How much does a notary cost?

At one time or another, everyone needs to get something notarized. If you're required to sign a document in the presence of a notary public, keep reading to find out how much a notary public will cost. Then, start reaching out to notary publics near you for cost estimates.

Fees vary from state to state. They also vary depending on the notarial act and the type of document that must be notarized. A notary may cost you as little as $1 in Illinois. But in other parts of the country, notaries may charge fees up to $10 per signature.

The maximum fee a notary can charge is usually determined by state law. However, some states don’t have any fee schedules.

Travel Fees

Sometimes, notaries will travel to you. Some states set notary travel fees by mileage. For example, New Hampshire allows notary publics to charge $0.20 a mile. Other states, such as Montana, allow for the IRS travel fees, while North Carolina prohibits travel fees.

Notary At Your Door charges the following travel fees on top of the $10 state-mandated maximum fee:

• 5 miles or less: $30
• 5-10 miles: $35
• 10-20 miles: $40
• 20-30 miles: $45
• 30-40 miles: $60 

@AfterHoursVA charges $5 per notarial act, with an additional travel fee of $35 for Richmond City, Chesterfield County and Henrico County. 

Every state has its own rules associated with fees for the type of services and notarial acts to be performed. A notary can charge per signature for jurats and acknowledgments. A notary may also charge travel fees and rates for remote online notarization.

Here's an overview of the common services for which notaries charge:

Jurats

A jurat (also known as "verification upon oath or affirmation") requires a document’s signer to swear before the notary that the document's contents are truthful. These types of notarizations are common for legal documents. When a jurat is required, you must appear in person before the notary with the document. The notary will administer an oath or affirmation that you must take, affirming the statements are true.

Acknowledgments

An acknowledgment ensures the identity of the signer. A signer will declare to a notary officer that they are willingly signing a document. For a notary to perform an acknowledgment, you must appear in person. 

Remote notarization

Individual states have remote notarization laws. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more states have implemented remote notarization as part of their emergency orders, allowing notaries to perform notarial acts using audiovisual technology. 

Remote online notarization costs vary widely, ranging from $4 in Maryland to $25 in Florida and several other states.

While hiring someone to notarize your document might not be very costly, expenses can add up if you require several notarizations or need rush service. Still, you can save money on notary public services.

Avoid notary travel fees

One of the biggest ways to save money on notarization is to go to the notary, rather than have the notary come to you. Notary travel fees and remote online notarization can increase your total costs considerably.

Ask about discounts

While notaries usually charge per signature, you might be able to get a discount on additional signatures if you’re having several documents notarized at once. Some notary publics will also provide first-time customers with a special rate.

Get multiple quotes

Don't assume that the first notary you find has the best rates — get several quotes to make an informed financial decision. 

If you've never had to have a document notarized before, the process can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few steps you can take to hire the best notary public for your situation:

1. Determine the kinds of notary public services you will need. Consider how many signatures you need notarized and whether you require mobile services or rush services. You can also ask if document witnesses and/or signatures witnesses are needed.
2. Research notary publics in your area. Find out what kinds of services the notary offers and whether it meets your specific notary needs. Make sure the notary has the necessary license or certification for your jurisdiction.
3. Ask for quotes from a few notary publics in your location, and determine who offers the best price.
4. Ask what is included in the cost. Find out how many documents the quoted price includes, and whether travel or remote online notarization requires additional fees. 
5.  Ask whether the fee is paid at the time of signing or in advance.
6. Use the quotes and the information provided by each notary public to make a cost-effective decision.

If you need more tips on how to choose a professional, visit Thumbtack's Safety page.

Having a good notary public you can rely on is crucial if you need to someone to notarize your documents regularly or just once. If you're ready to hire a professional, search for the best notary publics near you to contact one today.