Notary Fees – A State by State Guide

Notary fees differ significantly by state, with each jurisdiction setting specific limits and rules for notarial acts. This guide covers fees for various services, including standard notarizations and mobile notary charges. It provides answers to common questions about when fees apply, how notaries charge, and potential ways to minimize costs, offering a clear overview to help you understand notary fees in your state.

Notary Fees – A State by State Guide

Notary fees vary by state, with each setting its own maximum charges and requirements for different notarial acts. Most states limit the maximum fees notaries can charge per service, such as for acknowledgments or jurats. For instance, California caps general notarial fees at $15 per signature, while Texas allows a maximum of $6 per notarization. Many states impose separate fees for each signature notarized, affecting the total cost.

1.     Mobile Notary Fees

Mobile notaries provide on-site notarization, often for an additional travel fee. Some states limit travel fees, while others allow mobile notaries to set their own rates. These fees are usually based on mileage or travel time, and clients should clarify travel costs before scheduling services.

2.     Notary Fees by Notarial Act

Fees can differ depending on the type of document or act being notarized. Acknowledgments, jurats, and certified copies are common services with varying costs by state. Notary signing agents, often involved in real estate transactions, may have different fee guidelines as these involve complex procedures.

3.     States That Allow Notaries to Set Fees

Certain states grant notaries discretion in setting their fees, provided they disclose these fees to clients in advance. In these states, fees can vary widely, particularly if additional services such as mobile notary or signing agent services are included.

4.     Notary Fee Disclosure

Notaries in most states are required to disclose their fees upfront. This transparency helps clients understand potential costs, especially in states with discretionary pricing.

5.     Tips for Reducing Notary Fees

Clients looking to reduce notary fees can visit public offices, such as local banks or county offices, where notary services may be offered at lower rates or even for free. Additionally, some organizations provide discounted notary services to members.

6.     Notary Fees by State

Each state’s guidelines on notary fees, mobile fees, and additional costs are specific and often updated, so checking state regulations ensures accurate information on current rates and requirements.

What Are Notary Fees and When Do They Apply?

Notary fees are charges for services provided by a notary public, who verifies identities, witnesses signatures, and ensures the authenticity of certain legal documents. These fees apply whenever a notary performs acts such as acknowledgments, jurats, or oaths. For example, notary fees are commonly required for real estate transactions, wills, and affidavits.

The fees apply specifically to each notarial act or signature, depending on state regulations. Certain states set a maximum fee per act, while others may allow fees for each signature, making it essential to verify the requirements in your state.

Notary Fees by Notarial Act

Notary fees differ depending on the type of notarial act performed, and each state regulates these fees individually. Common notarial acts include acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, and affirmations, each with its own fee structure. For instance:

1. Acknowledgments: Typically used in real estate and business documents, acknowledgments require the signer to appear before the notary and affirm that they signed willingly. States may cap this fee; for example, California allows a maximum of $15 per acknowledgment.
2. Jurats: Often used in affidavits, jurats require the signer to swear or affirm the truthfulness of the document’s contents in the notary’s presence. Fees for jurats can vary but are usually similar to those for acknowledgments.
3. Oaths and Affirmations: Notaries administer oaths or affirmations to individuals affirming the truthfulness of statements. Fees for these acts are generally set at a lower rate or may be included in the cost of other notarial acts.
4. Certified Copies: Some states allow notaries to certify copies of certain documents, such as diplomas or transcripts. Fees for certified copies are state-regulated and can vary significantly.

These fees are often standardized per act, but they may also vary based on the complexity of the notarization required. Checking your state’s notary fee schedule ensures clarity on charges for each specific notarial act.

Mobile Notary Fees

Mobile notaries travel to clients to perform notarizations, providing convenience for those unable to visit a notary’s office. In addition to standard notarization fees, mobile notaries generally charge travel fees, which vary depending on state regulations and the notary’s policies.

