California Secretary of State has set the maximum rate for each signature notarized at $15, whether it is acknowledgment, jurat, Affidavit, or copy certification. However, AAA members can get their notaries at a reduced rate by visiting AAA location centers (use Google search: Notary public near me at AAA office)
UPS, FedEx, and Postal Annex notary costs follow the State guidelines.
On the other hand, your Bank may offer you a free notary depending on the availability.
**Notary Fees in California for 2025**
Here's a detailed breakdown of notary fees in California as of 2025, based on state regulations and additional service charges:
### **1. Standard Notarial Acts**
- **Acknowledgments**: $15 per signature (state-regulated maximum) .
- **Jurats**: $15 per signature (includes administering an oath or affirmation) .
- **Verbal Oaths/Affirmations**: $15 per person .
### **2. Mobile Notary Services**
- **Travel Fees**: Range from $20 to $75, depending on distance and urgency. These fees are not state-regulated and vary by provider .
- **After-Hours/Holiday Services**: May incur additional charges (exact rates depend on the notary) .
### **3. Additional Services**
- **Copy Certification**: Fees vary by notary (not state-regulated) .
- **Loan Signing Packages**: While individual notarizations are capped at $15 per signature, loan signings often involve multiple documents. Fees for these services are typically negotiated with the notary or agency .
- **Remote Online Notarization (RON)**: Not widely available in California as of 2025, with no state-regulated fee listed .
### **4. Factors Influencing Costs**
- **Document Complexity**: Complex legal or financial documents may require additional verification, leading to higher fees .
- **Location**: Urban areas (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco) may have higher demand-based pricing, while rural regions might offer lower rates .
- **Urgency**: Expedited services or same-day appointments often cost more .
### **5. Tips to Reduce Costs**
- **Compare Providers**: Use directories like Notary Rotary or 123notary to find competitive rates .
- **Bundle Services**: Some notaries offer discounts for multiple signatures or combined services .
- **Free Options**: Check local banks, credit unions (e.g., Wells Fargo), or libraries for free or low-cost services for account holders .
### **Key Notes**
- California's notary fees are regulated under the **California Government Code Section 8211**, last updated in 2017 .
- Advocacy groups like the **California League of Independent Notaries** are pushing to raise the fee cap to $20 to account for inflation, but as of 2025, the maximum remains $15 per signature .
For a full list of services and providers, refer to the sources linked in the citations.