Last updated: May 2026
A notary service is the official act of having a state-commissioned notary public verify your identity, witness your signature, and attach a notarial certificate confirming the signing was legitimate and voluntary. Notaries don't validate document content—they prevent fraud by ensuring signers are who they claim to be and aren't under duress. This article explains when you need notarization, what it costs, where to find notaries (including online options), and how remote and in-person services compare.
Last updated: May 2026 | Written by the BlueNotary team — experienced practitioners in remote online notarization
If you've got a real estate closing, a power of attorney, or a business contract that needs notarizing, this article covers exactly what a notary service does, what it costs, and how to get one — including online options that skip the office visit entirely.
What Is a Notary Service?
A notary service refers to the official act of having a notary public — a state-commissioned official — verify the identity of document signers, witness signatures, and attach a notarial certificate confirming the signing was legitimate. The notary isn't vouching for the content of the document. They're confirming that the person who signed it is who they claim to be, and that they signed willingly.
Think of it as an anti-fraud layer. If someone tries to forge your signature on a property deed or a will, a properly notarized document makes that much harder to pull off.
The term is sometimes searched as "notary services" or "notarization service" — these all refer to the same thing.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary public performs several specific functions during a notary service appointment:
- Identity verification: The notary checks your government-issued ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID — to confirm you are who you say you are.
- Witnessing the signature: You sign the document in front of the notary, not before. A pre-signed document usually can't be notarized.
- Administering oaths: For affidavits and sworn statements, the notary places you under oath before you sign.
- Completing the notarial certificate: The notary fills out a certificate (either attached to or stamped on the document) that includes their signature, official seal, and the date of notarization.
- Recording the transaction: Most states require notaries to maintain a journal of every notary service they perform.
What a notary does not do: give legal advice, guarantee the document is legally valid, or act as a witness to the facts in the document.
When Do You Need a Notary?
Not every document requires a notary service. But several common situations do:
- Real estate transactions — deeds, mortgage documents, and refinancing paperwork almost always require notarization.
- Powers of attorney — especially durable or medical POAs, which grant someone authority to act on your behalf.
- Wills and trusts — requirements vary by state, but many estate planning documents need notarization.
- Affidavits and sworn statements — used in court filings, insurance claims, and legal proceedings.
- Vehicle title transfers — many states require a notary service for title changes.
- Business contracts — certain agreements, especially involving real property or large sums, require notarization.
- Adoption paperwork and immigration documents — both often require notarized signatures.
If you're ever unsure, check with the institution or court requesting the document. They'll tell you whether a notary service is required.
Types of Notary Services
Not all notary services work the same way. Here's a breakdown of the main types you'll encounter:
Notary Service Types Compared
| Type | How It Works | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person notary | Signer and notary meet physically | Standard documents, local transactions | $5–$15 per signature |
| Mobile notary | Notary travels to your location | Homebound signers, real estate closings | $50–$200+ per trip |
| Remote online notary (RON) | Video call with digital signing | Multi-state transactions, convenience | $25–$50 per session |
| Medallion notary | Specialized for securities transfers | Stock certificates, investment accounts | $0–$50 at banks |
| Electronic notary (e-notary) | Digital documents, in-person meeting | Hybrid transactions | Varies by state |
A few of these deserve more explanation:
Remote online notary (RON) is the fastest-growing notary service format. The signer and notary connect over a secure video call. The signer verifies their identity through knowledge-based authentication and ID scanning, then signs electronically. The notary applies a digital seal. The whole session is recorded and stored. As of 2025, more than 40 U.S. states have passed remote online notarization laws.
Medallion notary (often called a medallion signature guarantee) is a specialized notary service used specifically for transferring securities like stocks and mutual fund shares. Banks and credit unions typically offer this service. It's not the same as a standard notarization — the institution providing it accepts financial liability for the transaction.
Mobile notary services are popular for real estate closings, hospital visits, and anyone who can't travel. The notary comes to you, which is why the cost is higher.
How Much Does Notary Service Cost?
Notary service fees vary by state, type of service, and where you go. Here's what to expect:
Standard in-person notary: Most states cap per-signature fees between $5 and $15. California caps it at $15 per signature. Texas allows up to $6 per acknowledgment.
Bank of America notary: Bank of America offers free notary service to its account holders at most branch locations. You'll need to make an appointment. This is one of the most cost-effective options for standard documents.
