How Much Does a Notary Charge in Illinois?

Illinois sets a maximum fee that notaries can charge per notarized signature, but mobile notaries also charge travel fees that vary based on distance and appointment type. Understanding the full cost breakdown helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

The Illinois Statutory Notary Fee

Illinois law under the Illinois Notary Public Act sets a maximum notary fee of $1.00 per notarized signature. This fee covers the actual notarial act — the notary witnessing your signature and applying their official seal.

This is the maximum fee a notary may charge for each individual signature they notarize. A document requiring three notarized signatures would cost a maximum of $3.00 in notary fees, not counting travel.

Mobile Notary Travel Fees

In addition to the per-signature fee, mobile notaries in Illinois charge a travel fee to cover their time and transportation costs. Travel fees are not regulated by state law and are set by each notary individually. Typical ranges are:

• Local appointments (under 10 miles): $25 to $50
• Standard appointments (10 to 25 miles): $50 to $75
• Extended travel (25 to 50 miles): $75 to $100
• After-hours or weekend appointments: Add $25 to $50 premium

Always confirm the travel fee with your notary before scheduling. Most mobile notaries are transparent about their pricing upfront.

Typical Total Costs by Appointment Type

General document notarization

For a single document with one or two signatures, total cost including travel typically runs $30 to $75 depending on distance. This covers most common needs like affidavits, powers of attorney, and vehicle title transfers.

Real estate closings and loan signings

Loan signing appointments involve packages of mortgage documents that can run 100 to 200 pages with multiple notarized signatures. Total cost for a standard loan signing typically runs $75 to $150. Certified loan signing agents may charge more due to their specialized training and experience.

Hospital and care facility visits

Notaries who travel to hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities often charge a premium for their time and flexibility. Expect to pay $100 to $200 for these appointments, especially if they require scheduling around medical staff availability.

Remote online notarization (RON)

Remote online notarization via video call typically costs $25 to $50 per session since there is no travel involved. Illinois authorized RON in 2021 and a growing number of notaries offer this service.

Where to Find Free or Low-Cost Notary Services

If cost is a concern, some institutions offer free notary services to their customers:

• Banks and credit unions — many offer free notary services to account holders during business hours
• Public libraries — some Illinois public libraries offer free notary services by appointment
• UPS and FedEx stores — typically charge $5 to $15 per signature
• AAA offices — free for members
• Employer HR departments — many large employers have a notary on staff

Keep in mind that these options require you to travel to their location and may have limited availability. For time-sensitive documents or situations requiring in-home service, a mobile notary is worth the additional cost.

Tips for Getting the Best Price

• Ask about pricing upfront before confirming an appointment
• Bundle multiple documents into one appointment to save on travel fees
• Schedule during regular business hours to avoid after-hours premiums
• If you have multiple signers, confirm whether the notary charges per person or per appointment
• Compare rates from two or three notaries in your area before booking