Key Takeaways
- Acknowledgment: $15 per signature
- Jurat: $15 per signature
- Deposition: $30 plus $7 per certificate
- Administering oath: $15
- All other notarial acts: $15
- Notaries may charge less but NEVER more than statutory fees
Authorized Fee Schedule
A signer asks: "How much will this cost?" You've just performed acknowledgments for three signers on a home sale. You think hard... was it $10 per signature? $15? $20? Getting the fee wrong can mean overcharging (a violation) or undervaluing your services.
Know your fees. The exam will test this, and so will every transaction you perform.
Maximum Fees: The Core Numbers
California sets maximum fees. You may charge less or waive fees entirely, but you may NEVER charge more.
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | $15 per signature |
| Jurat | $15 per signature |
| Oath/Affirmation (not with another act) | $15 |
| Deposition oath | $30 |
| Deposition certificate | $7 each |
| Other notarial acts | $15 |
Key Principle: Per Signature
| Document Type | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment with 1 signer | 1 × $15 = $15 |
| Acknowledgment with 2 signers | 2 × $15 = $30 |
| Acknowledgment with 3 signers | 3 × $15 = $45 |
| Jurat with 1 signer | 1 × $15 = $15 |
| Jurat with 2 signers | 2 × $15 = $30 |
Fee Calculation Examples
Example 1: Real Estate Closing
- Husband and wife signing deed (acknowledgments)
- Calculation: 2 signatures × $15 = $30 maximum
Example 2: Deposition
- Administering oath to one witness
- Providing 3 certificates
- Calculation: $30 + (3 × $7) = $51 maximum
Example 3: Multiple Documents
- One signer with 2 acknowledgments on separate documents
- Calculation: 2 signatures × $15 = $30 maximum
What You CAN and CANNOT Do with Fees
| ✅ CAN Do | ❌ CANNOT Do |
|---|---|
| Charge less than maximum | Charge more than maximum |
| Waive fees entirely | Add "convenience fees" |
| Offer volume discounts | Require minimum purchase |
| Charge travel fees (separately) | Include hidden charges |
Travel Fees
Notaries may charge reasonable travel fees IN ADDITION to notarial fees:
| Travel Fee Component | Permitted |
|---|---|
| Mileage | ✓ YES |
| Time | ✓ YES |
| Parking | ✓ YES |
| After-hours premium | ✓ YES |
Key: Travel fees are separate from notarial fees. Disclose them upfront.
Receipts
Provide receipts to signers showing:
| Receipt Element | Required |
|---|---|
| Date of service | ✓ |
| Type of act performed | ✓ |
| Fee charged | ✓ |
| Notary name and contact | ✓ |
On the Exam
Expect 2-3 questions on fees. Key points tested:
- Acknowledgment fee: $15 per signature
- Jurat fee: $15 per signature
- Deposition oath: $30 + $7/certificate
- May charge less: Yes, even free
- May charge more: NEVER
What is the maximum fee for an acknowledgment?
A notary performs acknowledgments for 3 signers on one document. What is the maximum fee?
Can a notary charge less than the statutory maximum fee?