The answer is straightforward in some cases and less so in others. In North Carolina, the notary fee itself is set by state law; what changes is whether you add travel, printing, or a loan signing.
Here’s a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what you can expect to pay and why.
The base cost: state-regulated fees
Notary fees are often set or capped by state law. This means there is a maximum amount a notary can charge per signature or notarization.
In North Carolina, the maximum is:
- $10 per notarized signature (G.S. 10B-31)
- $10 per person for an oath or affirmation with no signature
For example, if you have:
- One document with one signature → you might pay up to $10
- One document with three signatures → you could pay up to $30
Each notarized signature counts separately.
When notary services are free
Yes, sometimes notarization costs nothing. You can often get free notary services at:
- Banks or credit unions (if you’re a customer)
- Some government offices
- Certain employers or HR departments
It’s always worth checking before you pay.
Mobile notary fees (what convenience costs)
If you choose a mobile notary, you’re paying for convenience.
In North Carolina, the only extra a notary may charge for coming to you is travel: actual mileage at the IRS business rate (76¢ a mile as of July 1, 2026), and only if you agree in writing before we travel. Before we go, we text you the estimated miles (to you and back), the rate and the date, and you reply AGREE. There is no flat trip fee.
Mobile notary pricing
- Notarization
- Up to $10 per signature
- Travel
- Actual mileage at the IRS rate (76¢ a mile), estimated miles agreed in writing before travel
What affects the price:
- Distance traveled
- The number of signatures
You’re not just paying for the stamp. You’re paying for someone to come to you.
Loan signing services (a different pricing tier)
If you’re closing on a home or refinancing, the cost structure changes.
These are called loan signings, and they involve:
- Large document packages
- Multiple signatures and notarizations
- Extended appointment time
Loan signing fees
Loan signings are quoted before you book. The notarizations within a signing are still capped by state law at $10 per notarized signature, travel is mileage you agree to in writing, and printing or courier costs are listed separately. In North Carolina, a licensed attorney handles the closing; we handle the signing appointment and the notarizations only.
A quote can include:
- Printing documents
- Travel, as mileage agreed in writing before travel
This is why loan signings cost more than a simple notarization.
Notarization over video
Some states allow notarization over video. North Carolina’s options are limited. A temporary emergency video notarization law (G.S. 10B-25) allows some acknowledgments, oaths and affirmations over live video when both the signer and the notary are physically in North Carolina, and it ends no later than July 1, 2027. Permanent remote notarization starts only after the Secretary of State licenses platforms.
Availability depends on your state and the type of document.
Extra costs to watch for
Notary pricing is usually straightforward, but there are a few extras that can come up:
- Printing for large document packages (not a notarial fee; booked as an appointment, quoted and billed on site, and you’re welcome to print your own)
- Mileage for mobile appointments, agreed in writing before travel
- Each additional signature, which is notarized and charged separately
Always ask for the total cost upfront to avoid surprises.
What you’re really paying for
It helps to understand what goes into the cost. You’re paying for:
- Identity verification
- Legal compliance
- Fraud prevention
- The notary’s time and availability
In mobile or loan signing situations, you’re also paying for convenience, travel, and expertise.
How to save money on notary services
A few simple strategies can keep costs down:
- Check your bank first
- Come to the office if you can, so there is no mileage
- Organize all documents to avoid repeat visits
- Group multiple documents into one appointment
Small steps can make a noticeable difference.
Final thoughts
Notary costs aren’t complicated once you understand the structure.
At the low end, you might pay nothing. Beyond the $10-per-signature state fee, most of the cost comes from travel, printing, or a full loan package.
The key is knowing what you need:
- Simple notarization → keep it cheap and local
- Complex situation, or a signer who can’t travel → a mobile appointment may be worth the mileage
If you go in prepared and ask the right questions, there won’t be any surprises.
Book a notary appointment
We work by appointment, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, at our Shelby office or your location in Shelby, Kings Mountain and nearby. Please give us 24 hours’ notice when you can. Call +1 (980) 870-0911 or book an appointment.
General information, not legal advice. Notary fees in North Carolina are set by G.S. 10B-31.