If you have ever needed an important document signed and witnessed — a will, a power of attorney, a real estate deed, or an affidavit — one of the first questions that comes to mind is: how much does it cost to get a signature witnessed?
It is one of the most searched questions on Google related to notary and witness services, and for good reason. The answer is not always straightforward. Signature witness cost can vary significantly depending on where you are, what type of document you need witnessed, and whether you need someone to come to you.
At PAC Signing, we provide professional mobile notary signing and witness services across Oregon and Washington, including Portland, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and Vancouver. In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about signature witness cost — so there are no surprises when you book your appointment.
What Does “Getting a Signature Witnessed” Actually Mean?
Before diving into cost, it helps to understand what the signature witnessing process actually involves.
When you get a signature witnessed, a qualified individual — typically a notary public or a professional witness — is present at the time you sign a document. Their role is to verify your identity, confirm that you are signing willingly and without duress, and then sign the document themselves as a witness to your signature.
This is different from notarization, though the two are often confused. Notarization involves an official notary public who also applies a seal or stamp to the document, adding a layer of legal authentication. Witnessing alone simply confirms that a signature was made in the presence of a qualified person.
Many legal documents require both a notary public and one or more witnesses. Wills and testaments, for example, typically require two witnesses in addition to a notary in Oregon and Washington.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Signature Witnessed?
The short answer is: it depends. Signature witness cost in the United States can range anywhere from $5 to $25 per signature for a standard in-office notary witness, and $50 to $200 or more for mobile notary witness services where the professional travels to your location.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of what you can generally expect to pay across different scenarios:
- In-office notary witness: $5 – $25 per signature or document
- Mobile notary witness (travel to you): $50 – $150+ depending on distance and time
- Emergency or after-hours notary witness: $100 – $250+
- Loan signing or real estate document witnessing: $100 – $300 per appointment
- Remote online notary (RON): $25 – $50 per session in states where permitted
These are general national ranges. Actual signature witness cost in Oregon and Washington will depend on the specific factors outlined below.
5 Key Factors That Affect Signature Witness Cost
Understanding what drives signature witness cost helps you make informed decisions and avoid overpaying — or worse, choosing an unqualified provider to save a few dollars.
Factor 1: State Regulations and Maximum Fee Caps
Each U.S. state sets its own rules regarding how much a notary public can charge per notarial act. In Oregon, the maximum notary fee is $10 per notarial act. In Washington, notaries may charge up to $10 per notarization as well, though fees for mobile travel and additional services can be charged separately.
It is important to note that these caps typically apply to the notarial act itself — not to travel fees, waiting time, or additional services. This is why your total signature witness cost may be higher than the base notary fee alone.
At PAC Signing, we are fully transparent about our pricing. There are no hidden fees, and we walk every client through the total cost before any service begins.
Factor 2: Mobile vs. In-Office Service
One of the biggest factors affecting signature witness cost is whether you need the notary to come to you or whether you can visit an office.
In-office notary witness services are generally the most affordable option. You visit a location, the notary witnesses your signature, and you pay the base fee.
Mobile notary witness services cost more because the professional drives to your home, office, hospital, care facility, or any other location you choose. The travel fee covers time, mileage, and the convenience of having a qualified witness come directly to you.
At PAC Signing, our mobile notary witness services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including last-minute and emergency appointments. We serve Washington County, Multnomah County, and Clackamas County, and our team comes to you wherever you are.
The added signature witness cost for mobile service is absolutely worth it when you are dealing with time-sensitive documents, medical situations, or simply cannot leave your location.
Factor 3: Type of Document Being Witnessed
Not all documents are created equal, and the complexity of what you need witnessed directly affects signature witness cost.
A simple single-page affidavit requiring one signature and one witness will cost significantly less than a multi-page real estate closing package that requires multiple witnessed and notarized signatures from multiple parties.
