New York Maximum Notary Fee Per Signature 2026: $2
Quick answer: New York notaries can charge a maximum of $2 per notarial act — the lowest fixed fee in the United States. A mobile notary in NYC typically costs $75 to $200 total including travel. Banks often notarize for free for account holders.
New York Maximum Notary Fee Per Signature
New York Executive Law Section 136 sets the maximum notary fee at $2.00 per notarial act. This rate has not been updated in decades and is the lowest fixed maximum in the country — well below California ($15), Florida ($10), and even neighboring New Jersey ($2.50). Pennsylvania, just across the border, caps fees at $5 per act.
What counts as one act? Each signature that needs notarizing is a separate act. Three documents with three signatures = three acts at $2 each = $6 total. At these rates, the per-signature fee is almost negligible — the real cost in New York is the mobile notary travel charge.
New York notaries may charge less than $2 but cannot exceed it. Given how low the cap is, most in-office notarizations in New York are effectively free (many businesses and banks absorb the $2 cost).
Mobile Notary Costs in New York
This is where the real cost is in New York. Since the per-act fee is only $2, mobile notary prices are almost entirely driven by travel fees — which New York does not regulate.
| Service | NYC / Metro Area | Upstate NY |
|---|---|---|
| Standard daytime (within 15 mi) | $75–$150 total | $50–$100 total |
| Evening or weekend | $100–$200 total | $75–$150 total |
| Rush / same-day | $150–$250 total | $100–$175 total |
| Hospital or care facility visit | $150–$250 total | $100–$200 total |
| Late night or holiday | $200–$350 total | $150–$250 total |
New York City pricing is among the highest in the country due to transit time, parking difficulty, and building access logistics. Manhattan appointments, especially above the 60th floor in commercial buildings, can command premium rates.
Long Island and Westchester typically fall between NYC and upstate pricing. Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse generally fall in the upstate range.
Where to Get Free Notary Services in New York
- Banks and credit unions — Chase, TD Bank, Bank of America, M&T Bank, and most credit unions offer free notarization to account holders. At $2 per act, many banks do not even charge non-customers.
- AAA offices — Members can access free notary services at New York branch locations.
- Your employer — Law firms, financial services companies, and large employers in NYC often have notaries on staff.
- NYC Public Libraries — Some branch libraries offer notary services. Call ahead.
- UPS Store — Widely available across New York. Typically charges $2 per act (the state maximum).
- Court clerk offices — Some county clerk offices in New York offer notary services.
For more options, see our complete guide to free notary services.
New York Notary Journal Requirements
New York does not require notaries to maintain a journal, despite being one of the highest-volume states for notarizations. The National Notary Association strongly recommends keeping one regardless.
If you are a New York notary, maintaining a voluntary journal protects you if a notarization is ever disputed. For the full state-by-state comparison, see our notary journal requirements guide.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) in New York
New York authorized remote online notarization in 2023. RON allows you to get documents notarized via video call from anywhere in the state.
- Typical RON cost: $25–$50 per session through platforms like Notarize or Proof
- Requirements: Government-issued photo ID, stable internet, audio/video capability
- Key benefit: Eliminates the expensive NYC mobile notary travel fee
RON is especially valuable in New York because it bypasses the high mobile notary travel fees that can turn a $2 notarization into a $150+ expense. For documents where RON is accepted, it is often the most cost-effective option in the NYC metro area.
Loan Signing Agent Fees in New York
For home purchases and refinances in New York, loan signing agents handle the closing documents. The title company or attorney pays the signing agent directly.
| Signing Type | Agent Fee | You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Standard refinance | $100–$175 | Included in closing costs |
| Purchase closing | $125–$225 | Included in closing costs |
| Co-op closing | $150–$250 | Included in closing costs |
| HELOC / second lien | $75–$150 | Included in closing costs |
New York is an attorney-state for real estate closings, meaning an attorney must be present. The notary/signing agent fee is separate from and in addition to attorney fees.
How to Save Money on Notarization in New York
- Check your bank first. At $2 per act, many banks absorb the cost entirely for account holders. See our guide to getting a document notarized for what to bring.
- Walk in to a UPS Store. At the $2 state max, the cost is negligible — no travel fee required.
- Use RON for accepted documents. A $25 online session beats a $100+ mobile notary in NYC.
- Plan ahead. Rush and after-hours mobile notary fees in NYC are steep — schedule weekday daytime.
- Compare quotes. Use FindNotary.io to find notaries near you and compare.
New York Notary Fee FAQ
Why is New York’s notary fee so low?
The $2 maximum was set decades ago and has never been updated by the state legislature. Most other states have modernized their fee schedules, but New York’s remains at $2 per act. Bills to increase the fee have been proposed but not passed.
Can a New York notary charge more than $2?
No. The $2 per notarial act limit is set by New York Executive Law. Exceeding it is a violation. However, mobile notary travel fees are separate and unregulated — that is where the real cost lies.
How much does a mobile notary cost in Manhattan?
Expect $100–$200 for a standard weekday appointment in Manhattan, and $150–$300 for evenings, weekends, or rush service. The $2 per-act fee is insignificant compared to the travel charge.
Is notarization free at New York banks?
Yes, most major banks in New York offer free notary services to account holders. Given the $2 state maximum, even some banks that charge non-customers keep the fee minimal.
Do I need a notary for a New York real estate closing?
Yes. New York is an attorney-state, meaning a lawyer must supervise real estate closings. The notary/signing agent handles the document signing portion. The cost is included in your closing costs.
Find a notary near you in New York: New York City · Buffalo · Rochester · Albany · Syracuse · Yonkers
Compare other states: Pennsylvania notary fees ($5) · Illinois notary fees ($5) · California notary fees ($15) · Florida notary fees ($10)
Related guides: How much does a notary cost? · Notary journal requirements by state · Free notary services · How to become a notary in New York