Understanding Notary Travel Fees: What You Need to Know Before You Hire

By Olivia ParkerLast Updated May 14, 2025

Introduction: Why Notary Travel Fees Matter

When you need a notary to come to your location, understanding how and when a notary can charge a travel fee is essential. The landscape of notary travel fees varies significantly across the United States, and being informed protects you from unexpected costs and ensures compliance with state laws. This guide will clarify the rules, describe standard practices, and provide actionable steps for both notaries and consumers seeking mobile notary services.

Notary Travel Fees: State-by-State Differences

Notary travel fees are not universally regulated-each state sets its own rules. Some states establish fixed amounts or mileage rates; others allow notaries to set their own fees, while a few offer little guidance at all. For example, states like Connecticut and New Hampshire set specific mileage rates for travel, while states such as Alabama and Florida permit notaries to determine their own reasonable travel fees. There are also states, such as North Carolina , that prohibit notaries from charging any travel fees at all.

According to the National Notary Association, the following categories exist:

States that set travel fees by law (e.g., Connecticut, Nevada, New Hampshire, Virginia, District of Columbia, Idaho, New Mexico)
States using mileage-based rates (e.g., Arizona, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming)
States with general travel fee guidelines (e.g., California, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina)
States where notaries may set their own travel fees, provided they disclose them in advance (e.g., Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Illinois, New York, Texas, Vermont)

To verify your state’s current rules, refer to your state’s notary public handbook or the official website of your Secretary of State. Many states also require notaries to post or display their fee schedules to ensure transparency for clients [4] .

How Travel Fees Are Calculated

Travel fees for mobile notary services are typically distinct from the statutory fee for the notarial act itself. For example, in New York , a notary may charge a maximum of $2 per signature for notarizations, but can also charge a separate travel fee, which must be agreed upon in advance and should be reasonable [2] . In Nebraska , the law allows an additional mileage fee (currently 36.5 cents per mile) on top of the $5 notary fee [5] . In Connecticut , the rate is 35 cents per mile, but only for certain acts like swearing in witnesses for depositions [1] .

It’s important to note that some states, such as Virginia , limit travel fees to the notary’s actual and reasonable expenses. Other states may allow a flat fee or a negotiable rate. For example, some mobile notaries or companies may set tiered rates based on distance, such as $30 for up to 5 miles, $35 for 5-10 miles, increasing with distance [3] .

Legal Disclosure and Consumer Protection

Most states that permit travel fees require notaries to disclose these fees in advance of service. The disclosure must be clear and preferably in writing. For instance, in New York , notaries are instructed to come to an agreement with the client regarding the travel fee before the appointment [2] . States such as Michigan , North Carolina , and Pennsylvania require notaries to post their fee schedules or notify signers of their rates prior to service [4] .

For consumers, always ask for the total cost-including notarial and travel fees-before confirming an appointment. If in doubt, request a written breakdown of all charges to avoid misunderstandings. If you suspect you have been overcharged, contact your state’s notary commissioning authority or Secretary of State’s office for guidance.

Practical Steps for Accessing Mobile Notary Services

If you need a notary to come to you, here’s how you can ensure a transparent, legal, and satisfactory experience:

Identify Your State’s Rules: Use search terms like “notary travel fee [your state] official” or visit your Secretary of State’s website to confirm current regulations. Many states publish downloadable handbooks and fee schedules.
Contact the Notary in Advance: Before scheduling, inquire about the notary’s travel fee policy, and request a written or emailed quote. Clarify whether the fee is flat-rate, mileage-based, or negotiable, and ensure it is separate from the notarial act fee.
Confirm Fee Disclosure: Ask the notary to provide a detailed invoice or quote listing each fee. If your state requires notaries to post their fees, request to see the schedule.
Agree in Writing: Whenever possible, get written confirmation of the total cost. This protects both you and the notary and ensures compliance with state law.
Know Your Rights: If the fee seems excessive, research maximum allowable rates in your state. If needed, contact your state’s notary office for clarification or to file a complaint.

Alternative approaches include searching for notaries through established directories, such as your state’s notary public database or reputable service provider platforms. Always verify credentials and fee transparency before proceeding.

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Consider the following scenarios to better understand how travel fees work in practice:

Example 1: Connecticut
– Jane needs a notary to come to her home for a deposition. The notary charges 35 cents per mile for the round-trip distance, in addition to the notarization fee. Jane confirms the total expected cost by phone and receives a written quote before the visit.
Example 2: New York
– Mark hires a mobile notary to notarize two documents. The notary charges $2 per signature, as allowed by law, plus a travel fee of $25. Mark receives a written invoice showing each charge separately and agrees in advance.
Example 3: Nebraska
– Lisa is quoted $5 for the notarization and 36.5 cents per mile for travel. She checks the Nebraska Secretary of State’s website to confirm these rates and receives a written agreement from the notary before the appointment.
Example 4: Montana
– Tom is quoted travel fees based on the current IRS mileage rate, which changes annually. The notary provides Tom with a copy of the relevant state rule and a detailed breakdown of fees.

These examples underscore the importance of clear communication, transparency, and using official state resources to verify allowable fees.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Some states provide vague or no guidance on notary travel fees, which can create confusion for both notaries and consumers. Solution: If your state’s rules are unclear, consult the official notary handbook, contact your Secretary of State’s office, or seek written confirmation from the notary before agreeing to services.

Challenge: Disputes can arise if consumers are unaware of travel fees until after the appointment. Solution: Always ask for a detailed estimate in advance and keep a copy for your records. If a notary refuses to disclose or breaks down their travel fee, consider finding another provider or reporting the incident to your state’s notary authority.

Challenge: Price gouging or excessive fees in states with few regulations. Solution: Compare rates from multiple notaries, use reputable directories, and report questionable practices to the state agency that commissions notaries.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Whether you are a consumer in need of mobile notary services or a notary seeking to comply with the law, understanding how travel fees work is critical. Always check your state’s current rules, insist on upfront disclosure, request written confirmation, and use official resources to verify information. When in doubt, contact your state’s notary commissioning authority for authoritative guidance. With these best practices, you can avoid confusion, ensure compliance, and receive fair, transparent service.