One of the most common questions when making an affidavit is: "How much will the notary charge?" The answer isn't always clear — because notary fees vary by state, document type, and even the individual notary.
In this complete price guide, we'll break down notary fees across India — with state-wise rates, hidden charges, and money-saving tips.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
A Notary Public is a government-appointed officer authorized to:
- Verify your identity and witness signatures
- Attest affidavits, agreements, and declarations
- Certify copies of original documents
- Administer oaths and affirmations
- Prepare legal instruments
Notaries are appointed under the Notaries Act, 1952, and their fees are governed by state-specific Notaries Rules.
Key point: Notary fees are set by each state government, but enforcement is inconsistent. Metro cities tend to charge more than smaller towns.
Notary Fees for Common Documents
| Document Type | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Simple affidavit (income, self, address) | ₹50 – ₹100 |
| Name change affidavit | ₹100 – ₹200 |
| Marriage affidavit | ₹100 – ₹250 |
| Bank affidavit | ₹50 – ₹150 |
| Lost document affidavit | ₹100 – ₹200 |
| Property affidavit | ₹150 – ₹500 |
| Character certificate affidavit | ₹50 – ₹150 |
| Power of Attorney | ₹500 – ₹2,000 |
| Will / Testament | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Sale deed attestation | ₹200 – ₹500 |
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General Affidavit Self AffidavitState-wise Notary Fees (Approximate)
Here's a state-wise reference for what notaries typically charge for affidavits:
| State | Simple Affidavit | Complex Document |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹50 – ₹100 | ₹500 – ₹2,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹50 – ₹100 | ₹300 – ₹1,500 |
| Maharashtra | ₹100 – ₹200 | ₹500 – ₹2,500 |
| Karnataka | ₹50 – ₹150 | ₹400 – ₹2,000 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹50 – ₹150 | ₹500 – ₹2,000 |
| West Bengal | ₹50 – ₹100 | ₹400 – ₹1,500 |
| Gujarat | ₹50 – ₹100 | ₹300 – ₹1,500 |
| Rajasthan | ₹50 – ₹100 | ₹300 – ₹1,500 |
| Kerala | ₹50 – ₹150 | ₹400 – ₹2,000 |
| Punjab | ₹50 – ₹150 | ₹400 – ₹2,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | ₹50 – ₹100 | ₹300 – ₹1,500 |
| Bihar | ₹50 – ₹100 | ₹300 – ₹1,200 |
Note: These are approximate ranges based on market rates. Always confirm with the notary upfront.
Hidden Charges to Watch Out For
While notary fees are usually transparent, some notaries add extra charges. Watch out for:
- Photocopy charges — ₹5 to ₹10 per page
- "Urgent service" fee — ₹100 to ₹500 for same-day service
- Extra copies fee — ₹50 to ₹100 per additional attested copy
- Witness charge — Some notaries charge for providing witnesses (unethical)
- Stamp paper markup — Charging more than face value for stamp paper
- "Registration" fee — Notaries cannot charge for registration
Red flag: If a notary charges GST, refuses to give a receipt, or quotes a fee way above the prescribed range — walk away and find another notary.
How to Save Money on Notarization
- Download the format free. Use a free affidavit format from AffidavitFormat.com instead of paying a draftsman.
- Bring your own copies. Print extra copies at home to avoid per-page photocopy charges.
- Go during regular hours. Avoid urgent/same-day charges.
- Compare notaries. If there are multiple notaries nearby, compare rates.
- Avoid witness charges. Bring your own witnesses — they should never be paid.
- Buy stamp paper yourself. Purchase from a licensed vendor, not the notary.
- Get a receipt. Notaries who issue receipts generally charge standard rates.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Hiring a Draftsman
| Item | DIY (Free Format) | Hiring Draftsman |
|---|---|---|
| Format preparation | ₹0 (free download) | ₹500 – ₹2,000 |
| Stamp paper | ₹10 – ₹100 | ₹10 – ₹100 |
| Notary charges | ₹50 – ₹200 | ₹50 – ₹200 |
| Total | ₹60 – ₹300 | ₹560 – ₹2,300 |
By using a free format, you can save ₹500 to ₹2,000 per affidavit.
Is GST Charged on Notary Fees?
No. Notary services provided by individuals are exempt from GST under Indian law, as they're classified as legal services offered by natural persons.
If a notary charges GST, it's a red flag — ask for their GSTIN and refuse to pay unless they provide a proper tax invoice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Notarization typically costs ₹50 to ₹200 for affidavits and ₹500 to ₹2,000 for complex documents like Power of Attorney.
Some states prescribe maximum fees under the Notaries Rules, but enforcement is inconsistent. Metro cities generally charge more.
No, notary services provided by individuals are exempt from GST in India.
Notary fees are prescribed by state rules, but for simple affidavits, some notaries may charge slightly above the minimum.
No, witnesses are not paid. They just need to be present with valid ID proof during notarization.
Final Thoughts
Notary fees in India are affordable — typically ₹50 to ₹200 for affidavits. If you download a free format and buy stamp paper yourself, your total cost for a legally valid affidavit is usually under ₹300.
Avoid hidden charges by asking upfront, bringing your own copies and witnesses, and requesting a receipt.
At AffidavitFormat.com, all our formats are free and notary-ready — so you only pay for stamp paper and the notary.
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