California Notary Fee — $15 Per Signature (Cal. Gov't Code §8211)
California sets notary public fees by statute. As of June 2026, the maximum fee per signature is established in California Government Code §8211. A pending bill (AB 1597) would raise this to $20, but it has not yet been enacted.
California Statutory Notary Fee Cap (as of June 2026)
| Notarial Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment or proof of deed — per signature | $15.00 |
| Oath or affirmation with jurat — per person | $15.00 |
| Deposition (all services) | $30.00 |
| Oath for deposition witness | $7.00 |
| Certificate to deposition | $7.00 |
| Certified copy of power of attorney (Probate Code §4307) | $15.00 |
| Vote-by-mail ballot signature | No fee allowed |
Source: California Government Code §8211 (maximum allowed by state law as of June 2026). AB 1597 (2025–2026 session) proposes raising acknowledgment fees to $20 — not yet enacted as of June 2026.
How California Notary Fees Are Structured
California uses a per-signature structure: the cap applies to each signature notarized, not each document or each visit. A deed where three people each sign and each signature needs to be notarized = three notarial acts = up to $15 × 3 = $45 at the statutory maximum.
California's $15 cap is among the higher per-signature maximums of major states — notably higher than New York ($2) but the same as many other Western states.
Use the notary fee calculator to run this calculation for any number of signatures.
Mobile Notary Fees in California
California law does not regulate travel fees for mobile notaries. A notary traveling to your location may charge separately for travel — typical market rates for daytime appointments within roughly 20 miles range from $25 to $75. High-demand metro areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco often see higher travel fees.
After-hours or same-day service typically adds $25–$75 more. See the mobile notary fees guide for a full breakdown.
Online Notary Fees in California
California has authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON). California does not have a specific RON fee cap distinct from the standard §8211 cap, so the $15-per-signature maximum still applies to the notarial act portion. Online platforms typically charge $25 per session — verify that the platform's notary is commissioned in California. See the online notary cost guide for platform-by-platform pricing.
Where to Get Free or Low-Cost Notarization in California
- Banks and credit unions — most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) offer free notarization to account holders.
- Public libraries — many California county libraries offer free notary services, often by appointment.
- AAA offices — members can typically get free notarization at California AAA locations.
- UPS Store — charges a fee (varies by location), but widely available.
California Notary Fee FAQ
A California notary may charge a maximum of $15 per signature for an acknowledgment or proof of a deed or other instrument, and $15 for administering an oath or affirmation with jurat (Cal. Gov't Code §8211, as of June 2026).
Yes — AB 1597 (2025–2026 session) proposes raising the acknowledgment fee from $15 to $20 per signature. As of June 2026, the bill has not been enacted. The current enforceable maximum remains $15 per signature.
California law caps the notarial act fee at $15 per signature but does not regulate travel fees. A mobile notary may separately charge for travel — typically $25–$75 for appointments within roughly 20 miles.
Common documents requiring notarization include deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, grant deeds, trust certification, and some loan documents. The California Secretary of State website has a full list of notarial acts.
Most banks and credit unions offer free notarization for account holders. Many public libraries in California also provide free or low-cost notary services.