California Government Code §8211 sets the maximum fees a notary public can charge for each notarial act. These are caps — notaries may charge less but cannot charge more. Updated for 2026.
Current maximum fees per notarial act
| Service | Maximum fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment (per signature) | $15 | Gov. Code §8211(a) |
| Jurat (per signature) | $15 | Gov. Code §8211(a) |
| Signature witnessing (per signature) | $15 | Gov. Code §8211(a) |
| Oath or affirmation (no document signed) | $15 | Gov. Code §8211(a) |
| Certified copy of power of attorney | $15 | Gov. Code §8211(b) |
| Deposition | $30 + $7/page after the first | Gov. Code §8211(c) |
What notaries cannot charge for
- Notarizing vote-by-mail ballot identification envelopes — must be free (Elections Code §3019.7)
- Services performed for the notary’s employer during work hours, if the employer prohibits charging
Travel fees
Travel fees charged by mobile notaries are separate from notarial fees and are not regulated by §8211. Notaries set their own travel rates. Typical mobile notary travel fees in California range from $25 to $75 per trip, depending on distance and metro area.
Loan signing agent fees
Signing services and title companies pay loan signing agents a flat fee per signing (typically $75–$200), which covers both the notarial acts and the signing appointment. These fees are negotiated between the signing agent and the hiring company and are not regulated by §8211.
For the full process of getting your California notary commission, see our step-by-step guide. To get started with your required education, enroll in our SOS-approved 6-hour course.