $50 for a video session is often money well spent.
Which Documents Actually Need a Notary
Not every document needs a notary’s stamp. Knowing which ones do lets you plan ahead and find the cheapest option before you’re rushed. Common categories include:
- Real estate documents, including deeds transferring ownership, mortgage paperwork, and deeds of trust
- Powers of attorney, whether financial, healthcare, or durable
- Affidavits and sworn statements, including court affidavits, affidavits of identity, and immigration-related affidavits of support
- Estate planning documents such as living trusts; wills vary by state, with many requiring notarized self-proving affidavits
- Travel consent forms for a child traveling with one parent or a non-parent
- Business formation documents, including articles of incorporation, commercial leases, and certain high-value contracts, depending on the state
Requirements vary by state. If you’re unsure whether your document needs notarization, ask the entity requesting it. Paying $10 for an unnecessary stamp is a minor annoyance; missing a filing deadline because you skipped a required one is a much bigger problem.
How Notaries Take Payment
Cash is universally accepted and the simplest option. Most notaries also take personal checks, especially from repeat clients or business contacts. Digital payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App have become common, particularly with mobile notaries who make house calls. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted through mobile card readers. Online notarization platforms charge a card at the time of booking, so cash isn’t a concern for a virtual session.