12 minute read

Notary Fees - A State by State Guide

Notary fees vary from state to state, so we put together a complete guide covering everything you need to know about notary fees and your Estate Plan.

Patrick Hicks

Patrick Hicks, @PatrickHicks

Head of Legal, Trust & Will

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. 

Is there a question here we didn’t answer? Reach out to us today or Chat with a live member support representative!

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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