If you are devoting time to the Estate Planning process, it is always a good idea to follow any additional steps that ensure the validity of your documents. In many cases, this means getting your Will and other Estate Planning documents notarized. While this is not legally required, it can save your loved ones extra time in probate court. That being said, there are notary fees to be aware of.
Trust & Will is here to help with all of your Estate Planning needs including notarization -- but it is still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the regulations and fees in your state. Keep reading to learn more about why you should notarize your Will and how much it will cost:
What Are Notary Fees and When do They Apply?
Notary fees are the costs associated with getting documents notarized, and will vary from state to state. These fees apply anytime you need a notarized contract, property deed, or other legal document. The purpose of a notary is to ensure that each signature on said document is valid, and that each person willingly signed. This process helps to prevent a number of administrative and legal challenges. For example, when it comes to Estate Planning it can be highly beneficial to get your Will notarized.
Does My Will Have to Be Notarized?
Your Will does not have to be notarized, as long as you followed the required steps to create a legal Will in your state. However, a notary will still come into play if you want to ensure your Will does not run into any challenges in probate court later on. Most states require two witness signatures on a Will, which can be validated one of two ways. The first option is to have these witnesses testify in probate court after your death.
The second option is to attach something called a self proving affidavit to your Will, which must be notarized. A self proving affidavit is essentially a small declaration that you and your witness are aware of the document being signed, and are willingly doing so. An attorney is not required to write one, and you can often download a template online. Once you have the affidavit, you must bring it and your witnesses to an authorized notary. The notary will verify each of your identities and witness the signing.
While you will be required to pay notary fees for this additional step, you shouldn’t let that prevent you from completing the process. Depending on where you live, notary public fees can be as little as $15. Further, by getting your Will notarized you can speed up probate and ensure your Will is enacted in a timely manner.
Mobile Notary Fees
A mobile notary is a licensed notary who travels from place to place, rather than working out of one business. This is often the most convenient option for individuals who cannot access a notary location for whatever reason. There are additional fees involved when working with a mobile notary because of the added cost of traveling to each client. Though some states have limits on the maximum travel fees that can be charged.
Do Notaries Charge Per Signature?
Notaries can charge per signature in certain states, depending on the type of notarization. Most states require two witness signatures on a Will, with Vermont requiring three. Keep signature requirements in mind as you review the fees charged in your state to accurately estimate the costs of notarizing your Will.
Tips for Reducing Notary Fees
Notary public fees are hard to avoid because you are paying for a service from a licensed individual. Although, there are a few ways you can avoid paying more than you need to when getting your Will notarized. Here are a few tips you can try:
Ask your bank what notary services they provide to account holders. In some cases, they can refer you to a branch that actually does notarize documents for little to no cost.
Check with your friends and family for a connection within your network. This can be another way to reduce or avoid notary fees.
Call your local government offices before visiting a business to get your documents notarized. For example, your local sheriff’s office may offer notary services.
Notary Fees in Each State
It is important to be aware of the notary fees charged by your state to avoid running into unexpected costs. When it comes to notaries, there are a few different costs states regulate. The first is acknowledgements, which is when a signer verifies their identity before a notary and agrees to the content of said document. This is typically what is required to notarize a will.
States also establish fees for Jurats, which is when individuals recite an affirmation certifying the truth of a document. These are used for documents in the justice system. Similarly, states also regulate fees for verbal oaths. This is when an individual takes an oath on their honor or to a religious being, and can be used for a variety of purposes. Finally, as i mentioned above states will also regulate the maximum travel fees charged by mobile notaries.
Search the list below to learn about how much are notary fees in your state
Alabama Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Alaska Notary Fees
Notaries may set their own fees
Arizona Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $2 per signature
Jurats: $2 per signature
Verbal Oath: $2 per person
Arkansas Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
California Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $10 per signature
Jurats: $10 per signature
Verbal Oath: $10 per person
Colorado Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5, or $10 with an e-notarization
Jurats: $5, or $10 with an e-notarization
Verbal Oath: $5
Connecticut Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Travel Fees: 35 cents per mile
Delaware Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5, or $25 with an e-notarization
Jurats: $5, or $25 with an e-notarization
Verbal Oath: $5
D.C. Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Florida Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $10
Jurats: $10
Verbal Oath: $10
Georgia Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $2
Jurats: $2
Verbal Oath: $2
Hawaii Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Idaho Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $2
Jurats: $2
Verbal Oath: $2
Illinois Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $1
Jurats: $1
Verbal Oath: $1
Indiana Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $2
Jurats: $2
Verbal Oath: $2
Iowa Notary Fees
Notaries may set their own fees
Kansas Notary Fees
Notaries may set their own fees
Kentucky Notary Fees
Notaries may set their own fees
Louisiana Notary Fees
Notaries may set their own fees
Maine Notary Fees
Notaries may set their own fees
Maryland Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $4
Jurats: $4
Verbal Oath: $4
Travel Fees: $5 base, and 31 cents per mile
Massachusetts Notary Fees
Notaries may set their own fees
Michigan Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $10
Jurats: $10
Verbal Oath: $10
Minnesota Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Mississippi Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Missouri Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $2 per signature
Jurats: $2 per signature
Verbal Oath: $1
Montana Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $10
Jurats: $10
Verbal Oath: $10
Nebraska Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $2
Verbal Oath: $2
Travel Fees: 51 cents per mile (for serving notice of protest only)
Nevada Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5 for first signature, $2.50 for each following signature
Jurats: $5 per signature
Verbal Oath: $2.50
New Hampshire Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $10
Jurats: $10
Verbal Oath: $10
Travel Fees: 20 cents per mile
New Jersey Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $2.50
Jurats: $2.50
Verbal Oath: $2.50
New Mexico Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Travel Fees: 30 cents per mile
New York Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $2
Jurats: $2
Verbal Oath: $2
North Carolina Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
North Dakota Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Ohio Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $2
Jurats: $1.50
Verbal Oath: $2
Oklahoma Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Oregon Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $10
Jurats: $10
Verbal Oath: $10
Pennsylvania Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5 for first signature, $2 for each following signature
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Rhode Island Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $1
Jurats: 25 cents
Verbal Oath: 25 cents
Travel Fees: 10 cents per mile
South Carolina Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5 per signature
Jurats: $5 per signature
Verbal Oath: $5 per person
South Dakota Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $10
Jurats: $10
Verbal Oath: $10
Tennessee Notary Fees
Notaries may set their own fees
Texas Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $6 for first signature, $1 for following signatures
Jurats: $6
Verbal Oath: $6
Utah Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Travel Fees: Federal Mileage Rate
Vermont Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: 50 cents
Jurats: 50 cents
Verbal Oath: 50 cents
Virginia Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5, or $25 with an e-notarization
Jurats: $5, or $25 with an e-notarization
Verbal Oath: $5
Washington Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $10
Jurats: $10
Verbal Oath: $10
West Virginia Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5 per signature
Jurats: $5 per signature
Verbal Oath: $5
Wisconsin Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5
Jurats: $5
Verbal Oath: $5
Wyoming Notary Fees
Acknowledgements: $5 per signature
Jurats: $5 per signature
Verbal Oath: $5 per person
Fees should never discourage you from taking the extra step to get your Will notarized during the Estate Planning process. While each state does have different regulations, the total cost of notary fees is often well worth it by looking at the benefits. A notarized Will can prevent your final wishes from stalling in probate court and can protect your beneficiaries from facing legal challenges after your death.
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Estate Planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your future. Not sure where to start? Trust and Will can help! Take our simple quiz to discover the right Estate Plan for you.
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