How Much Does a Notary Cost? $2-$25 by State (2026)
Quick answer: The maximum notary fee per signature ranges from $2 to $25 depending on your state. New York caps fees at $2, Illinois at $5, Florida at $10, and California at $15. A mobile notary runs $50 to $150 total including travel. Remote online notarization costs $25 to $50. Banks often notarize for free for account holders.
Every state sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge per signature (notarial act). These caps have not changed in most states for years, but they vary widely — from $2 in New York to $25 in Maine. Three states have no cap at all. Below is the complete 2026 state-by-state comparison, plus what you will actually pay for mobile notary service, loan signings, and remote online notarization.
Maximum Notary Fee Per Signature by State (2026)
A notarial act is a single function — witnessing one signature (acknowledgment) or administering one oath (jurat). If you have three documents that each need a signature notarized, that is three notarial acts, each charged separately up to the state maximum.
New York Maximum Notary Fee: $2 Per Signature
New York sets the lowest fixed maximum notary fee in the country at $2.00 per notarial act under Executive Law Section 136. This rate has not been updated in decades. At $2 per signature, the per-act fee is almost negligible — the real cost in New York comes from mobile notary travel fees, which are unregulated. Most banks in New York absorb the $2 charge entirely for account holders. For the full breakdown of New York notary costs, see our New York notary fees guide.
Illinois Maximum Notary Fee: $5 Per Signature
The Illinois Notary Public Act caps the maximum fee at $5.00 per notarial act. This applies to acknowledgments, jurats, and copy certifications. Three signatures on three documents = $15 total. Illinois banks and credit unions frequently notarize for free for account holders. Mobile notary travel fees in Illinois are unregulated and typically add $50 to $100 on top. For detailed Illinois pricing, see our Illinois notary fees guide.
Florida Maximum Notary Fee: $10 Per Signature
Florida allows notaries to charge up to $10.00 per notarial act for both acknowledgments and oaths. This is a moderate cap — higher than most states but below California. Florida’s large mobile notary market means travel fees of $50 to $150 are common on top of the per-signature fee. Florida also has a large remote online notarization (RON) market. For the full breakdown of Florida notary costs, see our Florida notary fees guide.
California Maximum Notary Fee: $15 Per Signature
California has one of the highest fixed maximums at $15.00 per signature. With a large population and high demand for mobile notary services, total costs in California frequently reach $75 to $200 when travel is included. California does not regulate mobile notary travel fees. For detailed California pricing, see our California notary fees guide.
States With the Lowest Maximum Fees
Several states keep notary fees under $5 per act. Georgia and New York share the lowest cap at $2 per act. New Jersey is close behind at $2.50. Maryland caps fees at $4. Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota each cap fees at $5 per notarial act. These states view notarization as a basic public service and keep costs minimal.
States With Moderate Fees ($5 to $10)
Most states fall in this range. Texas caps fees at $6 per act (see Texas notary fees). Ohio (see Ohio notary fees), Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, and Pennsylvania (see Pennsylvania notary fees) each allow $5 per act. Arizona, Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina, Utah, Oregon, and Washington all cap at $10 per act. Florida allows $10 for acknowledgments and oaths.
States With Higher Maximum Fees ($10+)
California leads at $15 per signature. Maine has the highest fixed cap at $25 per act. Nevada allows $10 per signature for standard notarizations but permits higher fees for mobile services. Three states — Idaho, Louisiana, and Massachusetts — have no statutory cap at all, though fees must be reasonable. Hawaii and Delaware cap at $5 and $10 respectively.
Complete 50-State Maximum Fee Table (2026)
Every state sets a statutory maximum that notaries can charge per notarial act. Notaries may charge less but cannot exceed these limits.
