New York has one of the lowest notary fees in the country, and it is set by statute. Knowing what the law covers makes it easy to tell a fair quote from an unfair one.
The statutory fee: $2
Under Executive Law § 136, a New York notary may charge:
| Notarial act | Fee |
|---|---|
| Administering an oath or affirmation | $2 |
| Taking an acknowledgment or proof of execution | $2 for one person, $2 for each additional person |
| Swearing a witness | $2 per witness |
| Electronic notarial act | Up to $25, set by Department of State regulation |
That is the charge for the notarial act itself. A notary cannot charge more than this for the act.
Why a mobile notary costs more than $2
The statute prices the notarial act. It does not price travel. When a notary drives to your home, office, or hospital room, the travel is a separate service with a separate fee, and it should be quoted to you before the appointment so you can agree to it or decline.
A fair mobile quote separates the two: the notarial fee for each act, and the travel fee for coming to you. At SheerForce Notary, travel runs $25 to $50 depending on distance and is quoted before I leave.
Why a loan signing costs $150 or more
A loan signing is not a single notarization. The signing agent prints and checks a package that often runs past a hundred pages, confirms the appointment, walks the borrower through every signature, notarizes several documents, and returns the package to title or the lender on a deadline. The fee is paid for that whole service, usually by the title company or lender rather than the borrower.
Where to get a notarization free or nearly free
If you can travel and your document is simple, you may not need a mobile notary at all:
- Your bank often notarizes for account holders at no charge.
- Town and city clerks often notarize for residents.
- Shipping and office stores usually have a notary on staff during business hours.
A mobile notary earns the travel fee when the signer cannot easily travel, the document needs witnesses, the appointment has to happen outside business hours, or a deadline will not wait.
Questions to ask before you book any notary
- What is the total, and what is the travel fee?
- How many notarial acts does my document need?
- Are witnesses required, and who is supplying them?
Common questions
Is $2 really the legal notary fee in New York?
Yes. Executive Law § 136 sets the fee for an oath or an acknowledgment at $2. Fees for travel are separate from the notarial fee.
Can a notary charge a travel fee in New York?
The statute sets the fee for the notarial act and does not set a travel fee. Mobile notaries charge for travel as a separate service, and you should be told the amount before the appointment.
How much does an electronic notarization cost?
A registered electronic notary may charge up to $25 per electronic notarial act.
Sources
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This guide is general information about New York notarial practice. It is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a New York attorney.