💰 Quick Answer: How Much Does Online Notarization Cost?
Online notary services typically cost between $15-$39 per notarization, with most platforms charging around $25. This includes the notary fee, technology platform fee, and digital certificate. Business accounts and rush services may cost more.
✓ Standard notarization: $25 | ✓ Per signature: $25 | ✓ Average session: 15 minutes
Online Notary Pricing Overview
Understanding online notary costs helps you budget for document notarization and choose the right service. Unlike traditional in-person notarization that varies by location and requires travel, online notarization has more standardized pricing.
What's Included in the Cost?
When you pay for online notarization, you're covering several services:
- Notary Professional Fee - The licensed notary's service charge
- Platform Technology Fee - Access to secure video conferencing and document management
- Digital Certificate - Electronic seal and signature with tamper-evident technology
- Secure Storage - Document archival (typically 7-10 years)
- Identity Verification - Multi-factor authentication and ID scanning
- Audit Trail - Complete session recording and transaction log
Most platforms charge a flat fee per notarization, making it easy to budget. Some charge per document, while others charge per signature or seal.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Typical Cost Components
Base Notary Fee
$15-$25
Platform Technology Fee
$5-$10
Digital Certificate
$3-$5
Rush Service (optional)
+$10-$20
Total Per Notarization
$25-$39
Pricing Models Explained
Online notary platforms use different pricing structures:
- Per Notarization - One flat fee regardless of document pages (most common)
- Per Signature - Charged for each signature requiring notarization
- Per Document - Fee varies based on document type or complexity
- Subscription Plans - Monthly fee for unlimited or discounted notarizations (business)
- Volume Discounts - Reduced rates for multiple documents in one session
Platform-by-Platform Pricing Comparison
Here's how major online notary platforms compare in cost and value:
Best Value
Notarize
$25
per notarization
-
Available 24/7
✓ Yes
-
Avg Wait Time
2-5 min
-
Rush Service
+$15
-
Storage Period
10 years
-
Mobile App
✓ Free
Start at $25 →
Most Affordable
NotaryLive
$15
per notarization
-
Available 24/7
✓ Yes
-
Avg Wait Time
5-10 min
-
Rush Service
N/A
-
Storage Period
7 years
-
Mobile App
✓ Free
Start at $15 →
Comprehensive Price Comparison Table
| Platform |
Standard Price |
Rush Service |
Business Plans |
Best For |
| Notarize |
$25 |
$40 (instant) |
Custom pricing |
Fast service |
| NotaryLive |
$15 |
Not available |
From $99/mo |
Budget-conscious |
| Proof |
$25 |
$35 (priority) |
From $199/mo |
Business users |
| DocVerify |
$29 |
$39 (expedited) |
Custom pricing |
Real estate |
| Notarize.com |
$25 |
Not available |
From $149/mo |
Mobile users |
Want detailed reviews of each platform? Check our comprehensive comparison guide for features, pros, and cons.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
While most online notary platforms are transparent about pricing, be aware of these potential additional costs:
⚠️ Common Additional Fees
- Failed ID Verification - Some platforms charge if your ID doesn't pass verification
- Cancelled Sessions - Late cancellation fees (typically $10-$15)
- Document Preparation - Fees for template access or document formatting
- Extra Copies - Additional certified copies beyond the first
- Expedited Processing - Rush fees for immediate service
- Technical Support - Premium support outside business hours
What's NOT Included
Online notary fees typically don't cover:
- Document preparation or legal advice
- Multiple signature requirements (each signature is charged separately)
- State filing or recording fees for official documents
- Apostille services for international use (typically $50-$100 extra)
- Translation services for non-English documents
✓ What IS Included
Reputable platforms include these at no extra charge:
- Identity verification (knowledge-based authentication)
- Secure video session with licensed notary
- Digital notarial certificate with seal
- Tamper-evident technology
- Document storage (7-10 years)
- Audit trail and session recording
- Basic customer support
State-by-State Pricing Variations
While online notary costs are more standardized than traditional notary fees, some states have maximum fee caps or different regulations that can affect pricing:
States with Price Caps
Texas
$25
State maximum per notarization
Virginia
$25
State maximum per notarization
Florida
$25
Standard RON fee cap
Nevada
$30
Higher state maximum
Montana
$25
State regulated pricing
Tennessee
$25
Capped by state law
Most states allow notaries to set their own fees for online notarization, but some have maximums ranging from $25-$30. The platform fee structure usually stays consistent regardless of state.