| State | Max Fee | Per | State | Max Fee | Per | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $5 | Act | Montana | $10 | Act | |
| Alaska | $10 | Act | Nebraska | $5 | Act | |
| Arizona | $10 | Signature | Nevada | $10 | Signature | |
| Arkansas | $5 | Act | New Hampshire | $10 | Act | |
| California | $15 | Signature | New Jersey | $2.50 | Act | |
| Colorado | $5 | Act | New Mexico | $5 | Act | |
| Connecticut | $5 | Act | New York | $2 | Signature | |
| Delaware | $10 | Act | North Carolina | $10 | Act | |
| Florida | $10 | Signature | North Dakota | $5 | Act | |
| Georgia | $2 | Act | Ohio | $5 | Act | |
| Hawaii | $5 | Act | Oklahoma | $5 | Act | |
| Idaho | No cap | — | Oregon | $10 | Act | |
| Illinois | $5 | Act | Pennsylvania | $5 | Act | |
| Indiana | $10 | Act | Rhode Island | $5 | Act | |
| Iowa | $5 | Act | South Carolina | $5 | Act | |
| Kansas | $5 | Act | South Dakota | $5 | Act | |
| Kentucky | $5 | Act | Tennessee | $5 | Act | |
| Louisiana | No cap | — | Texas | $6 | Act | |
| Maine | $25 | Act | Utah | $10 | Act | |
| Maryland | $4 | Act | Vermont | $10 | Act | |
| Massachusetts | No cap | — | Virginia | $5 | Act | |
| Michigan | $10 | Act | Washington | $10 | Act | |
| Minnesota | $5 | Act | West Virginia | $5 | Act | |
| Mississippi | $5 | Act | Wisconsin | $5 | Act | |
| Missouri | $5 | Act | Wyoming | $5 | Act |
Three states (Idaho, Louisiana, Massachusetts) have no fixed maximum — notaries must charge reasonable fees. Verify current rates with your state’s Secretary of State.
Looking for fees in a specific state? See our detailed guides for Illinois notary fees and New York notary fees.
Mobile Notary Costs
This is where the real cost differences appear. When a notary travels to your location, the travel fee is separate from and in addition to the per-act notary fee. Most states do not regulate travel fees, meaning mobile notaries set their own prices.
Typical Mobile Notary Pricing
- Standard daytime appointment (within 15 miles): $50 to $100 total
- Evening or weekend appointment: $75 to $150 total
- Same-day or rush service: $100 to $200 total
- Hospital, jail, or care facility visit: $100 to $200 total
- Late night or holiday appointment: $150 to $300 total
The total includes both the travel fee and the per-act notary fees. A mobile notary who charges a $75 travel fee plus California’s $15 per act would cost $90 for a single notarization and $120 for three acts.
What Affects the Price
Several factors influence how much a mobile notary charges. Distance is the biggest variable — a notary traveling 30 minutes will charge more than one five minutes away. Time of day matters significantly, with evenings and weekends commanding premium rates. Urgency increases cost, especially for same-day requests. Location complexity also plays a role — hospitals and correctional facilities require extra time for check-in and security procedures.
Loan Signing Agent Costs
If you are buying or refinancing a home, the notary fee works differently. Loan signing agents are paid by the title company or signing service, not directly by you. Their fee is typically bundled into your closing costs.
The signing agent receives a flat fee per signing, usually between $75 and $200 depending on the complexity. You might see a “notary fee” line item on your closing disclosure, but you do not negotiate this directly. The title company handles it.
For a purchase closing, expect the notary or signing agent fee in your closing costs to be $100 to $200. For a refinance, it is usually $75 to $150.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Costs
Remote online notarization lets you get documents notarized over a video call. RON sessions typically cost $25 to $50 per session through platforms like Notarize, DocVerify, or Pavaso. This is more than an in-person notarization at a bank but often less than hiring a mobile notary when you factor in travel fees.
Some RON platforms charge per signature rather than per session, so the cost can increase with multiple documents. Always confirm the total before starting the session.
Where to Get Free Notary Services
If cost is your primary concern, several options exist for getting documents notarized at no charge. See our complete guide to 8 free notary options for the full list.
Banks and credit unions are the most common source of free notarization. Most major banks offer free notary services to their account holders. Call ahead to confirm availability, as not every branch has a notary on staff every day.
AAA offices provide free notary services to members at many branch locations. This is one of the most underused free notary options available.
Your employer may have a notary on staff, particularly at large companies. Check with your human resources or legal department.
Libraries and government offices in some areas offer free or low-cost notary services during business hours.
How to Save Money on Notarization
Check your bank first. If you have a checking or savings account, your bank may notarize documents for free. This is the easiest way to save.
Batch your documents. If you have multiple documents, bring them all to one appointment rather than scheduling separate visits. Some mobile notaries offer package rates for multiple notarizations.
Schedule during business hours. Evening, weekend, and same-day appointments almost always cost more. If your notarization is not urgent, schedule during standard weekday hours for the best rate.
Compare mobile notary prices. Travel fees vary widely between notaries in the same area. Get quotes from two or three mobile notaries before booking. Use FindNotary.io to find notaries near you and compare.
Consider remote online notarization. If the document recipient accepts RON, a $25 to $50 online session may be cheaper than a $100-plus mobile notary visit.
Watch Out for Overcharging
Notaries who charge more than the state-allowed maximum per act are violating state law. If a notary quotes a fee that seems high, ask for a breakdown separating the per-act fee from travel or convenience charges. The per-act fee should not exceed your state’s maximum, though travel fees are generally unregulated.
