Most banks offer notary services free to account holders, but charge $5 to $15 per signature if you don't bank there
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can usually get documents notarized at no cost. The bank treats it as a service to keep your business. If you don't have an account there, or you're using a notary outside the banking system, expect to pay. The fee varies by location and notary type—a standalone notary public charges differently than a title company or UPS Store location.
The amount you pay depends on what you're having notarized and where you go. A single signature on one document might cost $5 at a local notary, while a more complex document or one requiring travel can run $15 to $25. Some notaries charge per signature rather than per document, which matters if you're signing multiple pages. A few states set maximum fees by law, but most do not, so the notary sets their own price.
Key Takeaways
- Account holders at most banks and credit unions get notary services free; non-account holders typically pay $5 to $15 per signature.
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask whether they offer notary services and whether you need an appointment.
- UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations often have notaries on staff and charge $5 to $15 per signature.
- Some county courthouses and public libraries offer free or low-cost notary services, though availability varies widely by location.
- If a notary charges more than $15 per signature, ask whether they're charging per document or per signature, and whether travel fees apply.
How banks price notary services
Banks offer notary services as a customer retention tool. If you maintain a deposit account—checking, savings, or money market—most banks will notarize documents at no charge. You typically need to visit the branch in person during business hours, and you may need to make an appointment, especially at busy locations. Call ahead to confirm the branch has a notary on staff that day.
Non-account holders pay a fee, usually $5 to $10 per signature. Some large banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo charge $10 per signature for non-customers; smaller regional banks may charge $5. A few banks don't offer notary services to non-customers at all, so always call first. The fee covers the notary's time and the bank's liability insurance for the notarization.
Credit unions often follow the same pattern: free for members, paid for non-members. If you belong to a credit union, check whether your membership includes free notary services before paying elsewhere.
Retail and shipping locations that charge for notary
UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations in many areas employ notaries or contract with them. Fees typically run $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the location and the complexity of the document. Not every location has a notary, so search online or call ahead. Some UPS Store franchises charge more than others because they're independently owned.
These retail locations are useful if your bank doesn't have a notary available or if you need service outside banking hours. Many stay open evenings and weekends, which banks usually do not. However, availability is inconsistent—a notary might be present only certain days or hours, so confirm before you go.
Free and low-cost notary options
Some county courthouses offer free notary services to the public, though this varies by county and state. Call your county clerk's office to ask whether they provide notarizations and what hours they're available. Many courthouses are open during standard business hours only, and some require you to schedule an appointment.
Public libraries in many states and counties employ notaries or have them available by appointment. Fees are usually free or under $5 per signature. Search your library's website or call the main branch to ask whether notary services are offered and whether you need to book ahead. This option is often overlooked but can save you money if your library participates.
Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost through their HR or legal departments. If you work for a large company or government agency, ask your HR team whether this benefit is available to you.
What affects the price you pay
The notary's location and type of business set the baseline price. A solo notary public working from a home office may charge less than a title company or law firm. Urban areas tend to charge more than rural ones because overhead is higher. If a notary has to travel to you—to your home or workplace—expect an additional travel fee, usually $10 to $25 depending on distance.
The document itself can affect the price. A simple one-page signature notarization costs less than a multi-page deed or affidavit that requires the notary to read and verify details. Some notaries charge per document; others charge per signature. If you're signing multiple documents, ask which method they use—it can change your total cost significantly.
A few states, including California, set maximum notary fees by law. California notaries can charge no more than $15 per signature. If you live in a state with fee caps, the notary must follow that limit. Most states do not set caps, so the notary can charge what the market will bear.
How to find a notary and confirm the fee before you go
Start with your own bank if you have an account. Call the branch where you bank and ask whether they offer notary services to account holders and whether you need an appointment. If you don't bank anywhere or your bank doesn't have a notary, try these steps in order:
- Call your county clerk's office and ask whether the courthouse offers free notary services and what the hours are.
- Search your public library's website or call to ask whether they have a notary on staff or by appointment.
- Search online for "notary public near me" and call three or four options to compare fees and availability.
- Check whether UPS Store, FedEx Office, or Staples locations near you have notaries and what they charge.
When you call, ask the notary three things: the fee per signature, whether they charge extra for travel, and what hours they're available. Confirm that they can notarize the specific type of document you need—most notaries can handle standard documents, but some decline specialized ones like powers of attorney or loan documents.
What to bring when you get a document notarized
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document you need notarized; notaries cannot notarize copies or digital files in most cases. If the document is not yet signed, bring it unsigned—the notary will watch you sign it as part of the notarization process.
If you're having multiple documents notarized, bring all of them at once. Ask the notary whether they charge per document or per signature so you know the total cost before they start. Some notaries require payment upfront; others bill after the work is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized online or by mail?
Most notarizations must happen in person because the notary needs to verify your identity and watch you sign the document. Some states now allow remote online notarization (RON) for certain documents, but this requires special technology and is not yet widely available. Ask the notary or your document issuer whether remote notarization is an option for your specific situation.
What if I need a notary on a weekend or evening?
UPS Store and FedEx Office locations often have notaries available outside standard banking hours. Some independent notaries work evenings and weekends by appointment. Search online for "notary public near me" and filter by hours, or call a few options to find one that fits your schedule.
Do I have to use a notary recommended by my bank or lender?
No. You can use any notary public licensed in your state. Your bank or lender may suggest a notary for convenience, but you have the right to choose your own. The notary's job is to verify your identity and witness your signature, not to represent the bank or lender.
Will a notary charge me if I show up without an appointment?
Banks and courthouses usually require appointments or have walk-in hours; calling ahead prevents a wasted trip. Independent notaries and retail locations vary—some take walk-ins, others by appointment only. Always call first to confirm availability and avoid paying a fee for a notary who isn't there.
What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
A notary can decline to notarize a document if they believe something is fraudulent, if you cannot prove your identity, or if the document is outside their scope of practice. If this happens, ask the notary why they declined—it may be a simple fix, like bringing a different form of ID. If you disagree with their decision, you can seek a different notary, but they are not required to proceed if they have concerns.