Notary Cost Pennsylvania in 2026 - PA Notary Fees and $20 Online Option
If you are searching for notary cost Pennsylvania, you probably want a clear answer before choosing a bank, UPS Store, mobile notary, or online notary. The good news is that Pennsylvania has a state notary fee schedule for many common notarial acts. The confusing part is that the final amount you pay may still depend on the document, the number of names or signatures, and whether extra services are involved.
For many basic notarial acts in Pennsylvania, the fee is commonly $5. But if you need mobile service, after-hours help, printing, scanning, or remote online notarization, the total cost may be higher. That is why it is important to understand the difference between the state notary fee and the total service price.
How Much Does a Notary Cost in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of State sets maximum fees that Pennsylvania notaries may charge for notarial acts. For many everyday documents, the basic notary fee is low. However, a document may involve more than one notarial act, more than one signer, or additional service fees.
Here is a simplified look at common Pennsylvania notary fees:
| Notarial Act | Pennsylvania Fee |
|---|---|
| Taking an acknowledgment, first name | $5 |
| Each additional name in the same acknowledgment certificate | $2 |
| Administering an oath or affirmation | $5 |
| Taking a verification on oath or affirmation | $5 |
| Witnessing or attesting a signature | $5 |
| Certifying or attesting a copy or deposition | $5 |
| Noting a protest of a negotiable instrument | $3 per page |
You can also review the official Pennsylvania fee information on the Pennsylvania Department of State website.
Why the Final Price May Be Higher Than the State Fee
Many people see a $5 notary fee and assume every notarization in Pennsylvania should cost only $5. That is not always how it works. The state fee usually applies to the notarial act itself. Other services may be separate.
Common extra costs may include:
- Mobile notary travel fees
- Printing or scanning fees
- After-hours or weekend availability fees
- Remote online notarization technology fees
- Administrative or clerical service fees
- Extra charges for multiple documents or multiple notarial acts
For example, a mobile notary may charge the state notary fee plus a travel fee. An online notarization may include a technology-related fee. A shipping store or private office may also have service procedures that affect the total price.
How Much Does Online Notarization Cost in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania permits electronic and remote notarization when completed under the proper rules. For notarial acts performed with electronic records or communication technology, an additional fee may be charged. This means online notarization can cost more than a basic in-person notarization, but it may still be more convenient when travel, time, or availability matters.
Online notarization may be a good fit if:
- You need a document notarized without visiting a physical office
- You are busy during normal business hours
- You need a notarized PDF returned by email
- You are outside Pennsylvania or outside the United States
- You want to avoid calling multiple local locations
Before using any online notary option, confirm that the receiving party will accept a remote online notarization. Some agencies, banks, schools, or private companies may have their own document acceptance rules.
Bank, UPS, Mobile Notary, or Online Notary in Pennsylvania?
The best option depends on your deadline, document type, and budget. A low posted fee does not always mean the easiest experience. If you need to travel, wait, print documents, or return later because a notary is unavailable, the real cost may be higher than expected.
| Option | Typical Cost Situation | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Notary | May be free or low-cost for customers, but availability varies | Simple documents during business hours |
| UPS Store Notary | Cost and availability vary by location | People who prefer an in-person store visit |
| Mobile Notary | Usually higher because travel fees may be added | Signers who cannot travel or need location-based service |
| Online Notary | May include technology or platform-related fees | People who want a remote process and electronic delivery |
When a $20 Online Notary May Be the Easier Option
For one-document situations, many people do not need a complicated process. They need a clear price, a valid notarization, and a completed file returned quickly. That is where a flat online option can make sense.
At Notary20, eligible documents can be notarized online for a flat $20 per document. The process is designed for people who want a simple remote option instead of driving to a bank, store, or mobile appointment.
This can be especially helpful for common documents such as:
- Affidavits
- Sworn statements
- Consent letters
- Parental travel consent forms
- Passport copy notarizations
- Lease-related documents
- Business authorization letters
- Financial affidavits
Not every document is eligible for online notarization, and recipient acceptance matters. If your receiving party requires a wet-ink original, witnesses, apostille processing, or a special state-specific format, confirm those requirements before you begin.
What You Need Before Getting a Document Notarized
To avoid delays, prepare everything before the notarization starts. Most notary issues happen because the document is incomplete, the signer has not prepared ID, or the receiving party has special requirements.
- A completed document
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Any required supporting documents
- The recipient's instructions, if available
- A working email address
- For online notarization, a device with camera and internet access
For many documents, you should not leave important blanks unless the form specifically tells you to do so. If the document needs a date, signature, address, or printed name, complete those fields according to the recipient's instructions.
How to Avoid Surprise Notary Costs in Pennsylvania
Before you pay, ask these simple questions:
- Is the price per document, per signature, per seal, or per notarial act?
- Are there extra fees for travel, printing, scanning, or after-hours service?
- Does the document require more than one notarization?
- Will the receiving party accept online notarization?
- How will I receive the final notarized document?
- What ID is required?
A clear answer to these questions can save you time and prevent rejected documents.
Compare Broader Online Notary Pricing
If you want to compare online notary pricing beyond Pennsylvania, read the full guide here:
Start Your Online Notarization
If you need a simple online notary option and your document is eligible, you can start with Notary20. The service is flat $20 per document, and the notarized PDF is returned by email.
FAQ
How much does a notary cost in Pennsylvania?
Many common Pennsylvania notarial acts cost $5 under the state fee schedule. The total cost may be higher if there are additional names, multiple notarial acts, travel fees, online notarization technology fees, or administrative services.
Can a Pennsylvania notary charge more than $5?
The state fee schedule controls the maximum fee for many notarial acts, but separate service fees may apply for items such as travel, printing, scanning, clerical work, or electronic and remote notarization technology.
Is online notarization allowed in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania permits electronic and remote notarization when completed under the proper rules and technology requirements. Always confirm that the receiving party will accept a remotely notarized document.
Is a bank notary cheaper than an online notary?
Sometimes, especially if you are already a bank customer and the branch has a notary available. However, banks usually have limited hours and may not notarize every document type. Online notarization may be more convenient when you need remote service or faster electronic delivery.
What is the easiest option for one simple document?
If your document is eligible and the receiving party accepts online notarization, a flat online notary service may be the easiest option. Notary20 offers eligible online notarizations for $20 per document.