Key Takeaways
- California has a state-regulated fee for notarization that’s capped at $15 per notarized signature.
- For standard notarial acts like acknowledgments and jurats, the notary fee is $15 per notarized signature and $15 per person for verbal oaths and affirmations.
- Mobile notary fees will include a travel fee that takes factors like distance traveled and the time of day of the appointment into account.
- Remote Online Notarization is currently not authorized yet in California but is expected to be by or before January 1, 2030.
- Asking for quotations and understanding any state-specific guidelines are some of the best ways to avoid any unexpected fees when booking notarization services.
Every state has its own state-regulated fees for notarization, and for California, it’s $15 per notarized signature. It’s important to note, though, that other forms of notaries, such as mobile notaries, may have different fees included, like a travel fee. California-commissioned notaries are also not yet authorized to perform Remote Online Notarizations.
Maximum California Notary Fees
The maximum notary fee in California is currently capped at $15 per notarized signature for standard notarial acts like acknowledgments and jurats. For verbal oaths or affirmations, the fee is $15 per person.
Mobile Notary Fees
For mobile notaries, their pricing includes two parts: the first one is the state-regulated fee of $15 per notarized signature, and the second one is a travel fee that may range from $40 to $150. This will depend on a number of factors such as the distance traveled, the time of day, and whether the location is in a rural or urban area. Mobile notaries will also take into account after-hours or emergency appointments as other factors that may influence the total cost. It’s best that you inquire and get a quote first before booking to get a clear idea of how much it may cost you.
Are Online Notaries Available?
Remote Online Notarization isn’t authorized yet in the state of California. While the state has passed legislation (SB 696) to legalize the practice, state notaries must wait until the California Secretary of State builds and certifies the required technology, which is expected by or before January 1, 2030.
How to Avoid Unexpected Fees
To avoid any unexpected fees for your notarization services, it’s important to ask for a total quote first before committing to an appointment. When you’re scheduling an appointment with a mobile notary, take note of travel fees and get an understanding of how they’re going to be calculated, taking into account the factors that affect them like the distance they’ll be traveling, the time of day of the appointment, or any general guidelines the state of California may have set. Notarization services may also operate on a per-signature or per-notarial act basis, so that’s also something to keep in mind.
FAQs
How much can a California notary charge?
In California, the maximum fee a notary can charge for a notarial act, such as an acknowledgment or a jurat, is $15 per signature.
Are travel fees included?
Travel fees are additional fees included for when you schedule a notarization appointment with a mobile notary. It’s important to note that travel fees will vary on a number of factors such as distance traveled, time of day, and possibly the urgency of the document you need completed.
Are mobile notaries more expensive?
Mobile notaries may cost more because of the added travel fees that are included for the convenience of the notary going to the location that you designate.
Conclusion
Although California currently has a maximum notary fee that’s capped at $15 per notarized signature, a variety of factors may add to the total cost. This includes the number of notarial acts, how many people are expected to sign, or if you’re scheduling an appointment with a mobile notary that includes travel fees. It’s best to get price quotes before you book an appointment and look into any specific guidelines that the state may have set to avoid any unexpected fees.
