Quick answer. Notary fees in California: $15 for an acknowledgment, oath or jurat. Remote online notarization is not authorized under California law, according to the Secretary of State's handbook.
Fees for notarial acts in California
| Act | Maximum fee |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgment, for each signature, including the seal and certificate | $15 |
| Administering an oath or affirmation to one person | $15 |
| Jurat, including the seal | $15 |
| Certifying a power of attorney copy (Probate Code 4307) | $15 |
| Deposition services, all services | $30 |
| Administering the oath to a deposition witness | $7 |
| Deposition certificate | $7 |
| Voting materials and U.S. veterans' benefits papers | $0 |
Online and remote notarization
The California Secretary of State's January 2026 notary handbook states that current California law does not provide authority for California notaries to perform a remote online notarization. Electronic notarizations are allowed only when all paper-based requirements are met, and the handbook states no separate fee for them.
Travel and other charges
The handbook sets no maximum travel fee. It says travel fees, if any, should be identified separately, and every fee must be recorded in the notary's journal even when none is charged. A notary may charge less than the maximum.
Compare with New Jersey
New Jersey sets $2.50 per act under N.J. Admin. Code 17:50-1.18. See how much a notary costs in New Jersey, or learn about remote online notarization. Whether a document notarized online is accepted depends on the receiving party and the law that applies.
Sources
This page is general information from the official sources below, not legal advice. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the state agency before you rely on a figure. Last reviewed October 2026.
Cite this page: MCC Solutions, "California notary fees: what a notary may charge," last reviewed October 2026, mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/fees-by-state/california. For the fee itself, cite the official source above.
Common questions
How much can a notary charge in California?
$15 for an acknowledgment, oath or jurat. Online notarization: Remote online notarization is not authorized under California law, according to the Secretary of State's handbook.
Can a California notary charge for travel?
The handbook sets no maximum travel fee. It says travel fees, if any, should be identified separately, and every fee must be recorded in the notary's journal even when none is charged. A notary may charge less than the maximum.
Where does this come from?
The official sources linked at the bottom of this page: California Secretary of State: Notary Public Handbook (January 2026).