California notary fees are set by state law, not by individual notaries

California law caps what a notary public can charge for most services. The maximum fee is $15 per notarial act as of 2024, though this amount can change if the state legislature passes new legislation. A notarial act is a single signature, seal, or oath — so if a document needs two signatures notarized, that counts as two acts and costs $30 total.

Notaries cannot charge more than the legal maximum, even if they want to. They also cannot charge fees for travel time, waiting time, or other services beyond the actual notarization itself, with one exception: if a notary travels to a location outside their normal place of business, they may charge reasonable travel expenses in addition to the notarial fee. What counts as "reasonable" is not defined in law, so disputes can arise.

Some notaries charge less than the maximum. A notary working at a bank or title company may notarize documents for free as part of their job. A mobile notary who travels to you might charge the $15 per act plus a travel fee. Always ask the notary's fee before they perform the work.

Key Takeaways

  • California law sets the maximum notary fee at $15 per notarial act, and notaries cannot charge more than this amount.
  • One notarial act means one signature, seal, or oath — a document with two signatures requires two separate fees.
  • Notaries may charge reasonable travel expenses if they go outside their normal place of business, but cannot charge for waiting time or other services.
  • Some notaries charge less than the legal maximum, and some charge nothing if notarization is part of their job.
  • Always confirm the fee before the notary performs the work, especially if travel is involved.

What counts as one notarial act

Understanding what the law means by "one notarial act" matters because it determines your total cost. A notarial act is a single action: taking an oath, witnessing a signature, or affixing a seal and signature to a document. If you have one document with one signature that needs to be notarized, that is one act and costs $15.

If the same document requires notarization on two different pages, or if two people each need their signature notarized on the same document, those are two separate acts. You pay $15 for each one. A 10-page contract where every page needs a notary's seal is 10 acts at $15 each, totaling $150.

Some documents, like powers of attorney or loan documents, routinely require multiple notarizations. Ask the notary in advance how many acts the document will require so you know the total cost before you meet.

Travel fees and when they explore

If you ask a notary to come to your home, office, or another location outside where they normally work, they may charge a travel fee on top of the $15 per act. The law says this fee must be "reasonable," but does not define the amount. In practice, mobile notaries in California typically charge $25 to $75 for travel, depending on distance and how far outside their service area you are.

A notary who works at a fixed location — a bank branch, law office, or UPS Store — may not charge a travel fee if you come to them. They can only charge the $15 per act. If they refuse to notarize you and you have to go elsewhere, that is a different matter, but the fee itself cannot include a travel component.

Get the travel fee in writing or confirmed by phone before the notary leaves to meet you. Some notaries quote a flat rate; others charge by the mile. Clarify whether the fee covers the round trip or one direction.

Notaries employed by banks and businesses

Many banks, credit unions, and title companies employ notaries as part of their staff. These notaries often notarize documents for free if you are a customer or if the document relates to a service the business provides. A bank may notarize a signature on a power of attorney at no charge, but a title company notarizing a real estate document as part of a closing will not charge you separately — the cost is built into the closing fees.

If you need a notary and you have a bank account or relationship with a financial institution, call and ask whether they offer free notarization. Many do, and it saves you the $15 fee. Some businesses limit free notarization to customers only, so be prepared to show an account or membership card.

Where to find notaries and confirm their fees

California has thousands of notaries public. You can find one through the Secretary of State's notary search tool on their website, though the search function is limited and may not return all notaries in your area. A faster route is to call your bank, local UPS Store, or FedEx Office — most of these locations have notaries on staff.

If you need a mobile notary who will come to you, search online for "mobile notary near me" or "notary public [your city]." Read reviews and call at least two notaries to compare fees. Ask each one: the fee per act, whether they charge a travel fee, and the total cost for your specific document. Some notaries offer discounts if you need multiple documents notarized at once.

Always confirm the fee before the notary begins work. If a notary charges more than $15 per act without a valid travel component, you can report them to the California Secretary of State's office.

What notaries cannot charge for

California law is clear about what notaries cannot charge for. They cannot charge for waiting time if you are late or if the notarization takes longer than expected. They cannot charge for reviewing the document, explaining what notarization means, or answering questions about the process. They cannot charge for copies of documents, for mailing, or for any service other than the notarial act itself and reasonable travel.

Some notaries may ask you to pay a small fee to cover the cost of the notary journal or seal, but this is not standard and may not be legal. The $15 fee is meant to cover all costs of the notarization. If a notary tries to charge you extra for supplies or administrative work, ask them to explain the charge in writing and consider reporting it to the Secretary of State if it seems unreasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary charge more than $15 if the document is complicated?

No. California law sets $15 as the maximum fee per notarial act, regardless of how long the document is or how complex the notarization process. The only exception is a reasonable travel fee if the notary goes outside their normal location.

What if I need the same document notarized by two different notaries?

You would pay $15 to each notary, for a total of $30. However, most documents only need one notary's signature. Ask the person or organization requesting the notarization whether you truly need two notaries or if one will suffice.

Do I have to tip a notary?

Tipping is not required and not standard practice for notaries in California. The $15 fee is the expected payment. If a notary provides exceptional service or travels a long distance, a small tip is your choice, but it is not obligatory.

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the signer is not acting of their own free will, if the signer cannot prove their identity, or if the document appears fraudulent. A notary can also refuse if they have a conflict of interest, such as being related to the signer. If a notary refuses, they should not charge you a fee.

What should I bring when I meet a notary?

Bring a government-issued photo ID, the document that needs notarizing, and payment (cash or card, depending on what the notary accepts). Ask the notary in advance what form of ID they accept — some require a driver's license or passport, while others accept other government IDs.