How Much Does a Notary Cost in California?

Understanding notary fees in California is straightforward because the state regulates the maximum amount a notary can charge. Whether you are getting a single page notarized or handling a multi-document real estate transaction, this guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay in 2026.

California Notary Fee Schedule

California Government Code Section 8211 sets the maximum fees a notary public may charge. Here is the current fee schedule:

• Acknowledgments: $15 per signature
• Jurats (sworn statements): $15 per signature
• Certified copies of power of attorney: $15 per certification
• Oaths or affirmations without a signature: $15

These are maximum fees. A notary may charge less, and some locations, particularly banks, offer free notary services to their customers. However, no notary in California may legally charge more than $15 per signature for standard notarial acts.

How Multiple Signatures Affect Cost

The fee applies per signature per person. If a document has two signers, each needing one notarized signature, the total notary fee would be $30 (two signatures at $15 each). A loan signing package can involve 50 to 150 pages with multiple notarized signatures, which is why loan signers often charge a flat package rate rather than per-signature fees.

Typical Costs by Document Type

• Single document (one signature): $15
• Power of attorney: $15 to $30 (usually one or two signatures)
• Trust documents: $30 to $60 (multiple signatures often required)
• Real estate closing: $75 to $200+ (depending on the number of signatures in the package)
• Affidavits: $15 per signature

Mobile Notary Travel Fees

While the state caps notary fees, it does not regulate travel fees charged by mobile notaries. A mobile notary comes to your location, and the convenience of this service comes with an additional travel charge. In Los Angeles, typical travel fees range from:

• Within 10 miles: $25 to $50
• 10 to 25 miles: $50 to $75
• Over 25 miles: $75 to $125
• After-hours or weekend surcharge: $25 to $50 additional
• Emergency/rush service: $50 to $100 additional

Always confirm travel fees before booking a mobile notary to avoid surprises. Most reputable notaries will provide a clear quote upfront.

Loan Signing Agent Fees

A loan signing agent is a notary who specializes in mortgage and refinance document signings. Because these appointments typically take 45 minutes to an hour and involve many more documents than a standard notarization, loan signing agents charge a flat fee rather than per-signature rates. In Los Angeles, expect to pay:

• Standard loan signing: $150 to $250
• Refinance signing: $125 to $200
• Reverse mortgage signing: $200 to $300

These fees are typically paid by the title company or lender and built into closing costs, so the borrower rarely pays the notary directly.

How to Save Money on Notarization

Here are practical ways to reduce your notary costs in Los Angeles:

• Use your bank: Many banks notarize documents for free for account holders. Call ahead to confirm availability.
• Bundle signatures: If you have multiple documents, get them all notarized in a single appointment to minimize travel fees.
• Go to the notary: Walking into a notary's office eliminates travel fees entirely.
• Book during business hours: Avoid after-hours and weekend surcharges by scheduling during normal working hours.
• Compare quotes: Use our notary directory to compare multiple notaries and their fee structures.

Are There Any Hidden Fees?

A reputable notary will not charge hidden fees. However, watch out for:

• Fees for additional witnesses (if needed for the document)
• Printing fees if the notary needs to print documents on-site
• Waiting time charges if the appointment takes significantly longer than expected
• Cancellation fees for last-minute appointment changes

Always ask for a complete fee breakdown before your appointment. If a notary's pricing seems unclear or unusually high, consider searching for another professional in our Los Angeles notary directory.