Travel Fees

Travel fees cover the notary’s time and travel expenses to the client’s location. Some states regulate these fees, while others allow notaries to set their own rates. For example:

1. Nevada: Travel fees may be up to $15 for travel between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. and $30 for travel between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., with a minimum of two hours.
2. Arizona: Travel fees are often based on state mileage rates, which may change annually.
3. California: Travel fees are separate from the notarial service fees and may be noted individually.

Clients should inquire about travel fees before scheduling mobile notary services to understand the total cost. Some notaries may charge additional fees for services outside regular business hours or for urgent requests. Requesting an itemized quote helps ensure clarity and prevents unexpected charges.

Understanding mobile notary fees, including travel charges, allows clients to make informed decisions and ensures transparency in the notarization process.

Do Notaries Charge Per Signature?

Yes, many states allow notaries to charge per signature. This means that for each signature notarized, the notary can apply the designated fee. For example, in California, the fee is capped at $15 per signature, which applies to each signer and signature within the document. In other states, the fee might be lower or higher depending on local regulations.

Charging per signature is common with documents that require multiple signers or multiple signatures by the same person, such as real estate documents or affidavits. Confirming your state’s fee structure helps in understanding the total cost when multiple signatures are required.

States That Allow Notaries to Set Fees

In the United States, notary fees are typically regulated by state laws, with many states establishing maximum allowable charges for various notarial acts. However, certain states permit notaries to set their own fees, provided they disclose these fees to clients beforehand. This flexibility allows notaries to adjust their charges based on factors such as travel distance, complexity of the notarization, and time required.

States that allow notaries to set their own fees include:

      1. Alaska

      2. Arizona

      3. Arkansas

      4. Kansas

       5. Kentucky

        6. Maine

In these states, notaries are expected to inform signers of any fees charged prior to the appointment, ensuring transparency and allowing clients to agree to the fees in advance. This practice helps maintain trust and clarity between notaries and their clients.

It’s important to note that even in states where notaries can set their own fees, the charges should be reasonable and reflect the services provided. Clients are encouraged to discuss and agree upon fees before the notarization process to avoid misunderstandings.

For detailed information on notary fees by state, including those that allow notaries to set their own fees, refer to the National Notary Association’s guide on 2024 Notary Fees By State.

Notary Fee Disclosure

Notary fee disclosure refers to the requirement for notaries to inform clients of any fees associated with their services before notarization takes place. This practice is mandated in many states to ensure transparency and prevent unexpected charges. For instance, states that allow notaries to set their own fees often require full disclosure of these fees in advance so clients can make informed decisions about proceeding with the service.

In states with regulated fee schedules, notaries are still generally expected to disclose their fees, especially when additional charges, such as travel fees for mobile notaries, apply. Clear fee disclosure helps establish trust, provides transparency, and ensures compliance with state regulations governing notarial acts.

Tips for Reducing Notary Fees

Reducing notary fees is possible by considering a few practical strategies:

1. Visit Public Offices: Banks, credit unions, and local government offices often provide notary services at lower rates or even free for account holders or residents. This can be a cost-effective alternative to private notary services.
2. Avoid Mobile Notary Services if Possible: Mobile notaries charge extra for travel, which increases the total cost. Whenever feasible, visit a notary at a fixed location to avoid travel fees.
3. Check for Employer or Association Benefits: Some employers, associations, or insurance companies offer free or discounted notary services as a benefit to members or employees. Verify if any organizations you’re affiliated with offer such services.
4. Choose Online Notarization (if Available): Some states offer remote online notarization (RON) services, which may be more affordable than in-person notarizations, especially when travel fees are a factor.
5. Inquire About Bulk Pricing: If multiple documents require notarization, ask if the notary offers any discount for bulk notarizations, as some may reduce rates when multiple signatures are involved.

