If you’re a notary public in the United States, you may have noticed a curious trend: notaries don’t often share or advertise their fees. In an era of online marketing, price comparisons, and fee transparency, this silence might seem odd. But it’s not without reason.

In fact, not discussing fees openly is not only a smart business move—it’s often a legally and ethically sound one. Here’s why discretion around fees is common (and wise) among U.S. notaries.

1. Most States Cap Notary Fees

The biggest reason notaries often avoid publicizing their fees is because they usually don’t set them. In nearly every U.S. state, notaries are legally limited in what they can charge for a notarial act.

• New York: $2 per notarization.
• California: Up to $15 per signature notarized.
• Florida: $10 per notarial act.

That means your fees are predetermined by law—and there’s very little competitive advantage in advertising what everyone else is charging. Clients can easily look up the max allowable fee in their state’s notary handbook, so there’s no mystery.

📌 Important note: Some states even require notaries to display a fee schedule or make it available upon request, but they don’t require or encourage posting it online, in ads, or on social media.

2. Posting Your Fee Can Invite Trouble

Even if you’re allowed to charge for additional services—like mobile travel, printing, or loan signings—advertising those fees publicly can backfire.

• You may inadvertently mislead clients if the price doesn’t apply to all services or situations.
• Some states don’t allow you to bundle notarial fees with non-notarial services.
• If you do charge more than the state allows (even accidentally), you could face fines, suspension, or worse.

That’s why it’s often safer to discuss fees directly with the client, especially when you can explain the breakdown (e.g., $10 for the notarization, $35 for mobile travel, etc.).

3. It Encourages Price Shopping Instead of Quality Seeking

Advertising your fees can turn your professional service into a commodity—inviting clients to shop for “the cheapest notary” rather than the most qualified one.

Let’s face it: $5 or $10 isn’t usually the deciding factor in whether a legal document is executed correctly. But if price is front and center, that’s what clients will focus on—and you may lose out to someone less experienced just because they charge $1 less.

By keeping fee discussions private, you can shift the focus to your experience, professionalism, availability, and added value, such as:

• Flexible scheduling
• Specialty knowledge (like loan signings or real estate closings)
• Same-day or emergency service
• Experience with specific document types (e.g., POAs, affidavits, apostilles)

4. It Keeps You in Control of the Conversation

Fee conversations, when handled one-on-one, allow you to:

• Explain what the client is paying for (e.g., not just a signature, but identity verification, fraud prevention, and legal compliance).
• Customize your service quote depending on location, urgency, number of signatures, and more.
• Avoid misunderstandings or clients trying to negotiate based on incomplete or outdated information from your website or ad.

It’s easier to build trust when the client sees you as a professional—not a bargain service provider.

5. You’re Selling a Service, Not a Price

Notaries are entrusted to uphold the law, deter fraud, and protect the public. That’s a serious responsibility—not just a stamp and a fee.

When you emphasize your value over your price, you attract clients who respect what you do—and are willing to pay a fair (and legal) fee for quality service.

Remember: You’re not “just notarizing.” You’re providing peace of mind that a document was signed willingly, knowingly, and legally.

Final Thoughts

In the U.S., notaries don’t often advertise their fees—and for good reason. Between state-mandated limits, risk of noncompliance, and the desire to attract quality-focused clients, being discreet about fees is often the best move.

Instead of selling your service on price, sell it on professionalism, convenience, and trust. Educate your clients when you discuss fees, and use that opportunity to show them the value of hiring you—not just “a notary.”