The parts of the work
A signing fee commonly covers receiving and reviewing the package, printing it, traveling to the signer, conducting the appointment, completing the journal, scanning the documents, and shipping the originals. A short meeting can sit on top of an hour of preparation and follow-up.
Fees are set by the agent or the signing company and vary by market and complexity.
Who pays
Typically the lender, title company or signing service pays the agent, and the cost appears in closing costs for the borrower. Sometimes a customer books a notary directly and pays at the appointment. The Closing Disclosure shows the amounts charged to the borrower.
A borrower is not usually asked to hand cash to the agent unless it was arranged.
Add-ons and special circumstances
Agents may charge extra for long drives, very large packages, extra signers in separate places, weekends or late evenings, hospital or facility access, and rush requests. Cancellations without notice or signers who do not show can lead to a no-show or trip fee, depending on the agreement.
Ask for any extra charges before agreeing.
Fees set by law
Some states cap what a notary may charge for each notarial act. Mobile travel and signing services are often priced separately from the act itself, but the rules depend on the state. Check the current fee rules with the commissioning agency before relying on a number you read online.
Clear written quotes protect both sides.
How to compare
Compare what is included, not only the total. Does the price include printing, scanbacks and overnight shipping? What are the cutoff and cancellation policies? What proof of insurance can the agent show? A lower quote that leaves out printing or follow-up may cost more in the end. MCC Solutions explains the pricing parts clearly up front. Keep the written assignment so everyone is paid correctly.
Fee conversations with title offices and for borrowers hiring directly
Title offices set budgets per file and expect a clear quote in advance. A good habit is to confirm the fee, add-ons and cutoff time by email when accepting an assignment. If the package grows from a small refinance to a long purchase set, say so before the appointment, not after.
Both sides benefit when scope is clear.
If you book a notary yourself, ask what is included, how payment is taken and whether there is a cancellation fee. Ask whether printing is separate, and whether the quote covers all signers at the same place. Keep the receipt. Avoid anyone who asks for payment through unusual channels or to pay in advance in full.
For title companies and signing services, a fair fee supports reliable service. An agent who can afford to buy quality paper, ink, insurance, scanners and carrier labels is more likely to return a clean package. Pushing fees below the cost of doing the work encourages shortcuts in the places where careful review matters most.
Mistakes that get documents rejected
Not asking what is included leads to surprises. Printing, travel, scanbacks and shipping may be separate charges. Get the scope in writing so you can compare two quotes fairly.
Checklist before you book
Ask what the fee includes. Ask about printing, shipping and scanbacks. Confirm the cancellation and no-show policy. Ask whether the fee changes if the signing takes longer.
Common questions
Why do two quotes for the same signing differ?
Travel distance, printing, scanbacks, shipping and timing affect the price. Compare what each includes.
Is the fee refundable if the signing is canceled?
It depends on the agreement and on how much work was done. Ask for the cancellation terms.
Can the notary charge for waiting?
Some do, if the terms say so. Ask before the appointment.
More notary guides
- NJ Notary Fees: $2.50 Per Act and What Mobile Notaries Add
- Pricing a Mobile Notary Service: A Practical Framework
- Shipping Signed Loan Documents: Carriers, Cutoffs, Tracking
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation.