Standard Notary Fees in California
The state of California has set maximum fees that notaries public can charge for their services. As of 2024, these fees are as follows:
Acknowledgments: $15 per signature. California Notary Public Cost An acknowledgment is often used to verify that the signer of a document is who they claim to be and signed the document willingly.
Jurats: $15 per signature. A jurat is a notarial act in which the signer swears an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document are true and correct.
Certified Copies: $15 per copy. Notaries can certify copies of certain documents, such as powers of attorney, which confirms that the copy is a true representation of the original document.
Oaths and Affirmations: $15 per individual taking an oath or affirmation. This service is commonly used in legal proceedings and when taking an oath of office.
Additional Costs
While the fees listed above are standardized, additional costs may apply depending on the circumstances of your notarization. Some of these include:
Travel Fees: If you need a mobile notary to come to your location, they may charge a travel fee in addition to the standard notary fees. California law does not set a maximum for travel fees, so it’s essential to discuss and agree upon this cost before the notary arrives. Travel fees can range from $25 to $100 or more, depending on the distance and time required.
After-Hours or Weekend Fees: Notaries who offer services outside of regular business hours or on weekends may charge a premium. This is especially common for urgent or last-minute requests, where fees could be higher due to the inconvenience.
Specialized Documents: Certain documents, such as real estate transactions, may involve additional steps or higher fees. For example, notarizing loan documents often requires multiple signatures and may incur extra charges.
Ways to Save on Notary Costs
There are several strategies you can use to minimize your notary expenses:
Use In-House Notaries: Many businesses, such as banks, law offices, and real estate agencies, have in-house notaries who offer services to clients at a reduced rate or for free.
Visit a Notary at a Public Location: Some notaries work at public locations like shipping stores, libraries, or courthouses. These notaries typically charge only the standard state fees and do not include additional costs like travel fees.
Shop Around: Notary fees can vary, especially when travel is involved. California Notary Public Education It’s wise to compare prices from several notaries before making a decision, especially for more complex notarizations.
Consider Online Notary Services: With advances in technology, online notarization has become a viable option in California. Online notaries can perform notarizations via video calls, often at competitive rates compared to in-person services.
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