UPS notary service cost: UPS Store locations offer notary services at most locations. UPS notary service cost typically runs $5–$15 per signature, though it varies by location. Call ahead — not every UPS Store has a notary on staff every day.
Mobile notary: Expect to pay $75–$200 for a mobile notary, depending on distance traveled and number of documents.
Online notary service: Remote online notary platforms like BlueNotary typically charge $25–$50 for a complete session, regardless of how many signatures are needed. That's often cheaper than a mobile notary and far more convenient.
Medallion notary: Usually free or low-cost at your bank or credit union, but you must be an account holder. Not all branches offer it.
Why It Matters: Many people overpay for notary services simply because they don't know their options. A bank notary is often free, and an online notary service can handle multi-signature documents for less than a single mobile notary trip.
Remote Online Notary vs In-Person Notary
The choice between an online notary service and an in-person notary comes down to your situation.
When Online Notary Service Makes Sense
- You're in a different state from the notary or the other signing parties
- You need the document notarized quickly — same day or within hours
- You're handling real estate, estate planning, or business contracts remotely
- You have mobility limitations or can't easily travel
- You want a recorded session for added security
When In-Person Notary Service Makes Sense
- Your state hasn't yet enacted RON laws (check your state's current status)
- The receiving institution specifically requires wet-ink signatures
- You're already at a bank or shipping store and the notary is available
- The document is straightforward and you're local
For most people handling document notarization after car accidents, estate planning, or real estate transactions, an online notary service offers the same legal standing as in-person notarization — with significantly less friction. In our work processing thousands of remote notary sessions, we've consistently seen signers complete their documents in half the time compared to scheduling and traveling to an in-person appointment. BlueNotary operates as a fully compliant remote online notary platform, connecting signers with commissioned notaries via secure video sessions.
How to Find a Notary Service Near Me
If you need an in-person notary service, here are the most reliable places to look:
- Your bank or credit union: Most major banks — including Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo — offer free notary service to account holders. Call ahead to confirm availability.
- UPS Store: Most locations have notaries. UPS notary service cost is typically low, but hours and availability vary by location.
- FedEx Office: Similar to UPS, many FedEx Office locations offer notary services.
- Public library: Many libraries offer free or low-cost notary service to community members.
- Law offices: Attorneys and their staff are often commissioned notaries. Some offer notary service as a standalone service.
- Notary finder apps: The National Notary Association's directory at notary.net lists commissioned notaries by zip code.
- Online notary platforms: If you can't find a local notary quickly, BlueNotary connects you with a commissioned notary for a remote session — often within minutes. Visit bluenotary.us to start.
When I review the most common pain points signers report, scheduling conflicts top the list — bank notaries keep business hours, UPS locations have unpredictable notary availability, and mobile notaries often require 24-48 hour advance booking. For those in states like Pennsylvania that have recently expanded digital document laws, Pennsylvania opens doors to e-notarization options that weren't available even a few years ago — meaning more residents can now use online notary services for documents that previously required in-person visits.
Common Questions About Notary Service
How long does a notary service appointment take?
A standard in-person notary service appointment takes 10–20 minutes for simple documents. Complex closings with multiple documents can take 30–60 minutes. A remote online notary session typically runs 15–30 minutes, including identity verification.
Can I notarize a document I already signed?
No — the whole point of a notary service is to witness the signature happening. If you've already signed the document, the notary cannot notarize it. You'll need to re-sign in front of the notary. Some documents allow you to acknowledge a prior signature, but this depends on the document type and state law.
Is an online notary service legally valid?
Yes, in states that have enacted RON legislation — currently more than 40 states. Documents notarized through a compliant online notary service carry the same legal weight as in-person notarizations. The National Notary Association maintains current state-by-state RON status.
What ID do I need for a notary service?
You need a current, government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The ID must not be expired. Some notaries also accept military IDs or tribal IDs, depending on state rules.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary service can be declined if the notary suspects fraud, if the signer appears incapacitated or under duress, if the document is incomplete, or if the notary doesn't understand the language the document is written in. Notaries are not required to explain their refusal.
Final Thoughts
A notary service is simpler than most people expect — and with remote options now widely available, it's faster too. Get your documents notarized through BlueNotary — a secure, legally compliant remote session with a commissioned notary, completed in minutes from wherever you are.
Written by the BlueNotary team — Remote Online Notary Services practitioners. Ready to get started? Visit BlueNotary to learn more.
