A notary public costs $2 to $100 per appointment in 2026
A notary public costs $2 to $100 or more in 2026, based on ThePricer. A basic in person notarization is $2 to $10 per signature. Banks often charge account holders little or nothing. Online notaries cost more. Notarize and Proof both list $25 for the first signature. Mobile notaries add travel fees, which ThePricer lists at $10 to $100 or more per trip. State law caps the fee in many states.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| ThePricer | ThePricer lists $2 to $10 per signature in person, $10 to $100 or more per mobile trip, and $25 to $100 or more online. |
| Notarize | Notarize lists $25 for the first signature, $10 for each extra signer, and $15 for each extra seal. |
| Proof | Proof lists $25 for a Notarize Network meeting and $15 for a meeting with your own notary. |
Notary cost by service
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| In person, basic | $2 to $10 per signature | ThePricer |
| California limit | $15 per signature | ThePricer |
| Texas | $6 first signature, $1 each extra | ThePricer |
| Mobile notary trip | $10 to $100 or more | ThePricer |
| Online notary, first signature | $25 | Notarize |
| Extra signer online | $10 | Notarize |
| Extra seal online | $15 | Notarize |
| Meeting with your own notary | $15 | Proof |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| State fee limits | Each state caps notary fees. ThePricer lists $15 per signature in California, $5 per act in Pennsylvania, and $2 in New York in person. |
| Number of signatures | Many notaries charge for each signature or seal. ThePricer lists Texas at $6 for the first signature and $1 for each extra one. |
| Travel | A mobile notary comes to you and charges for the trip. ThePricer lists $1.50 or more per mile and $10 to $100 or more per trip. |
| Online or in person | Online notarization costs more than a bank visit. Notarize and Proof both list $25 for the first signature on their networks. |
| Document type | Loan papers cost more than a simple form. ThePricer says $100 or more is common for a refinance, and real estate contracts run $10 to $100 or more. |
What the price includes
The fee covers checking your ID, watching you sign, and adding the notary's stamp or seal. Extra signers, extra seals, travel, and rush or after hours calls can cost more. Printing, copies, and legal advice are not part of the notary fee. A notary cannot give legal advice. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Banks, credit unions, shipping stores, and law offices often have a notary. Mobile notaries come to your home or work and bill for travel. Online sites bill per meeting and per extra signer or seal. In person fees are billed per signature or per act, up to a limit set by your state. ThePricer lists Florida at $20 per signature, capped at $30 total. Loan papers are often handled at a higher price. Always ask for the full price, including travel, before you book.
When you need this
You need a notary when a form must be signed in front of a witness who checks your ID. Common cases include loan papers, real estate deeds, power of attorney forms, and some car title papers. Ask the person who sent the form if it needs a notary. A notary cannot sign for you, so you must be there.
How to judge your quote
- What is the fee per signature and per extra seal?
- Is there a travel fee, and is it per mile or a flat charge?
- Is the fee within my state's legal limit?
- Do I need to bring ID, and what kind?
- Compare the total with the range above: $2 to $100 per appointment for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask your bank or credit union first. ThePricer says banks are usually the most budget friendly option and often offer free or discounted notary work to account holders.
- Bring your photo ID and do not sign ahead of time. Most notaries need to watch you sign, and a wasted trip can mean a second fee.
- Check your state's fee limit before you pay. ThePricer lists caps such as $15 per signature in California and $5 per act in Pennsylvania.
- Group your papers into one visit. Some states bill each signature, and fewer trips can mean lower travel fees for a mobile notary.
- Compare online and mobile prices. Notarize lists $25 for the first signature, while ThePricer lists mobile trips from $10 to $100 or more.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from ThePricer, Notarize and Proof. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a notary cost?
ThePricer lists $2 to $10 per signature for basic in person work. Notarize lists $25 for the first signature online.
Do banks notarize for free?
Often they do for account holders. ThePricer says banks usually give free or discounted rates. Call first to check.
How much does a mobile notary cost?
ThePricer lists travel fees of $1.50 or more per mile and $10 to $100 or more per trip.
How much does online notarization cost?
Notarize and Proof both list $25 for the first signature. Notarize lists $10 for each extra signer and $15 for each extra seal.
How much does a notary charge for loan papers?
ThePricer says $100 or more is common for a refinance. It lists real estate contracts at $10 to $100 or more.