Notary services at post offices can vary by location, document type, and urgency. The main cost drivers are per-signature fees, state-allowed notary charges, and any special processing or travel requirements.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notary per signature | $0 | $5 | $15 | Most locations charge a nominal fee; some offer free service |
| Document type surcharge | $0 | $2 | $8 | Affidavits or complex forms may incur a higher fee |
| Travel/special processing | $0 | $3 | $10 | Mobile services or after-hours issues may add cost |
| Total typical cost per notarization | $0 | $5-$10 | $15-$40 | Ranges reflect document complexity and location |
Overview Of Costs
Costs typically include per-signature fees and possible document-specific surcharges. In most U.S. post offices, a standard notarization costs a few dollars, with higher charges for special documents or expedited service. Assumptions: region, document type, and presence of both signer and identity verification.
Cost Breakdown
Breakdown shows how money goes toward each component. The table uses totals and per-unit metrics to reflect typical scenarios at post offices nationwide.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee (per signature) | $0 | $5 | $15 | Most offices charge within this range |
| Document Type Surcharge | $0 | $2 | $8 | Special forms or affidavits may incur more |
| Identity Verification / Documentation | $0 | $1 | $5 | Costs vary by required verification steps |
| Delivery, Travel, or After-Hours Fee | $0 | $3 | $10 | Mobile notary option or after-hours service adds cost |
| Taxes & Overhead | $0 | $1 | $3 | Typically minimal but included in totals |
Factors That Affect Price
Price varies by region, document complexity, and service level. Notary cost can rise for multi-page affidavits, mortgage documents, or when a same-day appointment is required. The availability of free or low-cost options may differ by location and time of day.
Price By Region
Regional differences can shift the typical cost range. Urban post offices often see higher per-signature fees or surcharges than rural locations due to demand and staffing. Expect roughly +/- 20-40% variation when comparing city centers, suburbs, and rural branches.
Regional Price Differences
- Urban: Higher base fees and potential rush surcharges.
- Suburban: Moderate pricing with occasional specials.
- Rural: Lower average costs, but limited appointment windows.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots illustrate typical costs across common cases.
- Basic Notarization – 1 signature, standard form, in a suburban post office. Notary Fee: $5; Document Surcharge: $2; Identity Verification: $0; Travel/After-Hours: $0; Total: $7.00. Assumptions: single-page form, standard ID checked on-site.
- Mid-Range Notarization – 2 signatures, simple mortgage-related form, urban branch. Notary Fee: $10; Document Surcharge: $4; Identity Verification: $1; Travel: $0; Tax/Overhead: $2; Total: $19. Assumptions: basic mortgage doc, on-site service.
- Premium Notarization – 3 signatures, complex affidavit with expedited service, same-day appointment. Notary Fee: $15; Document Surcharge: $8; Identity Verification: $5; Travel/After-Hours: $10; Taxes/Overhead: $3; Total: $44. Assumptions: high-document complexity, urgent timeline.
What Drives Price
Legal requirements, document complexity, and appointment timing drive pricing. Mortgage affidavits or power-of-attorney forms tend to be priced higher due to compliance checks and added verification steps. Availability of mobile or after-hours services can also push costs upward.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Some post offices charge for extras beyond notarization. Examples include expedited processing, copy fees, or handling of large-volume filings. Always ask for a written quote before proceeding to avoid surprises, especially for complex documents.
Ways To Save
Strategies help keep costs predictable and low. Schedule during off-peak hours, bring all required IDs and documents to minimize re-visits, and check if nearby banks or libraries offer free or low-cost notary services as alternatives. Consider combining multiple documents in one appointment when permitted to spread the fixed fee.
Pricing FAQ
Common questions about post office notary pricing have quick answers. Do post offices offer free notary services? Some branches may, but many charge a small fee. Can you negotiate a lower price? Not typically, but you can compare regional options and timing to reduce total spend. Do notary costs include copies? Often not; request a separate quote for any copies or scans.