How Much Does a Notary Cost in New Jersey?

Notary fees in New Jersey are not left up to guesswork. State law sets maximum amounts a notary can charge for specific notarial acts, so it is worth understanding these limits before your appointment so you know what to expect.

Keep in mind that the notarial act fee is separate from any travel fee charged by a mobile notary, and those two amounts should never be confused.

Maximum notarial act fees set by New Jersey law

New Jersey law caps the amount a notary can charge for individual notarial acts, as well as for certain real estate transactions.

• $2.50 per notarial act for administering oaths, taking affidavits, taking proofs of a deed, and taking acknowledgments
• $15.00 per real estate transfer transaction for acknowledgments, oaths, or affidavits of the grantors, regardless of how many such services are performed within that transaction
• $25.00 per real estate financing transaction for the mortgagors, regardless of how many such services are performed within that transaction

These caps apply to the notarial act itself. They do not include any separate charge for the notary's travel to meet you.

Understanding travel fees for mobile notaries

When a notary travels to your home, office, or another location, it is common practice for them to charge a separate travel fee in addition to the notarial act fee. This fee is not set by the same state schedule as the notarial act fee, so it varies by notary and should always be discussed and agreed upon before the appointment is confirmed.

Always ask about the total cost, including any travel fee, before you schedule a mobile notary appointment so there are no surprises.

Why costs can vary between appointments

The number of documents you need notarized, the number of signers, and the type of transaction can all affect what you pay. For example, a real estate transaction fee applies per transaction rather than per signature, which can make a multi-document closing more predictable than notarizing several unrelated documents.

How to budget for a notary appointment

Because the notarial act fee is capped by law but the travel fee is negotiated separately, the best way to know your total cost is to ask two questions when you book: what is the fee for the notarial act itself, and what is the travel fee for your location. Getting both numbers before the appointment, rather than at the door, avoids any confusion once the notary has already arrived.

If your appointment involves several unrelated documents rather than a single real estate transaction, ask whether each document is treated as a separate notarial act, since this affects the total. A notary can walk you through how the fee schedule applies to your specific set of documents.

Questions to ask when comparing notaries

1. What is the fee for the notarial act or acts I need
2. Is there a travel fee, and how is it calculated for my location
3. Does the fee change if I have multiple documents or multiple signers
4. Is there a difference in cost between a weekday appointment and a Sunday appointment

What the fee does and does not cover

The notarial act fee covers the notary's verification of your identity, witnessing your signature, administering an oath if needed, and completing the notarial certificate. It does not cover drafting a document, explaining legal terms, filling in blanks on your behalf, or certifying copies of vital records such as birth or death certificates, none of which a notary is permitted to do.

Frequently asked questions

Are notary fees the same at every location in New Jersey?

The maximum fees for notarial acts are set by state law, so they do not vary by location. However, whether a location charges a travel fee, or charges anything at all if it is a free service tied to another purpose, can differ.

Does the travel fee count toward the notarial act fee cap?

No. The travel fee is separate from the notarial act fee and is not subject to the same state fee schedule. It should be discussed and agreed upon in advance.

Why is there a flat fee for real estate transactions instead of a per-signature fee?

New Jersey law sets a single maximum fee per real estate transfer or financing transaction, regardless of how many acknowledgments, oaths, or affidavits are performed within that transaction.

Can I ask for the total cost before booking?

Yes, and you should. Ask about both the notarial act fee and any travel fee before confirming your appointment.

Does the notary charge extra for a document with multiple signers?

The notarial act fee applies per act performed, so a document with several signers may involve multiple notarial acts. Ask the notary how this applies to your document before your appointment.

Get a clear answer for your appointment

Signed By Love Levon Notary Services is happy to discuss what your notarization will involve before you book. Reach out through our contact form to request an appointment across New Jersey, available Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday by request.