Also be aware that notaries cannot charge for services they are not authorized to provide. A notary who is not also an attorney cannot charge for legal advice, document preparation, or immigration consulting.
Notary Costs by Document Type
What you pay depends on the document and how many signatures need notarizing. Here is what to expect for common situations:
| Document | Typical Notary Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power of attorney | $5–$15 (in-office) or $75–$150 (mobile) | Usually requires one acknowledgment per signer |
| Real estate deed | $10–$25 (in-office) or $100–$200 (mobile) | Multiple signatures common; see real estate closing guide |
| Car title transfer | $5–$15 | Single signature; many DMV offices have notaries |
| Affidavit / sworn statement | $5–$15 | One jurat per document |
| Will / trust | $10–$30 (in-office) or $100–$200 (mobile) | May require notarization of witnesses too |
| Loan documents (refinance) | $0 direct cost | Title company pays signing agent $75–$200 |
| Immigration documents | $5–$15 per signature | Some require apostille in addition |
| Medical directive / living will | $5–$15 | One acknowledgment typically |
| Contract or business agreement | $5–$15 per signature | Cost scales with number of signers |
These figures include only the notarization fee. Add $50 to $150 for mobile notary travel if the notary comes to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum notary fee per signature in my state?
Every state sets a maximum fee per notarial act (signature). The range is $2 (New York, Georgia) to $25 (Maine), with most states falling between $5 and $10. Three states — Idaho, Louisiana, and Massachusetts — have no fixed cap. See the complete 50-state table above for your state’s exact maximum.
How much do notaries charge per signature?
Most notaries charge the state maximum, which ranges from $2 to $15 per signature in the majority of states. New York notaries charge $2, Illinois notaries charge $5, Florida notaries charge $10, and California notaries charge $15. These are per-signature fees — if you have multiple documents, each signature is a separate charge.
What is the New York state maximum notary fee per signature in 2026?
The New York maximum notary fee is $2 per signature (notarial act) under Executive Law Section 136. This is the lowest fixed cap in the United States. The fee has not been updated in decades. See our complete New York notary fees guide for mobile notary costs in NYC and free options.
What is the Illinois state maximum notary fee per signature in 2026?
Illinois caps notary fees at $5 per notarial act under the Illinois Notary Public Act. This applies to acknowledgments, jurats, and copy certifications. Three signatures = $15 total. See our Illinois notary fees guide for mobile notary costs in Chicago and free options.
What is the Florida maximum notary fee per signature in 2026?
Florida allows notaries to charge up to $10 per notarial act for both acknowledgments and oaths. This is one of the more moderate state caps — higher than New York ($2) and Illinois ($5) but below California ($15). See our Florida notary fees guide for mobile notary costs in Miami and free options.
Why do mobile notary fees vary so much?
Mobile notary travel fees are unregulated in most states, so each notary sets their own prices based on distance, time, demand, and their local market. The per-act notary fee is capped by state law, but the travel component is not.
How much does a notary cost at UPS Store?
UPS Store locations typically charge $5 to $15 per notarial act, depending on the state. They do not charge a travel fee since you come to them. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but calling ahead to confirm a notary is available is recommended.
How much does a mobile notary cost for a hospital visit?
Hospital and care facility visits typically cost $100 to $200 total, including travel and per-act fees. The higher price reflects the extra time required for check-in, navigating the facility, and working around patient care schedules. Same-day hospital visits may cost more.
Is notarization free at my bank?
Most major banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi — offer free notary services to checking and savings account holders. Not every branch has a notary on staff every day, so call ahead. If you are not a customer, you may be charged $5 to $10 or turned away.
How much does remote online notarization cost?
RON sessions typically cost $25 to $50 through platforms like Notarize or Proof. This is more than an in-person fee at a bank but often cheaper than a mobile notary when you factor in travel charges. See our RON guide for state availability.
Can a notary charge more than the state maximum?
No. Charging more than the state-mandated maximum per notarial act is a violation of state law and can result in commission revocation. However, mobile notary travel fees are separate from per-act fees and are unregulated in most states — that is where costs can be much higher.
Looking for affordable notary services near you? Use FindNotary.io to find and compare notaries in your area. Browse mobile notaries for at-home service, bank notaries that may be free, or storefront locations for quick walk-in appointments.
State-specific fee guides: California notary fees · Florida notary fees · Texas notary fees · New York notary fees · Illinois notary fees · Ohio notary fees · Pennsylvania notary fees · Real estate closing notary fees
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Related guides: Free notary services · How to get a document notarized · Remote online notarization guide · What to bring to a notary · Mobile notary vs. office notary