A virtual notary (also called a remote online notary, or RON) lets you get a document notarized over a secure video call instead of meeting in person. In 2026 you can expect to pay somewhere between $25 and $150 per notarization depending on the platform, the state, and how many signatures you need. Here is exactly what drives the price, what it costs in New York, and how to avoid overpaying.
1 What drives the price
Virtual notary pricing comes down to a few things:
- Number of notarial acts. You are charged per signature or seal, not per document. A form with three signatures is three acts.
- State fee caps. Each state sets a maximum an online notary can charge per act. New York allows up to $25; some states allow less.
- Platform or convenience fees. Some services add a session or technology fee on top of the per-act charge.
- Speed. A notary who is online right now, nights, or weekends may charge a small rush premium.
2 What it costs in New York
New York law sets clear caps, which keeps online notarization affordable and transparent:
| Type | New York fee |
|---|---|
| Online / remote notarization | Up to $25 per act |
| Traditional in-person notarization | $2 per act |
| Mobile notary travel | Not capped, agreed in advance |
So a single online notarization in New York typically lands right around $25, which is why our remote online notary service starts at $25. No printing, no driving, no paper.
3 Virtual vs mobile vs in-person
Price is only part of the choice. Here is the quick trade-off:
- Virtual (online): cheapest and fastest for simple documents. From about $25. Done from your couch.
- Mobile: the notary travels to you. You pay the notarial fee plus a travel fee. Best for wet-ink documents or signers who cannot use video.
- In-person at a location: lowest notarial fee ($2 in NY) but you do the traveling.
4 How to avoid overpaying
- Count your signatures before you book so you are not surprised by per-act pricing.
- Ask whether the quoted price includes the platform fee or adds it at checkout.
- Send a clean PDF of the unsigned document; it makes the session faster and avoids re-dos.
- Confirm the party receiving your document accepts remote online notarization before you pay.
Need a document notarized online today?
Secure video, valid, and done in minutes for signers anywhere in the U.S., starting at $25.
Usually $25 to $50 for a standard single-signature document, more for extra signatures, multiple documents, or rush service. In New York the online notarization fee is capped at $25 per act.
Is online notarization cheaper than mobile?
Usually yes, because there is no travel fee. Mobile pricing adds a travel charge on top of the notarial fee.
Do I need to be in New York to use a New York online notary?
No. You can be anywhere in the U.S. The notary must be in New York, but the signer can be elsewhere with a valid ID and a camera.
What do I need for a virtual notarization?
A device with a camera, a stable internet connection, a valid government photo ID, and your unsigned document as a PDF.
Related reading: how much a notary costs in NY and our full remote online notary service.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Fees, state caps, and remote online notarization rules can change. Confirm current pricing and requirements before you book.