How Much Does It Cost to Notarize a Document? (Price Guide)

A notary public is a state-appointed official who verifies the identity of a person signing a document and, where required, administers an oath. The stamp does not say the document is true or legal. It says the signer was identified and signed willingly. Notarization is usually required for deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, vehicle title paperwork, and some financial and medical forms.

The price is set by state law, not by the market. Each state writes a maximum fee a notary may charge per act, and a notary can charge less or nothing. A few states set no cap and let the notary and the customer agree on a price beforehand. That is why the cost swings from a couple of dollars in one state to far more in another.

The fee applies per notarial act, not per document. One acknowledgment is one act. If a single document needs two signers notarized, that is usually two acts. A set of three documents that each need an acknowledgment is three acts.

The table lists the maximum fee for an acknowledgment in several states. Your own state may differ, and a notary may charge less than the cap.

The lowest caps in the country are in New York and Georgia. The highest in this list belong to California, Washington, and Colorado. Most states sit in between, in the $5 – $10 band. For a state that is not listed, search the Secretary of State website, which usually publishes the fee schedule.

An acknowledgment confirms that the signer is who they say they are and that they signed the document willingly. A jurat requires the signer to swear or affirm that the contents are true, in front of the notary. Verbal oaths are a third act. In many states the cap is the same for all of them, but some set separate amounts. The document usually tells you which one it needs. If it does not, ask the party that requested the notarization. A notary cannot choose for you or give legal advice.

Several places offer notary service, and the price differs.

• Banks and credit unions: many offer notarization free to account holders, so check with your own bank first.
• Shipping and office stores: prices vary by store and may include a service charge, so ask first.
• Mobile notaries: they come to you, which is convenient for signings at home or in a hospital, and they add a travel charge on top of the act fee.
• Online notarization: you connect with a notary by video, which suits people who cannot travel, and platforms add their own fees.
• Public libraries, courthouses, and some government offices: availability and price vary by location.
• Real estate and law offices: a title company or attorney handling your transaction often notarizes at no separate charge.

Call before you go. Ask the price, whether an appointment is needed, and which identification the notary accepts. Most require a valid government photo ID.

The state cap covers the notarial act itself. Notaries may charge separately for related services if they tell you in advance. A mobile notary can bill for travel, and some states cap the mileage rate. Printing, scanning, or after-hours appointments may add charges. A fair quote separates the legal fee from the service fee, and you are entitled to ask for that breakdown.

Remote online notarization has its own pricing. Many states allow a higher cap for an online act, and the platform may add a technology fee on top. If you need a notarization while traveling, compare the online total with the cost of a local notary.

Charging more than the legal maximum for the act is a violation, and it can put the notary's commission at risk. If a quote seems far above your state's cap, ask what part is the act fee and what part is the service charge.

Bring the document unsigned. Sign it in front of the notary, because a signature made earlier may need to be redone. Bring an unexpired photo ID that matches the name on the document. Make sure the document is complete, since a notary may refuse to stamp one with blank spaces. Every signer has to be present.

Know what the document needs. A notary can explain the type of act, but cannot advise you on the content or on whether the document will meet legal requirements. For questions about wills, deeds, or contracts, talk to a licensed attorney in your state.