Key Takeaways
- Traditional notarization fee: Maximum $5 per notarial act
- Remote Online Notarization fee: Maximum $30 per act (increased from $25 in 2025)
- Technology fee for RON: Up to $10 additional
- Fees are per notarial act, NOT per signature
- Travel fees are permitted if agreed upon in advance
Notary Fees
Ohio Revised Code 147.08 establishes the maximum fees a notary public may charge. Understanding these limits is essential, as charging more than the permitted amount is a violation of Ohio law.
Maximum Fee Schedule
Ohio's fee structure was updated by House Bill 315, effective April 3, 2025:
| Type of Notarization | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Traditional (in-person) | $5.00 per notarial act |
| Remote Online Notarization (RON) | $30.00 per notarial act |
| Technology Fee (RON only) | Up to $10.00 additional |
2025 Fee Changes
House Bill 315 made important updates to notary fees:
| Change | Previous | Current (2025+) |
|---|---|---|
| RON maximum fee | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Technology fee | Not specified | Up to $10.00 |
| Travel fee clarity | Unclear | Explicitly allowed |
Important Fee Rules
Per Act, Not Per Signature
Critical Rule: Fees are calculated per notarial act, not per signature.
| Scenario | Fee Calculation |
|---|---|
| One person, one signature, one document | 1 notarial act = $5 max |
| One person, three signatures on one document | Still 1 notarial act = $5 max |
| Three people, each acknowledging signature | 3 notarial acts = $15 max |
Why This Matters: A document with multiple signature lines from the same person requires only ONE notarial act if all signatures are acknowledged together.
Travel Fees
Notaries may charge a travel fee in addition to the notarial fee if:
- The signer agrees to the fee amount before the notarial act is performed
- The fee is reasonable for the distance traveled
| Travel Fee Rules | Details |
|---|---|
| Advance agreement | Required |
| Amount | Must be agreed in advance |
| Disclosure | Notary should state fee before travel |
Technology Fees (RON Only)
For Remote Online Notarizations, a technology fee is now explicitly permitted:
| Technology Fee | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum | $10.00 per session |
| When charged | Even if session fails due to identity verification issues |
| Purpose | Covers cost of RON platform and technology |
Combined Maximum for RON
| Fee Component | Maximum |
|---|---|
| RON notarial act | $30.00 |
| Technology fee | $10.00 |
| Total possible | $40.00 |
Prohibited Fee Practices
| Prohibited | Reason |
|---|---|
| Charging more than maximum | Violates ORC 147.08 |
| Charging per signature instead of per act | Incorrect calculation |
| Hidden or surprise fees | Must disclose in advance |
| Charging for services not performed | Fraud |
Free Notarizations
Notaries are not required to charge any fee:
- You may notarize for free if you choose
- Employers may require notarizations as part of job duties
- Volunteer notarizations are permitted
However, you cannot waive fees selectively in a way that constitutes illegal discrimination.
Employer-Related Fees
| Situation | Fee Rules |
|---|---|
| Employee notarizes for employer | Employer may prohibit fees |
| Notary at bank for customers | Bank policy may prohibit fees |
| Mobile notary business | May charge fees and travel |
Record Keeping for Fees
While not legally required, it's good practice to:
- Document fees charged
- Keep receipts if requested
- Track travel fee agreements
On the Exam
Key points about fees:
- Traditional: $5.00 maximum per act
- RON: $30.00 maximum per act (plus $10 technology fee)
- Per act, not per signature: Critical distinction
- Travel fees: Allowed if agreed in advance
- 2025 changes: RON fee increased from $25 to $30
What is the maximum fee an Ohio notary can charge for a traditional (in-person) notarial act?
A document has 5 signatures from the same person, all being acknowledged together. How many notarial acts is this?
What is the maximum total fee an Ohio online notary can charge for a Remote Online Notarization including the technology fee?