Here are common documents that typically require a witness signature and how complexity can vary:
- Wills and testaments — Often require two witnesses plus a notary, increasing total cost
- Power of attorney documents — May require notarization in addition to witnessing
- Real estate deeds and property transfers — Multiple signatures and witnesses often required
- Affidavits and sworn statements — Typically straightforward and lower in signature witness cost
- Medical directives and advance healthcare directives — Often require one or two witnesses
- Loan signing packages — High page counts increase the time and total signature witness cost
When you contact PAC Signing, we review your specific document needs before giving you a quote, so you always know your total signature witness cost upfront.
Factor 4: Timing and Urgency
Standard business-hours appointments are the most cost-effective option when it comes to signature witness cost. However, life does not always follow a schedule.
Emergency signings, after-hours appointments, weekend availability, and last-minute requests typically carry a higher signature witness cost due to the additional demands placed on the notary or witness professional.
At PAC Signing, we understand that the need for a witnessed signature can arise at any time — at a hospital bedside, during a real estate closing that runs late, or when a legal deadline is rapidly approaching. We offer emergency and after-hours notary witness services with transparent pricing and no hidden surcharges.
If you can plan ahead, scheduling during regular business hours is the easiest way to reduce your signature witness cost. But when urgency is unavoidable, you can count on PAC Signing to be there.
Factor 5: Number of Signers and Signatures Required
Signature witness cost is also influenced by how many people are signing and how many individual signatures need to be witnessed.
Each notarial act — meaning each individual signature witnessed or notarized — is typically billed separately. If you have three signers, each signing three different documents, that equals nine separate notarial acts, each of which may carry its own fee within state-permitted limits.
For larger signings — such as real estate transactions, business agreements, or family estate documents — the total signature witness cost will naturally be higher. However, many professional notary services, including PAC Signing, offer package rates or flat fees for complex multi-signature appointments to provide better value.
Are There Situations Where Witness Services Are Free?
In some cases, you may be able to find free or low-cost signature witnessing options. Banks and credit unions sometimes offer free notary services to their account holders. Some libraries and government offices also provide basic notary witness services at no charge.
However, these free options typically come with limitations. Hours may be restricted, mobile service is rarely available, and the staff may not have experience with complex documents like wills, power of attorney, or real estate paperwork.
For any document with significant legal or financial consequences, investing in a professional notary witness service is always the smarter choice. The signature witness cost is minimal compared to the legal complications that can arise from an improperly witnessed document.
What Is Included in PAC Signing’s Witness Services?
At PAC Signing, our professional witness and mobile notary services include far more than just a witnessed signature. When you book with us, you receive:
- Full identity verification of all signing parties
- Confirmation that all signers are acting willingly and without coercion
- Proper completion of all required witness and notary fields on your document
- Certified notary seal where applicable
- Guidance on document requirements before and during the appointment
- Mobile service throughout Oregon and Washington — we come to you
- 24/7 availability including emergencies and last-minute bookings
- Over 20 years of combined experience with a 4.9-star Google rating
Our signature witness cost is always communicated clearly before your appointment, with no surprise fees added afterward.
How to Book a Witness Signature Service in Oregon or Washington
Booking a professional witness signature service with PAC Signing is simple. Here is how it works:
- Contact us by phone, email, or through our online booking portal
- Tell us what you need — document type, number of signers, and your preferred location
- Receive a clear quote for your total signature witness cost with no hidden fees
- Choose your appointment time — we offer same-day, after-hours, and emergency bookings
- We come to you — or you visit one of our convenient Oregon and Washington office locations
Whether you need a simple affidavit witnessed or a complex multi-party real estate closing, PAC Signing has the experience, professionalism, and availability to get it done right.
Final Thoughts
Signature witness cost is one of those topics where the answer genuinely depends on your specific situation. State fee caps, mobile service, document complexity, timing, and the number of signers all play a role in what you will ultimately pay.
What should never vary is the quality of the service you receive. A witnessed signature on a legal document carries real consequences — and it needs to be done correctly by a qualified professional.
At PAC Signing, we make professional mobile notary and witness services accessible, affordable, and available around the clock across Oregon and Washington. With over 20 years of experience and a proven reputation for reliability, we are the team you can trust when it matters most.