Ohio Notary Fees: What Can They Charge?

Nick Leason

-Oct 23, 2025

Ohio notaries public are authorized to perform various official acts, but how much can they charge for their services? This guide breaks down Ohio notary fees, explaining what services are offered, the maximum fees allowed, and other important details for both notaries and those seeking notarization. Learn the specifics of Ohio notary fees to ensure you're compliant and informed.

Key Takeaways

Ohio law sets maximum fees for notary services, such as acknowledgments and jurats.
Notaries can charge for travel expenses under certain conditions.
Understanding Ohio notary fees helps avoid overpaying or undercharging.
Fees vary depending on the type of notarization and additional services.

Introduction

Notarization is a crucial part of many legal and financial processes, from real estate transactions to power of attorney documents. In Ohio, as in other states, notaries public play a vital role in verifying the identity of signers and witnessing signatures. However, there are specific fees associated with these services.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of how much an Ohio notary can charge, detailing the permitted fees and helping you understand the financial aspects of notarization. Whether you are a notary public looking to understand the fee structure or someone who needs a document notarized, this guide offers clarity.

What & Why

An Ohio notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to perform several key functions. These include:

Acknowledging signatures: Officially verifying that a signature is genuine.
Administering oaths and affirmations: Swearing in individuals to tell the truth.
Taking depositions: Recording sworn testimony.
Certifying copies of certain documents: Confirming that a copy is a true reproduction of an original.

Understanding the services offered by Ohio notaries is essential to knowing when you might need one. The fees charged for these services are generally regulated by the state to protect both the public and the notaries themselves.

Why Are There Fees? Fees for notary services compensate notaries for their time, expertise, and the legal responsibility they assume when notarizing a document. They also cover expenses related to maintaining their commission and providing the service, such as:

Training and continuing education.
Notary supplies (seal, journal, etc.).
Errors and omissions insurance.
Travel expenses, where applicable.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Ohio law sets the maximum fees that notaries public can charge for their services. These fees are designed to ensure that notarization services are accessible while providing fair compensation for the notaries. Here's a breakdown of the maximum fees allowed:

Acknowledgments: The maximum fee for acknowledging a signature is set by the state. This involves the notary verifying the signer's identity and witnessing the signature.
Jurats: The maximum fee for a jurat, where the signer swears to the truthfulness of the document before the notary, is also set by the state.
Administering Oaths: Fees for administering oaths or affirmations are typically included within the notarization service fee.
Copy Certifications: Notaries may charge a fee to certify a copy of a document, verifying it is a true copy of the original.
Travel Fees: Ohio notaries can charge a reasonable fee for travel expenses if they travel to a location to perform a notarization. This fee must be disclosed beforehand.

Specific Fee Details (as of current guidelines, always verify with official sources):

Acknowledgment of a signature: Typically, the maximum fee is a few dollars per signature/notarization.
Jurat: The fee structure for a jurat is similar to an acknowledgment.
Copy certification: The fee is usually determined per page or document.
Travel fees: If travel is required, notaries can charge a reasonable fee to cover their expenses. This may include mileage.

Steps to Determine the Correct Fee

Identify the Service Needed: Determine the exact notarization service required (e.g., acknowledgment, jurat, copy certification).
Check Ohio Law: Refer to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) or the Ohio Secretary of State's website for the most current fee schedule. These fees can change, so it's important to stay updated.
Inquire with the Notary: Before the notarization, ask the notary about their fees, including any travel fees. Confirm the total cost before proceeding.
Review the Document: The notary should clearly state the fees on the notarial certificate or in a separate disclosure.

Examples & Use Cases

Let's explore some examples of how Ohio notary fees apply in real-world scenarios.

Example 1: Real Estate Closing During a real estate closing, several documents require notarization, such as the deed and mortgage. Each signature that needs to be notarized will incur a fee, usually the standard acknowledgment fee. For a deed with two signers, the notary would charge the per-signature fee for each acknowledgment.

Example 2: Power of Attorney A power of attorney document often requires a jurat, where the signer swears to the truth of the document. The notary will charge the standard fee for a jurat. If the notary must travel to the signer's home, they may also charge a travel fee. — Dodgers Vs. Brewers: Game Analysis & Predictions

Example 3: Copy Certification If you need a certified copy of a driver's license, the notary will charge the fee for copy certification. The fee is often charged per page. You will need to bring the original document for the notary to certify the copy.

Example 4: Loan Documents Loan documents frequently require notarization of signatures. Notaries will charge the standard acknowledgment fee for each signature notarized. These fees are usually incorporated into the total closing costs.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

To ensure a smooth and compliant notarization process, consider these best practices and common mistakes:

Best Practices:

Verify Identity: Always provide proper identification to the notary, such as a valid driver's license or passport.
Review Documents: Ensure all documents are complete and ready for signing before the notary arrives.
Communicate Fees: Discuss all fees with the notary beforehand to avoid surprises.
Bring Original Documents: When you need a certified copy, bring the original document.
Check the Notary’s Commission: Confirm the notary’s commission is current and valid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Not Having Proper ID: Notaries cannot notarize documents without proper identification.
Signing Blank Documents: Never sign a document before the notary. They must witness the signing.
Ignoring Fee Discussions: Failing to discuss fees upfront can lead to disputes.
Using Expired Commissions: Ensure the notary's commission is valid; otherwise, the notarization is invalid.
Not Understanding the Document: If you don't understand the document, ask for clarification before signing.

FAQs

What is the maximum fee an Ohio notary can charge for an acknowledgment? The maximum fee for an acknowledgment is set by Ohio law. Check the Ohio Revised Code or the Secretary of State's website for the current fee.
Can an Ohio notary charge a travel fee? Yes, an Ohio notary can charge a reasonable travel fee if they travel to perform a notarization. This fee should be disclosed in advance.
What identification do I need to get a document notarized in Ohio? You typically need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The notary must verify your identity. — Plymouth, MA Zip Code: Find It Here!
How can I find a notary public in Ohio? You can search online, check with your bank, or visit a local shipping store. The Ohio Secretary of State's website may also have a notary search tool.
Are notary fees the same in every county in Ohio? Yes, the maximum fees for notarization services are set by Ohio law and are the same statewide, though travel fees might vary. — Lake Worth, FL Zip Code: Guide & Info
What happens if a notary overcharges me? If you believe a notary has overcharged you, you can report them to the Ohio Secretary of State's office, which oversees notary commissions. Keep documentation of the fees charged.

Conclusion with CTA

Understanding Ohio notary fees is crucial for both notaries and individuals who require notarization services. By knowing the permitted fees and best practices, you can ensure a transparent and compliant process. Remember to always confirm fees upfront and have proper identification ready.

For more information on Ohio notaries and regulations, visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website. If you are a notary or require notarization services, knowing the fees will help you avoid overpaying or undercharging and ensure a smooth experience.

Last updated: October 26, 2024, 10:00 UTC