Notary Public Fees Demystified: What to Expect

Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by SLO Notary

If you’ve ever sat across from a notary, pen in hand, you’ve probably had that moment of quiet hesitation—how much is this going to cost me? It’s a fair question. Notarization feels simple enough: a signature here, a stamp there. But behind that little embossed seal lies a web of state regulations, service types, and sometimes even travel fees that make “how much?” a surprisingly nuanced question.

So, let’s pull back the curtain on notary fees—how they’re set, what they include, and how to know you’re being charged fairly, especially if you’re in San Luis Obispo County.

Why Notaries Charge What They Do

A notary public isn’t just someone with a fancy stamp. They’re a state-appointed official responsible for preventing fraud—a task that carries legal liability. Every signature they witness is logged, recorded, and bound by law. That precision, training, and accountability come with a modest price tag.

California regulates what notaries can charge for their official acts. So while the base fees are set by the state, the total cost can vary depending on circumstances—like how far the notary travels or how complex your document is.

Think of it like hiring a professional photographer. The session fee might be fixed, but what you’re really paying for is their expertise, time, and equipment—all of which make the end product legitimate and lasting.

California’s Standard Notary Fees

Let’s start with the part the state controls: the maximum fees per signature notarized.

As of the latest California guidelines (and confirmed by the Secretary of State):

• Acknowledgment or Jurat: up to $15 per signature
• Certified Copy of a Power of Attorney: up to $15 per copy
• Oath or Affirmation (no signature): up to $15 per person
• Deposition services: $30 for administering the oath, plus $7 for the certificate and $7 per deposition transcript

That’s it. Those are the only notarial acts where fees are regulated. Everything else—like travel, printing, waiting time, or after-hours service—is separate and unregulated.

The Truth About Travel Fees

Here’s where things get interesting. Mobile notaries—those who come to your home, office, or even a hospital—can charge additional travel fees, but those fees aren’t set by the state.

That means one notary might charge $25 for a local visit, while another might charge $75 or more depending on distance, urgency, or time of day. Some charge by the mile; others by the zone.

The key here? Transparency. California law requires that notaries disclose travel costs before performing the service. So, if someone shows up without quoting you a rate first, that’s a red flag.

In practice, for San Luis Obispo County, you can expect:

• Local travel (within city limits): $20–$40
• Rural or extended travel: $40–$75+
• Emergency or after-hours service: typically an extra $25–$50

Fair pricing reflects both professionalism and respect for your time.

Why Some Notarizations Cost More Than Others

Not all signings are created equal. Some take minutes; others—like loan signings or estate documents—can stretch into an hour or more.

Here’s what can affect the price:

• Number of Signatures: Each notarized signature counts as a separate act, even if it’s on the same document.
• Type of Document: Real estate and loan packages often include multiple pages requiring multiple seals.
• Complexity and Setup Time: Large signing packages may require advance preparation, page review, or additional witnesses.
• Time Sensitivity: Rush or same-day appointments often carry a premium.

So, if you’re signing a single power of attorney, expect a modest fee. But if you’re closing on a home refinance, that total might climb—still within legal limits, but reflecting the extra labor.

A Quick Example from Real Life

Let’s say you need two documents notarized—a power of attorney and a travel consent form for your child. Each requires one signature from you.

Here’s how the math works:

• 2 notarizations × $15 each = $30
• Travel fee (within SLO city): $25
  Total: $55

Now, if you’re out in Paso Robles and it’s a Sunday evening, that might become:

• 2 notarizations × $15 each = $30
• Travel fee (extended area): $50
• After-hours service: $25
  Total: $105

It’s not arbitrary; it’s a reflection of both state law and practical logistics.

What’s Not Included in the Fee

Notaries can’t charge you for things they’re not authorized to do—like explaining the contents of your document or offering legal advice. That’s considered unauthorized practice of law, and it’s a serious violation.

Likewise, they can’t charge “processing fees,” “document handling fees,” or any hidden costs that aren’t directly related to the service. Everything should be clear, itemized, and straightforward.

A reputable notary will also give you a receipt upon request, showing exactly what you paid for and why.

The Hidden Value Behind the Seal

It’s easy to see notarization as a transaction, but at its core, it’s about trust. A notary’s seal doesn’t just make your document official—it gives it standing in court, recognition in government offices, and validity across borders.

You’re paying for more than ink and paper. You’re paying for accountability, verification, and peace of mind that your signature will hold up anywhere it needs to.

That’s also why professional notaries invest in ongoing education, state-mandated bonds, insurance, and meticulous recordkeeping. Their responsibility doesn’t end when you walk away—it follows that document wherever it travels.

How to Make Sure You’re Paying Fairly

If you want to avoid overpaying or confusion, keep these tips in mind:

1. Ask for a full quote upfront. Don’t be shy—transparency is standard.
2. Confirm how travel is charged. Is it flat-rate or per mile?
3. Check for itemized pricing. A clear breakdown protects both sides.
4. Avoid “discount” notaries who skip steps. Saving $10 isn’t worth invalidating your document.
5. Know the state limits. No California notary can charge more than $15 per signature for standard acts.

And if something feels off? Ask to see the notary’s commission card. A true professional won’t hesitate to show it.

The Bottom Line

Notary fees in California are designed to be fair—modest enough to keep services accessible, but structured to reflect the professionalism required. Whether you’re getting one signature notarized or twenty, you’re investing in legal assurance that can’t be substituted by a simple handshake.

In San Luis Obispo County, where trust and community still mean something, notaries remain one of the quiet backbones of daily life—helping residents buy homes, manage estates, and protect loved ones’ interests with clarity and care.

So the next time you see that familiar seal pressed into paper, remember: you’re not just paying for a stamp. You’re paying for certainty.