California Notaries got their first raise in more than two decades this week after Governor Jerry Brown authorized a new $15 fee cap for acknowledgments and jurats — a 50 percent increase over the state’s previous maximum allowable fee for notarial acts.
AB 2217, effective as of January 1, 2017, also raises fees for other notarial acts. The last time maximum allowable fees were increased in California was in 1993 when the cap was set at $10.
California Notaries React To Raise
Excitement spread quickly across social media with Notaries from California and the national community celebrating the news amid calls-to-action for fee increases in other states. “What a great day for us California Notaries!” wrote Anna Gutierrez of Sacramento. “Finally! Two decades is a long time to wait for a raise, but now it's our time as Notaries to succeed like never before,” wrote Jennifer Singleton of Los Angeles.
Longtime Notaries said the increase will help in many ways, particularly in offsetting their cost of doing business. But more important, it will help improve the public’s perception of Notaries as professionals.
“Raising fees was so necessary. What Notaries have to know to perform their duties has changed so much,” said Valerie Barrett, owner of Notary Docs in Orange County, California. “I think it’s so exciting that the state is increasing our fees. Congratulations to NNA for supporting Notaries on this issue.”
A Champion Of Notaries
While Governor Brown signed the bill, AB 2217 was the brainchild of California State Assembly Member David Hadley (R-66) — a champion of Notaries as small businesspeople who believes they should be allowed to set their own prices like other professional service providers.
“I am so pleased that AB 2217 passed both houses of the Legislature and was signed by Governor Brown,” Hadley said. “This accomplishment was significantly aided by the passionate and overwhelming support of Notaries across California who engaged in the legislative process by adding their voices to this effort in record numbers. An increase in the maximum allowed fee is long overdue as is evidenced by the over 50 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index since the last time the Notary fee cap was raised, and I would like to thank Governor Brown for signing this common-sense measure.”
How Notaries Contributed To AB 2217
California Notaries played an important role in getting the fee increase approved. More than 1,200 sent messages of support to Hadley after an article appeared in the Notary Bulletin encouraging Notaries to speak out. As a result, the measure sailed through the California State Legislature.
California Notaries weren’t the only ones to react to the news, as many from other states chimed in. “I think they did the right thing. It's about time Texas raised Notary fees,” wrote Bobby King.
“When will Pennsylvania do this?” asked Brian Stennett. “I wish we could charge more than $2 in Indiana,” wrote Latauria Keya Williams.
The California measure is part of a larger trend to increase the fees Notaries may charge for their services. Earlier this year, Kentucky, Hawaii and the District of Columbia enacted fee measures, and a number of other states are considering them.
Michael Lewis is Managing Editor of member publications for the National Notary Association.