Notary Fees for Power of Attorney

How Much Does It Cost to Notarize a Power of Attorney?

Notarizing a power of attorney is one of the most common notary requests in the U.S. — and the good news is that it's usually one of the cheaper ones. A standard POA requires just 1 notarization (the principal's signature), so the base fee is simply whatever your state allows per notarial act: anywhere from $0.50 in Wisconsin to $15 in California.

The total cost depends heavily on where you get it notarized. If you can go to a bank, credit union, or UPS Store, you'll often pay $5 or less — sometimes nothing if you're an existing customer. If you need a mobile notary to come to you — at a hospital, nursing home, or your home — add $50–$150 for the travel fee, making total costs typically $75–$200.

For a hospital or nursing home visit where the principal is unable to travel, many mobile notaries charge a premium. Always call ahead, explain the situation, and ask about fees before booking. Some states have emergency or reduced-fee provisions for hospitalized principals.

POA Notary Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive

Witness requirements shown for general POAs — durable and healthcare POAs may have different rules. Always consult an attorney for your specific POA type.

Do You Really Need a Notary for a Power of Attorney?

In most states, yes. A power of attorney that isn't properly notarized may be refused by banks, title companies, medical providers, and government agencies. While a few states technically allow a POA to be valid without notarization if it has sufficient witness signatures, virtually all major institutions require a notarized POA before honoring it.

The notarization requirement becomes especially important for a durable power of attorney (one that remains in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated) and a healthcare power of attorney. These documents give your agent extraordinary authority, and the notarization — plus any required witnesses — exists to confirm the principal signed voluntarily and with capacity.

One practical tip: get multiple originals notarized at the same time. Banks, hospitals, and other institutions often won't accept photocopies. If your notary can notarize 3 originals in one sitting, you'll have copies on hand for each institution that needs one — without paying for a separate notary visit each time.

Can You Notarize a POA Online?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is accepted for POAs in 42+ states and is often the fastest, cheapest option — $25–$50 per session vs. $75–$200 for a mobile visit. Platforms like Notarize, Proof, and DocVerify walk you through the process via video call in under 30 minutes, 24/7.

The catch: not all accepting parties will honor a RON-notarized POA. Some banks, Medicaid offices, and state agencies still require a traditional wet-ink notarization. Before scheduling a RON session, call the institution that will be receiving the POA and confirm they accept electronically notarized documents. If they do, RON is almost always faster and cheaper.