Understanding Notary Fees in California

One of the most common questions people have before booking a notary appointment is how much it will cost. California has specific laws governing notary fees and understanding them can help you budget appropriately and avoid surprises. In this guide we break down everything you need to know about notary fees in California.

What Does California Law Say About Notary Fees?

California Government Code Section 8211 sets the maximum fee a notary public can charge for notarial acts. The maximum fee is:

•      Acknowledgments: $15 per signature

•      Jurats: $15 per signature

•      Certified copy of a power of attorney: $15 per document

•      All other notarial acts: $15 per signature

This means a notary cannot legally charge more than $15 per notarized signature in California. However notaries can charge less than the maximum if they choose to do so.

What Is Included in the $15 Notary Fee?

The $15 fee covers the notarial act itself which includes:

•      Verifying the signer’s identity

•      Witnessing the signing of the document

•      Completing the notarial certificate

•      Applying the official notarial seal

•      Recording the transaction in the notary journal

What Are Travel Fees?

Mobile notaries charge travel fees in addition to the notarial fee because they travel to your location instead of having you come to an office. Travel fees are not regulated by California law; they are set by each individual mobile notary based on distance, time and location.

Travel fees typically vary based on:

•      Distance from the notary’s base location

•      County and city

•      Time of day: evening and weekend appointments may have higher travel fees

•      Traffic and parking considerations

Always ask for a clear travel fee quote before booking your appointment. At LDE Ink Notary Services LLC we are transparent about our travel fees and will give you a complete quote before confirming your appointment.

What Are Specialty Service Fees?

In addition to the basic notary fee and travel fee some specialized services have additional fees. Here is a breakdown of specialty service fees at LDE Ink Notary Services:

•      General Notarization: $15 per notarized signature plus travel fee.

•      Loan Signings: Loan signing fees vary based on the type of loan, the number of documents and the location. Contact us for a quote. Loan signing fees are separate from the per-signature notary fee because they involve specialized training, document review and coordination with lenders and title companies.

•      Apostille Services: $200 for the first document and $100 for each additional document in the same order. This fee covers document preparation, notarization if required and submission to the California Secretary of State.

•      Revocable Living Trust Package: priced based on your specific documents and the number of signatures required. The California statutory notary fee is $15 per signature, plus applicable travel fees. This service includes document review and guided signing. Contact us for a quote.

•      Hospital Signings: Starting at $75 plus travel fee. Hospital notary visits require additional coordination and sensitivity and are priced accordingly.

•      Jail and Detention Center Signings: Jail and Detention Center Signings: $150, which includes travel and one signature (up to one hour on site). Each additional signature is $15. Additional time beyond the first hour is billed at $25 per hour. This fee applies regardless of whether the signing is completed, including if the incarcerated individual refuses to sign after the notary has arrived at the facility.

•      Translation and Notarization: Translation fees vary based on document type, language pair and word count. Notarization of the translator’s certification is $15 per signature plus travel fee. Contact us for a personalized quote.

How Many Signatures Will My Document Require?

The total cost of your notarization depends on how many signatures need to be notarized not how many documents you have. Here are some common examples:

•      Single affidavit with one signer: $15 plus travel

•      Power of attorney with one signer: $15 plus travel

•      Power of attorney with two signers: $30 plus travel

•      Deed transfer with one signer: $15 plus travel

•      Living trust with multiple notarized signatures: priced by package, contact us for a quote

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

At LDE Ink Notary Services we accept the following payment methods:

•      Cash

•      Zelle

•      Venmo

•      Major credit cards

•      PayPal

Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

Are There Cancellation Fees?

We understand that plans change. We ask for at least 2 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations made less than 2 hours before the scheduled appointment time may be subject to a cancellation fee. No-shows may be charged the full service fee.

Tips for Keeping Your Notary Costs Down

•      Combine multiple documents into one appointment, you only pay one travel fee

•      Have all signers present at the same appointment, saves scheduling multiple visits

•      Make sure your ID is valid and unexpired before booking, a failed appointment due to ID issues may still incur a travel fee

•      Have your documents ready and complete before the notary arrives, incomplete documents may require a return visit

•      Book in advance when possible, last minute or rush appointments may have higher fees

Transparent Pricing at LDE Ink Notary Services

At LDE Ink Notary Services we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises. We will always give you a complete quote including notary fees and travel fees before confirming your appointment.

We serve clients throughout Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo counties, 7 days a week including evenings and weekends.

Ready to Book Your Notary Appointment?

Call or text: 415-214-5684

Email: info@ldeinknotary.com

Book online: Click here to book

LDE Ink Notary Services LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For questions about your specific documents please consult a licensed attorney.