The 2023 Guide to Notary Fees in Ohio

I. Introduction

The role of a notary public in Ohio is an essential one. As impartial witnesses, they validate and help execute a variety of documents to deter fraud and ensure they are properly executed. But beyond the seal and signature, there's a less discussed aspect that's crucial to understand – the notary fees. In this guide, we delve into the specifics of notary fees in Ohio as of 2023.

II. The Basic Notary Fees in Ohio

In Ohio, notaries are allowed to charge for performing notarial acts. This includes tasks such as taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, certifying or attesting a copy, and noting a protest of a negotiable instrument. As of 2023, a traditional notary may charge up to $5.00 for any notarial act that is not an online notarization. On the other hand, a notary authorized as an online remote notary may charge up to $25.00 for any online notary act.

III. Additional cost for mobile notary services

Besides the basic fees for notarial acts, notaries in Ohio can charge additional fees under certain circumstances. These can include:

IV. The Concept of a Flat Fee

In certain scenarios, notaries may opt to charge a flat fee for their services. This means that instead of billing separately for each service provided, the notary consolidates all charges into a single, fixed rate. This flat fee can encompass a variety of services beyond the basic notarial act, as long as these additional services are disclosed and agreed upon in advance by the client. Here are some examples:

• Document Preparation: If a notary is required to print, send, or scan documents as part of their services, they might include these tasks within the flat fee. The cost of paper, ink, and postage could also be factored into this fee.
• File Conversion: In the digital age, notaries often have to deal with various file formats. If a notary needs to convert a document from Word or picture format to PDF for online notarization, this could be included in the flat fee.
• Travel Expenses: If a notary is required to travel to meet the client, the cost of transportation could be integrated into the flat fee.
• Platform Fees: For online notaries, the cost of using an online notarization platform could also be incorporated into the flat fee.

The advantage of a flat fee is that it can simplify the billing process and provide the client with a clear understanding of the total cost upfront. However, it's crucial that the notary is transparent about what is included in the flat fee to maintain trust and avoid any misunderstandings.

V. Understanding the Ohio Notary Fee Structure

The Ohio Notary Fee structure is designed to ensure fairness and affordability of notarial services. While the state prescribes maximum limits for notarial act fees, it gives notaries some flexibility to charge for additional services and expenses incurred. It's important for notaries to disclose the total cost for mobile notary services to the customers.

VI. Mobile Notary Cleveland Ohio

Looking for a convenient notary service in the heart of Ohio? Consider a mobile notary in Cleveland! Whether it's for real estate transactions, legal documents, or other important paperwork, a mobile notary in Cleveland can be a game-changer. Want to learn more about how to find and utilize mobile notary services in Cleveland, Ohio?