💡 State-Specific Considerations
Beyond pricing, states have different rules that can affect your experience:
- Multi-state notarization - Some notaries are commissioned in multiple states, offering more availability
- Document types - Certain states restrict what can be notarized online (e.g., wills, trusts)
- Recording fees - If your document needs state filing, fees vary widely ($10-$100+)
Learn more about state-specific requirements and regulations.
How to Save Money on Online Notarization
Smart strategies to reduce your online notary costs:
1. Bundle Multiple Documents
Many platforms offer discounts when you notarize multiple documents in a single session. Instead of $25 x 3 = $75, you might pay $60-$65 total.
2. Use Standard Service Instead of Rush
Unless you need immediate notarization, standard service saves $10-$20 per transaction. Most standard appointments are available within 15-30 minutes anyway.
3. Choose Budget-Friendly Platforms
NotaryLive at $15 is perfect for straightforward documents. You'll save $10+ per notarization compared to premium platforms, though you may wait slightly longer for a notary.
4. Take Advantage of First-Time Discounts
Many platforms offer promotional pricing for new users:
- First notarization at reduced rate
- Referral bonuses ($5-$10 off)
- Seasonal promotions (check during tax season, moving season)
5. Business Subscription Plans
If you need regular notarizations (more than 5 per month), subscription plans can save 30-50%:
- 5 notarizations/month: $99/mo (vs $125 pay-as-you-go) = $26 savings
- 10 notarizations/month: $149/mo (vs $250 pay-as-you-go) = $101 savings
- Unlimited plans: Starting at $299/mo for high-volume users
6. Prepare Documents Properly
Avoid failed sessions (and lost fees) by:
- Having valid government-issued ID ready
- Testing your webcam and internet beforehand
- Reviewing document requirements
- Being in a quiet, well-lit location
✓ Cost Comparison: Online vs Traditional
Online notarization can actually save money compared to traditional options:
- Traditional notary: $5-$15 base fee + travel time + gas + parking = $20-$30 total cost
- Mobile notary: $75-$150 (travel fee) + $10-$15 per signature = $85-$165
- Online notary: $15-$25 fixed, from home = $15-$25 total cost
Online is often the most cost-effective option, especially considering time savings.
Business & Enterprise Pricing
If you're a business with regular notarization needs, specialized pricing plans offer better value:
Business Plan Features
- Volume Discounts - Reduced per-notarization costs (as low as $10-$15)
- Priority Support - Dedicated account manager and technical support
- API Integration - Embed notarization into your workflow or platform
- White-Label Options - Branded experience for your clients
- Team Management - Multiple user accounts with admin controls
- Advanced Analytics - Detailed reporting and compliance tracking
- Custom Workflows - Tailored processes for your industry
Typical Business Pricing Tiers
Business Plan Examples
Starter (5-10/month)
$99-149/mo
Professional (25-50/month)
$299-499/mo
Enterprise (100+/month)
Custom pricing
Industries with Special Pricing
Some platforms offer industry-specific packages:
- Real Estate - Closing packages with title integration ($399-$999/mo)
- Legal Firms - Unlimited notarizations + document management ($599+/mo)
- Financial Services - Compliance-focused with audit trails (custom)
- Healthcare - HIPAA-compliant notarization solutions (custom)
- Education - Student document verification packages ($199+/mo)
Contact platforms directly for enterprise quotes - pricing is negotiable based on volume and features needed.
