What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a state-commissioned official authorized to witness the signing of important documents, verify identities, administer oaths, and certify copies of records. Notaries are not lawyers — they confirm who signed and when, not the legal validity of the document itself.
In the U.S., each state appoints its own notaries and sets its own rules for what they can charge. That's why the same Power of Attorney notarization costs $2 in Georgia but $15 in California.
How State Fee Caps Work
Most states set a maximum fee per notarial act — the legal ceiling a notary may charge for a single signature, oath, or certification. Notaries can charge less but not more.
The fee cap covers the notarization itself — showing up to a fixed location, stamping, signing, and recording the act in their journal. It does not include travel fees, rush charges, or loan signing agent fees for mortgage closings.
Key point: A "notarial act" typically means one signature or one page requiring a notary stamp. A document with 3 signatures requires 3 notarial acts — so the total is 3 times the per-act fee.
States with the Lowest Fee Caps
A handful of states have very low statutory caps — some dating back decades without adjustment for inflation. In these states, notaries often charge the market rate anyway, knowing enforcement is rare.
| State | Statutory Max / Act | Market Rate in Practice | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $0.50 | $5–$15 | 1930s-era cap rarely enforced |
| Massachusetts | $1.25 | $5–$15 | Low cap; market rate common |
| New York | $2.00 | $5–$15 | NYC notaries charge $10–$15 |
| Georgia | $2.00 | $5–$10 | Market rate commonly charged |
| New Jersey | $2.50 | $5–$15 | Low cap vs. high cost-of-living |
| Maryland | $4.00 | $5–$10 | Cap regularly updated |
Look up your specific state's fee cap and typical market rate.
Open the State CalculatorStates with No Fee Maximum
About 15 states set no statutory maximum for notary fees. In these states — including Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming — notaries charge whatever the market supports. Fees typically range from $5 to $25 per notarial act, though high-demand areas can go higher.
No-cap states include: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wyoming.
Louisiana exception: Louisiana notaries are civil-law officials, often attorneys, and operate differently than notaries in other states. Fees are unregulated and typically much higher — sometimes $50–$200+ for complex documents.
Mobile Notary Fees — What to Expect
A mobile notary comes to your home, office, hospital, or any location you choose. This convenience comes with an additional travel fee on top of the per-notarization charge.
Mobile travel fees are not regulated in any state. The notary sets their own rate based on distance, time, and demand. Typical ranges:
- Short trip (under 5 miles): $25–$50
- Standard trip (5–20 miles): $50–$100
- Long trip (20+ miles): $100–$200+
- After-hours / weekend: Add 25–75% to any of the above
- Hospital / care facility: Often flat rate $75–$150
Always confirm the total cost — notarization fee plus travel — before booking a mobile notary. Get it in writing or via text to avoid surprises.
Loan Signing Agents — A Different Category
A loan signing agent is a notary trained to handle mortgage closings. These appointments involve 100–200 pages with dozens of required signatures and take 60–90 minutes.
Loan signing agents charge a flat package fee, typically $75–$200, regardless of the per-page notary cap. This flat fee covers:
- All notarizations in the signing package
- Travel to the borrower's location
- Shipping the completed documents to the title company
- E&O (errors and omissions) insurance coverage
Calculate the total cost of your notary appointment, including travel fees.
Total Cost CalculatorOnline / Remote Notarization (RON)
Remote Online Notarization (RON) lets you get documents notarized via a secure video call from your laptop or phone. As of 2026, RON is legal in 42+ states. The notary verifies your identity digitally and applies a tamper-evident electronic seal.
Popular platforms: Notarize, PandaDoc Notary, Proof, and DocVerify. Typical cost: $25–$50 per session (covers all documents in one sitting).
RON is a great option when:
- You need a document notarized quickly (often available 24/7)
- You can upload the document as a PDF
- One or more signers are in different locations
- You want to avoid scheduling a mobile visit
RON is currently not accepted for some real estate transactions, certain court filings, and documents that specifically require physical presence by law. Always check with the receiving institution first.
How to Save Money on Notary Fees
Notarization is often a one-time or infrequent need. A few ways to reduce your costs:
- UPS Stores and shipping centers often offer free or low-cost notarization for customers.
- Banks and credit unions frequently notarize documents free for account holders.
- Libraries in many cities offer free or $1–$5 notary services.
- AAA provides free notary services to members at many branch locations.
- Online platforms like Notarize are often cheaper than mobile notary visits for simple documents.
- Combine documents. If you need multiple items notarized, do them all in one appointment — you'll only pay one travel fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?
Yes. Notaries can decline if they have a personal interest in the document, if they suspect fraud, if the signer appears unwilling or mentally incapacitated, or if the document is incomplete. They cannot discriminate based on race, gender, nationality, or religion.
Is a notarized document the same as a legally witnessed document?
Not always. Some documents (like wills) require both a notary AND witnesses. A notary confirms identity and witnessing of the signature — it doesn't replace the requirement for independent witnesses where required by law.
What happens if a notary overcharges?
In states with fee caps, a notary who charges more than the legal maximum can have their commission revoked and may face fines. You can file a complaint with your state's notary regulatory office (usually the Secretary of State).
Do notary fees change often?
Most state fee schedules are set by statute and change infrequently — some caps haven't been updated in decades (Wisconsin's $0.50 cap dates to the 1930s). We update this tool whenever state legislatures pass fee adjustments.
Ready to look up your state's exact fee and calculate your total cost?
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