If you're creating a legal document — like a contract, real estate deed, power of attorney, or last will and testament — you'll likely need to seek the services of a notary public. Commissioned by the government, a notary public makes sure that the document has a valid signature, one that wasn't coerced or made under duress, and then adds an official notary stamp to your document as proof. Notarization is important if you want your legal document to pass muster in court.
You’ll have to pay for notary services, but they shouldn’t cost much, especially if you plan ahead. Notarization fees are often less than $20, and you’ll pay more if the notary travels to you or performs the notarization remotely.
What does a notary fee include?
The cost of notary services vary depending on the state, which can set a maximum fee a notary public can charge. A handful of states don't regulate the fee, but the highest fee in those that do is $20.
When you get something notarized, you might be charged once — per document or notarial act, or you may be charged per signature. For example, if you're notarizing a will and you have two witnesses that are going to sign it, you'll have to pay for three signatures in total with this fee structure.
As with any service, make sure you know what you’re paying for ahead of time when you get something notarized. In many cases the law requires that you agree to the price, if set by the notary public, in advance.
Why a notary prices could be higher:
The notary fee can increase when you hire a mobile notary who travels to your location. Travel fees are typically charged per mile, and may also be restricted by your state law.
Prices tend to be higher for electronic notarization, as many states have not yet set a maximum fee. If you're getting something notarized online, you should make sure that your state law accepts this type of notarization for your document.
You may encounter that a notary public may also charge additional fees — administration or clerical fees, for example — that are billed separately from the notary fee but ultimately add to how much you’re paying over all.
How can I get documents notarized for free?
Local banks, credit unions, and libraries may offer free notarial services for their members. Someone you know or work with may be a notary public, and they might be willing to notarize something for you at no cost. It's not uncommon for someone in a large office to be a notary.
Notary fees in every state
Many states set a cap on notary fee, which may be per notarial act or signature. Here's the maximum amount a notary can charge in every state, according to the National Notary Association, through which all notary publics are commissioned. These costs don't account for remote online notarization or mobile notaries, for which states may set additional fees and limits.
State | Max fee |
|---|---|
Alabama | $5 |
Alaska | Depends on the notary |
Arizona | $10 |
Arkansas | Depends on the notary and must be agreed to in advance |
California | $15 |
Colorado | $5 |
Connecticut | $5 |
Delaware | $5 |
DC | $5 |
Florida | $10 |
Georgia | $2 |
Hawaii | $5 |
Idaho | $5 |
Illinois | $1 |
Indiana | $10 |
Iowa | Depends on the notary |
Kansas | Depends on the notary |
Kentucky | Depends on the notary |
Louisiana | Depends on the notary |
Maine | Depends on the notary |
Maryland | $4 |
Massachusetts | Depends on the notary |
Michigan | $10 |
Minnesota | $5 |
Mississippi | $5 |
Missouri | $5 |
Montana | $10 |
Nebraska | $5 |
Nevada | $5 for , $2.50 for additional |
New Hampshire | $10 |
New Jersey | $2.50 |
New Mexico | $5 |
New York | $2 |
North Carolina | $5 |
North Dakota | $5 |
Ohio | $5 |
Oklahoma | $5 |
Oregon | $10 |
Pennsylvania | $5 for , $2 for additional |
Rhode Island | $5 |
South Carolina | $5 |
South Dakota | $10 |
Tennessee | Depends on the notary |
Texas | $6 for , $1 for additional |
Utah | $10 per signature |
Vermont | Depends on the notary |
Virginia | $5 |
Washington | $10 |
West Virginia | $10 |
Wisconsin | $5 |
Wyoming | $5 |
