A notary in New York costs less than most people expect, because the state sets the maximum by law. The notarial act itself is capped at $2 per signature. What changes the total is how you get it done: come to an office and it is a couple of dollars, have a mobile notary come to you and you add a travel fee, or go online and it is capped at $25. Here is the full 2026 breakdown so you know exactly what you should pay.
1 What the law caps
Under New York Executive Law, a notary public may charge a maximum of $2.00 for each notarial act, such as taking an acknowledgment or administering an oath. For electronic and remote online notarization, the cap is higher: up to $25.00 per act. Those are the ceilings; a notary can charge less, but not more, for the act itself.
| Service | Notarial fee (NY) |
|---|---|
| In-person notarization | $2 per act |
| Online / remote notarization | Up to $25 per act |
| Mobile (notary comes to you) | $2 per act + travel fee |
2 Mobile and travel fees
Here is where the real cost lives for most people. The $2 act fee is tiny, but a mobile notary travels to your home, office, or hospital, and New York does not cap that travel or convenience fee. It is agreed in advance and reflects distance, time of day, and urgency. That is normal and legal, you are paying for the convenience of not going anywhere.
3 Online notarization
If your document allows it, online is often the best value: capped at $25 per act, no travel fee, and done in minutes over secure video. You can be anywhere in the U.S.; the notary just has to be in New York. See our remote online notary service, which starts at $25. For a deeper look at online pricing, read how much a virtual notary costs.
4 What you will actually pay
- You go to the notary: about $2 per signature.
- Notary comes to you: $2 per signature plus a travel fee set in advance.
- Online: up to $25 per act, no travel, done remotely.
- Specialty services like apostille or I-9 verification are priced separately from the notarial act.
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The notarial act is capped at $2 per signature in person, or up to $25 per act online. Mobile notaries add a travel fee that is agreed in advance.
Why do mobile notaries charge more than $2?
The $2 is only the act fee. Mobile notaries also charge a travel or convenience fee for coming to you, which New York does not cap.
Is online notarization more expensive in NY?
The online act fee is higher ($25 vs $2), but there is no travel fee, so it is often cheaper overall than having a notary drive to you.
Are apostille and I-9 services part of the notary fee?
No. Those are separate services with their own pricing, on top of any notarization.
Related: how much a virtual notary costs and our mobile notary service.
This article is general information, not legal advice. New York fee caps and rules can change. Confirm current pricing before you book.