Notary Fees by State

Here’s an outline of notary fees across different states for common acts such as acknowledgments, jurats, and verbal oaths:

• Alabama
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Alaska
• Notaries may set their own fees
• Arizona
• Acknowledgements: $2 per signature
• Jurats: $2 per signature
• Verbal Oath: $2 per person
• Arkansas
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• California
• Acknowledgements: $10 per signature
• Jurats: $10 per signature
• Verbal Oath: $10 per person
• Colorado
• Acknowledgements: $5, or $10 with an e-notarization
• Jurats: $5, or $10 with an e-notarization
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Connecticut
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Travel Fees: 35 cents per mile
• Delaware
• Acknowledgements: $5, or $25 with an e-notarization
• Jurats: $5, or $25 with an e-notarization
• Verbal Oath: $5
• D.C. (Washington, D.C.)
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Florida
• Acknowledgements: $10
• Jurats: $10
• Verbal Oath: $10
• Georgia
• Acknowledgements: $2
• Jurats: $2
• Verbal Oath: $2
• Hawaii
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Idaho
• Acknowledgements: $2
• Jurats: $2
• Verbal Oath: $2
• Illinois
• Acknowledgements: $1
• Jurats: $1
• Verbal Oath: $1
• Indiana
• Acknowledgements: $2
• Jurats: $2
• Verbal Oath: $2
• Iowa
• Notaries may set their own fees
• Kansas
• Notaries may set their own fees
• Kentucky
• Notaries may set their own fees
• Louisiana
• Notaries may set their own fees
• Maine
• Notaries may set their own fees
• Maryland
• Acknowledgements: $4
• Jurats: $4
• Verbal Oath: $4
• Travel Fees: $5 base, and 31 cents per mile
• Massachusetts
• Notaries may set their own fees
• Michigan
• Acknowledgements: $10
• Jurats: $10
• Verbal Oath: $10
• Minnesota
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Mississippi
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Missouri
• Acknowledgements: $2 per signature
• Jurats: $2 per signature
• Verbal Oath: $1
• Montana
• Acknowledgements: $10
• Jurats: $10
• Verbal Oath: $10
• Nebraska
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $2
• Verbal Oath: $2
• Travel Fees: 51 cents per mile (for serving notice of protest only)
• Nevada
• Acknowledgements: $5 for the first signature, $2.50 for each following signature
• Jurats: $5 per signature
• Verbal Oath: $2.50
• New Hampshire
• Acknowledgements: $10
• Jurats: $10
• Verbal Oath: $10
• Travel Fees: 20 cents per mile
• New Jersey
• Acknowledgements: $2.50
• Jurats: $2.50
• Verbal Oath: $2.50
• New Mexico
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Travel Fees: 30 cents per mile
• New York
• Acknowledgements: $2
• Jurats: $2
• Verbal Oath: $2
• North Carolina
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• North Dakota
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Ohio
• Acknowledgements: $2
• Jurats: $1.50
• Verbal Oath: $2
• Oklahoma
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Oregon
• Acknowledgements: $10
• Jurats: $10
• Verbal Oath: $10
• Pennsylvania
• Acknowledgements: $5 for the first signature, $2 for each following signature
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Rhode Island
• Acknowledgements: $1
• Jurats: 25 cents
• Verbal Oath: 25 cents
• Travel Fees: 10 cents per mile
• South Carolina
• Acknowledgements: $5 per signature
• Jurats: $5 per signature
• Verbal Oath: $5 per person
• South Dakota
• Acknowledgements: $10
• Jurats: $10
• Verbal Oath: $10
• Tennessee
• Notaries may set their own fees
• Texas
• Acknowledgements: $6 for the first signature, $1 for each additional signature
• Jurats: $6
• Verbal Oath: $6
• Utah
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Travel Fees: Federal Mileage Rate
• Vermont
• Acknowledgements: 50 cents
• Jurats: 50 cents
• Verbal Oath: 50 cents
• Virginia
• Acknowledgements: $5, or $25 with an e-notarization
• Jurats: $5, or $25 with an e-notarization
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Washington
• Acknowledgements: $10
• Jurats: $10
• Verbal Oath: $10
• West Virginia
• Acknowledgements: $5 per signature
• Jurats: $5 per signature
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Wisconsin
• Acknowledgements: $5
• Jurats: $5
• Verbal Oath: $5
• Wyoming
• Acknowledgements: $5 per signature
• Jurats: $5 per signature
• Verbal Oath: $5 per person