The average cost to hire a notary is $10 to $15 per notarized document. Additional fees typically apply for loan documents, reverse mortgages, second mortgages, additional borrowers, document printing, document delivery, mobile fees, and travel or waiting time.

Notary fees also vary by state. Each state sets its own fee schedule and the maximum allowable charge. Mobile Notaries can legally charge convenience fees on top of the state's maximum allowed notary charge.

A notary public is a government-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness in the signing of official documents, such as real estate documents, marriage-related documents, wills, and powers of attorney. The notary observes the document signing and confirms the identities of the parties signing, their awareness of the documents' contents and meaning, and their willingness to sign.

Since a notary public must confirm your identity, always bring a current, government-issued photo ID with you. In addition to your ID and the document you need notarized, you may need to bring additional parties with you to serve as witnesses. While some states allow the notary public to act as a witness, others do not. Be sure to check with the notary service near you to confirm the requirements in your state and for your specific document.

When searching for a notary near you, be sure to:

• Check out their profile and reviews on Thervo and Google.
• Check their qualifications on their website and on Notary Public databases.
• Choose a notary public close to your location to avoid additional travel time or hefty travel fees if you are hiring a mobile notary service.
• Choose an insured and bonded notary public who belongs to professional organizations such as the Notary Association of America. Professional organizations typically require members to have ongoing training to keep their education and credentials current.
• Review your state's Notary Public fee schedule on your Secretary of State's website.
• Confirm the notary's fees before signing or agreeing to anything.

Ask the following questions to help you choose the best notary for your needs:

• How long have you been a notary?
• What training and certifications do you have?
• Do you have experience with my specific document?
• Can you notarize this document?
• Have you ever had any issues arise with past documents you've notarized?
• What is an acceptable form of ID?
• What else do I need to have my document notarized?
• Do I need to bring additional witnesses?
• What are your hours?
• What is included in your fee?
• What additional costs should I expect?
• Do you offer mobile notary service?