Free Notary Tool
Notary Fee Calculator
Look up the maximum fees a notary can charge in your state for every type of notarial act.
Types of Notarial Acts
Understanding what each notarial act involves helps you know what to expect and what to charge.
Acknowledgment
The signer appears before the notary and acknowledges they signed a document voluntarily. This is the most common notarial act, used for deeds, mortgages, and powers of attorney.
Jurat (Verification on Oath/Affirmation)
The signer signs the document in the presence of the notary and swears or affirms that the contents are true. Common for affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements.
Oath / Affirmation
The notary administers a verbal oath (sworn to God) or affirmation (a solemn promise) to a person. Used for sworn testimony, affidavits, and official proceedings.
Deposition
The notary administers an oath to a deponent giving testimony for use in legal proceedings. The notary may also certify the transcript.
Protest
A formal statement by a notary that a negotiable instrument (check, promissory note) was presented for payment or acceptance and was refused.
Copy Certification
The notary certifies that a photocopy of a document is a true and accurate copy of the original. Cannot be used for vital records in most states.
Signature Witnessing
The notary witnesses a person signing a document without requiring the signer to make an acknowledgment or take an oath.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a notary cost? +
Notary fees vary by state, typically ranging from $2 to $15 per notarial act. Some states like New York and Georgia have very low maximums ($2), while states like California and Nevada allow up to $15 per act. Mobile notaries and signing agents may charge additional travel fees.
Can a notary charge more than the state maximum? +
No. Notaries are legally bound by their state's fee schedule. Charging more than the maximum allowed fee can result in commission revocation, fines, or other penalties. However, notary signing agents performing loan signings typically earn $75–$200 per appointment, which covers multiple notarizations plus document handling.
Do all states set maximum notary fees? +
Most states set maximum fees by statute. However, a few states like Massachusetts do not set maximums, allowing notaries to charge reasonable and customary fees negotiated with the client.
What is the most common notarial act? +
Acknowledgments are the most common notarial act. In an acknowledgment, the signer appears before the notary and acknowledges that they signed a document voluntarily. This is used for deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, and many other legal documents.
What is the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat? +
In an acknowledgment, the signer acknowledges they voluntarily signed the document (they may have signed it earlier). In a jurat, the signer must sign the document in the notary's presence AND swear or affirm that the contents are true. Jurats are used for affidavits and sworn statements.
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