Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania sets MAXIMUM fees that notaries may charge
- Notaries may charge less than the maximum or nothing at all
- Standard fee for most notarial acts is $5 per act
- Electronic/remote notarizations may charge up to $25 per act
- The fee for witnessing a signature is $5 per signature
Notary Fees
Pennsylvania law establishes maximum fees that notaries may charge. Understanding the fee schedule is essential for both the exam and proper practice.
Fee Schedule (2025-2026)
| Notarial Act | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Taking acknowledgment | $5.00 |
| Each additional name (acknowledgment) | $2.00 |
| Administering oath or affirmation | $5.00 per individual |
| Taking verification on oath | $5.00 (regardless of signatures) |
| Witnessing or attesting signature | $5.00 per signature |
| Certifying or attesting copy/deposition | $5.00 |
| Noting protest | $5.00 |
Electronic and Remote Notarization Fees
Under RULONA regulations, notaries may charge higher fees for electronic and remote services:
| Service Type | Maximum Fee |
|---|---|
| Electronic notarization (in-person, electronic docs) | Up to $25.00 per act |
| Remote online notarization (RON) | Up to $25.00 per act |
Note: These higher fees account for technology costs and platform requirements.
Fee Rules
| Rule | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Maximum, not minimum | Can charge less or nothing |
| Cannot exceed maximum | Charging more is prohibited |
| Must disclose upfront | Inform customer before proceeding |
| Fee for act, not document | Multiple acts = multiple fees |
| No fee for refusing | Cannot charge if you refuse |
Calculating Fees
Example 1: Single Acknowledgment
- One signer acknowledges a deed: $5.00
Example 2: Multiple Acknowledgments
- First signer: $5.00
- Second signer: $2.00 (additional name)
- Third signer: $2.00 (additional name)
- Total: $9.00
Example 3: Verification on Oath
- One signer signs affidavit and takes oath: $5.00
- (Fee is the same regardless of number of signatures on one document)
Example 4: Multiple Signature Witnessing
- Witness 3 signatures at $5.00 each: $15.00
Pending Fee Schedule Changes
As of September 2025, the Department of State is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the notary public fee schedule. Changes may be effective after March 2026 regulatory implementation.
Prohibited Fee Practices
| Prohibited | Reason |
|---|---|
| Charging more than maximum | Violation of law |
| Hidden fees | Must disclose upfront |
| Charging for refusing | No service = no fee |
| Charging for legal advice | Not authorized to give |
Travel Fees
Pennsylvania does not set maximum travel fees. Notaries may:
- Charge reasonable travel expenses
- Negotiate travel fees separately
- Include travel in overall service cost
Important: Travel fees are separate from notarial fees and should be disclosed.
On the Exam
- Most acts: $5.00 maximum
- Additional names (acknowledgment): $2.00 each
- Electronic/RON: Up to $25.00 per act
- Witnessing: $5.00 per signature
- Can charge less: Yes, even nothing
What is the maximum fee a Pennsylvania notary can charge for taking an acknowledgment?
A notary notarizes an acknowledgment with 4 signers. What is the maximum total fee?
What is the maximum fee for a remote online notarization (RON)?