Key Takeaways
- New Jersey notaries may charge a maximum of $2.50 per notarial act
- The fee limit applies to all types of notarial acts
- Notaries are NOT required to charge a fee—services can be free
- Charging more than the maximum fee is a violation
- Travel fees or additional charges may be negotiated separately
Notary Fees
New Jersey law sets the maximum fee a notary may charge for notarial services. Understanding fee rules is essential for compliance and is tested on the exam.
Maximum Notary Fee
| Service | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Any notarial act | $2.50 |
The $2.50 maximum applies to:
- Acknowledgments
- Oaths and affirmations
- Jurats
- Copy certifications
- Any other notarial act
Fee Rules
Charging Fees
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum | $2.50 per notarial act |
| Minimum | $0 (free is allowed) |
| Required to charge? | No—notary may waive fee |
| Employer sets fee? | Employer may prohibit or set lower fee |
Per Act, Not Per Signature
The fee is per notarial act, not per signature:
| Scenario | Fee |
|---|---|
| One person, one acknowledgment | Up to $2.50 |
| One person, three acknowledgments | Up to $7.50 (3 × $2.50) |
| Three people, one document | Up to $7.50 (3 × $2.50 for 3 acknowledgments) |
Additional Charges
While the notarial act fee is capped, notaries may separately negotiate:
| Additional Service | Can Charge Extra? |
|---|---|
| Travel time/mileage | Yes |
| After-hours service | Yes |
| Expedited service | Yes |
| Document preparation | No (unauthorized practice of law) |
Important: Any additional charges must be for services OTHER than the notarial act itself.
Employer Policies
Many notaries work for employers (banks, law firms, etc.):
| Employer Policy | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Prohibit charging customers | Yes |
| Set fee lower than $2.50 | Yes |
| Require notary to notarize | Yes (for customers) |
| Require notarizing personal documents | Depends on policy |
Consequences of Overcharging
Charging more than the maximum fee is a violation:
| Consequence | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission revocation | Possible |
| Civil liability | Possible lawsuit |
| Criminal charges | Possible in egregious cases |
| Reputation damage | Professional harm |
Fee Disclosure
If you charge a fee:
- State the fee before performing the act
- Collect after the act is complete
- Provide a receipt if requested
On the Exam
Expect 2-3 questions on fees:
- Maximum fee: $2.50 per notarial act
- Required to charge: No—free is okay
- Per act: Not per signature
- Travel fees: May be charged separately
What is the maximum fee a New Jersey notary can charge for a single notarial act?
If a notary notarizes three separate documents for one person, how much can they charge in total?
Can a notary charge for travel time in addition to the notarial act fee?