How much should you give a notary?

Asked by: Maya Larson  |  Last update: March 10, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (18 votes)

You generally don't "give" a tip to a notary; instead, you pay their set fee, which varies by state, often $2-$20 per signature for basic services, plus potential travel fees for mobile notaries, but you should never tip above the state-mandated maximum fee to avoid legal issues. Notaries often decline tips or only charge the maximum state fee, though some states (like AZ, KS, KY, ME) allow them to set fees, and extra charges can cover travel or after-hours service.

What is the normal fee for a notary?

A notary cost typically ranges from $2 to $20 per signature or act, depending on the state's fee limits, with many states setting maximums like $5-$15 for acknowledgments or jurats, though mobile notaries and complex jobs (like mortgage closings) can cost more, while many banks offer free services for account holders. Costs vary significantly by location and service, so always check your state's regulations. 

How much should I tip a notary?

Most notary experts and professional organizations recommend against accepting a tip or gratuity. That's because notaries in most states are subject to fee limitations for their notary services. They can be hit with fines and/or penalties for overcharging.

How much do notaries make per signature?

A notary typically makes $5 to $15 per signature for general work, set by state law, but can earn $75 to $200 or more per appointment as a mobile notary or signing agent for specialized services like loan closings, often adding travel and convenience fees. Earnings vary significantly by state, demand, and specialization, with some states limiting fees strictly (e.g., $2 in NY) and others allowing higher, reasonable charges or travel fees. 

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document. 

How To Make Money As A Notary In 2025

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How to tell if someone is a legit notary?

To tell if a notary is legit, verify their active commission on your state's Secretary of State website, check their official seal for your name, commission number, and expiration date, and ensure they use a valid ID and follow proper procedures like recording the act in a journal. A real notary must have a current, state-issued commission and will present their ID and seal, while being impartial and professional.
 

Why do notaries get sued?

1- Notarizing for someone who isn't present at the time

Engaging in such practices exposes the notary to significant legal risks, including criminal charges for fraud, revocation of their notary commission, and civil liability for damages resulting from reliance on the notarized document.

Is being a notary a good side hustle?

Yes, being a notary is often considered a great side hustle because it offers flexibility, low startup costs (compared to some businesses), high demand for essential services, and the potential for good hourly earnings, especially as a mobile notary or loan signing agent, with Remote Online Notarization (RON) adding work-from-home opportunities. 

What are the risks of mobile notary work?

Risks of mobile notary work include significant personal safety concerns (unsafe locations, aggressive clients), liability for errors leading to lawsuits (even for minor mistakes), financial strain from low fees or unnecessary expenses, data security issues, and potential for criminal activity targeting notaries, all requiring high situational awareness, strict adherence to state laws, and robust safety protocols like informing contacts of your location and avoiding sharing your full schedule. 

Are notary fees professional fees?

Notary fees typically fall under operating expenses. Depending on how you use notary services, you might categorize them as: Professional fees: For services involving specialized expertise that require a notary's skills.

How does a mobile notary get paid?

Mobile notaries get paid by charging state-regulated fees for each notarization, plus additional, negotiable fees for travel, printing, and other services like loan signings, often earning $75-$200 per appointment by traveling to clients' locations (homes, offices, jails) and handling complex documents, with earnings depending on state laws, market demand, and efficiency. 

How much is the notary fee?

A notary cost typically ranges from $2 to $20 per signature or act, depending on the state's fee limits, with many states setting maximums like $5-$15 for acknowledgments or jurats, though mobile notaries and complex jobs (like mortgage closings) can cost more, while many banks offer free services for account holders. Costs vary significantly by location and service, so always check your state's regulations. 

What happens if you mess up as a notary?

Remember, the signer can hold a notary public liable for a mistake in the notarized document. If there is direct wrongdoing in a notarization process, the notary public may be required to cover the damages and penalties.

What forms of payment do notaries accept?

Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions

A: I accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), and checks under $25.00. My rates are very reasonable and I offer special discounts on services to senior citizens, teachers, and hospice facilities.

How much does UPS charge to notarize?

UPS Store notary costs typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, with many locations charging around $10 per principal signature, though prices vary by store, state law (which sets maximums, like $15 in CA), and document complexity. Always call your local UPS Store first to confirm their exact fee, as it depends on the number of people signing (principal) and specific state regulations. 

How much to notarize at FedEx?

FedEx offers online notary services through Notarize, typically costing $25 for the first seal on a single document, with an extra $10 for each additional seal or supplied witness, though physical location fees can vary and some authorized centers might offer lower rates. Not all FedEx locations provide in-person notary services, and state laws dictate fees, so it's best to check online or call ahead. 

Which type of notary makes the most money?

The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs). 

What is the downside of being a notary?

A mistake could result in a lawsuit

Notaries may also have to deal with different forms of documentation and people, which may cause confusion and increase the chances of making a mistake that could result in a lawsuit.

What's the difference between a notary and a mobile notary?

The main difference is convenience and location: a regular notary works from a fixed office during business hours, requiring you to travel to them, while a mobile notary travels to your home, office, or any agreed location, offering flexible scheduling (evenings/weekends) but usually charging extra travel fees. Both perform the same core notarization services (witnessing signatures, applying seals, oaths), but the mobile notary adds a convenience charge for coming to you. 

How to make 6 figures as a notary?

To be a six figure-earning money as a notary loan signing agent, you need to do 667 signings a year — or 13 signings a week — and you only need 3 escrow officers feeding you their loan signing appointments to be well on your way to making six figures a year, working less than 40 hours a week.

Can you live off being a notary?

Not every NSA or mobile Notary wants to make it a full-time career. In fact, more than 61 percent notarize as a part-time gig. But even part-timers report they are doing well, reporting earnings ranging from anywhere as low as a few hundred dollars to $20,000 a month from notarizations.

Will notaries be replaced by AI?

The Bottom Line. AI is a powerful resource, but it will never replace the personal involvement of a commissioned notary public. Notaries must continue to follow the laws and rules that govern their role, personally carrying out each step of a notarization.

How to spot a fake notary?

Red Flags That a Notary May Be Fake or Unauthorized

  1. They Cannot Show a Valid Notary Commission. ...
  2. Their Seal Looks Suspicious or Incorrect. ...
  3. They Offer Legal Advice. ...
  4. Their Fees Are Extremely High or Suspiciously Low. ...
  5. They Cannot Explain What Type of Identification Is Acceptable.

Why would a notary refuse to notarize a document?

One of the most common reasons a notary may refuse to proceed is invalid identification. California law requires that the signer present a valid, government-issued ID that includes: A photo. A signature. A physical description.