Online Notary Cost Calculator
Estimate your total costs based on your specific needs:
Sample Cost Scenarios
Scenario 1: Single Document (Standard)
1 document, standard service
$25
Platform: Notarize
$25
Total Cost
$25
Scenario 2: Multiple Documents (Budget)
3 documents, standard service
$15 each
Platform: NotaryLive
3 × $15
Total Cost
$45
Scenario 3: Rush Service
1 document, instant service
$25 + $15
Platform: Notarize (rush)
$40
Total Cost
$40
Scenario 4: Business Monthly (10 docs)
10 documents per month
Subscription
Business plan vs pay-as-you-go
$149 vs $250
Monthly Savings
$101
Your Cost Variables
Consider these factors when estimating costs:
- Frequency: One-time vs regular notarization needs
- Urgency: Standard wait (free) vs rush service (+$10-$20)
- Document count: Single vs multiple documents per session
- Platform choice: Budget ($15) vs premium ($25-$39)
- Business needs: Individual vs team/enterprise requirements
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Notary Costs
How much does online notarization typically cost?
Online notarization typically costs between $15-$39 per notarization, with the average being around $25. NotaryLive offers the most affordable option at $15, while platforms like Notarize and Proof charge $25. Rush or instant service adds $10-$20 to the base price.
This flat fee includes the notary service, platform technology, digital certificate, identity verification, and secure document storage for 7-10 years.
Is online notarization cheaper than traditional notary services?
Yes, online notarization is often more cost-effective when you factor in the total expenses:
- Traditional notary: $5-$15 base fee + travel time + gas + parking = $20-$30 total
- Mobile notary: $75-$150 (includes travel fee)
- Online notary: $15-$25 fixed price from home
Online notarization saves money and time, especially if you need service outside business hours or live in rural areas.
Are there any hidden fees with online notary services?
Reputable platforms are transparent, but watch for these potential additional costs:
- Rush service fees (+$10-$20 for instant notarization)
- Failed ID verification charges (some platforms)
- Late cancellation fees ($10-$15)
- Multiple signature fees (charged per signature, not per document)
- Document preparation or template access fees
Always check the pricing details before starting your session. Most platforms clearly display all fees upfront.
Do online notary prices vary by state?
Online notary pricing is more standardized than traditional notary fees, but some states have maximum fee caps. For example, Texas, Virginia, and Florida cap online notary fees at $25 per notarization, while Nevada allows up to $30.
Most states let notaries set their own fees for RON (Remote Online Notarization), so platform pricing stays consistent regardless of where you're located. However, if your document requires state filing or recording, those fees vary significantly by state ($10-$100+).
Can I get a discount for notarizing multiple documents?
Yes, many platforms offer volume discounts when you notarize multiple documents in one session. Instead of paying full price for each document separately, you might save 10-20% by bundling them together.
For businesses with regular notarization needs, subscription plans provide even better savings - starting at $99/month for 5-10 notarizations (compared to $125-$250 pay-as-you-go).
Always ask about multi-document discounts before starting your session.
What's the cheapest online notary service?
NotaryLive is the most affordable option at $15 per notarization, making it perfect for budget-conscious users with straightforward documents. This is $10 less than most competitors.
While you might wait slightly longer for a notary (5-10 minutes vs 2-5 minutes with premium platforms), you get the same legal validity, 24/7 availability, and secure digital certificate.
For standard documents without time pressure, NotaryLive offers excellent value. Compare all platforms to find the best fit for your needs.
How much does rush or instant online notarization cost?
Rush or instant service typically adds $10-$20 to the base price:
- Notarize: $40 for instant service (vs $25 standard)
- Proof: $35 for priority service (vs $25 standard)
- DocVerify: $39 for expedited (vs $29 standard)
With rush service, you're typically connected to a notary within 1-2 minutes instead of the standard 5-15 minute wait. This is worth it for time-sensitive documents like business contracts or real estate closings.
Are business or enterprise plans worth the cost?
Business plans become cost-effective when you need 5 or more notarizations per month. The savings add up quickly:
- 5 docs/month: $99 plan vs $125 pay-as-you-go = $26/month savings
- 10 docs/month: $149 plan vs $250 pay-as-you-go = $101/month savings
- 25+ docs/month: $299-$499 plans vs $625+ pay-as-you-go = $200+ savings
Beyond cost savings, business plans include priority support, API integration, team management, and advanced analytics - essential features for companies with regular notarization workflows.