If you have ever searched “How much does a notary cost in San Diego?” you have probably seen similar questions like “How much do California notaries charge?”, “How much do notaries charge per signing?”, and “What is the minimum notary fee?” All of these search phrases point to one core issue, understanding notary cost in San Diego, what California allows notaries to charge, how mobile travel fees work, and what that looks like in real world pricing across the San Diego region. Once you understand the state regulated notarial fee versus the mobile travel fee, everything makes sense.

San Diego notary cost at a glance

Here is what most people pay for a mobile notary visit with Zara Shea, Notary Public in the San Diego area.

• The California Secretary of State caps the notarial fee at 15 dollars per notarized signature.
• Standard mobile visits in Downtown San Diego and its districts are 55 dollars flat, which includes the mobile travel fee and one notarized signature.
• Standard mobile visits in nearby central communities such as Coronado, Hillcrest, North Park, and Mission Valley are 65 dollars flat, which also includes the mobile travel fee and one notarized signature.
• Each additional notarized signature at the same appointment is 15 dollars.
• Emergency notarizations scheduled between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. incur a 200 dollar emergency fee in addition to the standard travel and per-signature fees.

California’s regulated notary fees

In California, the Secretary of State sets the maximum fee a notary may charge for each notarial act. The cap is 15 dollars per notarized signature. That means an acknowledgment or a jurat, for example, is up to 15 dollars for each signer’s signature. Administering an oath or affirmation follows the same rule, and certifying a copy of a power of attorney is capped at 15 dollars as well. Certain services must always be free, such as notarizing vote by mail materials and veteran benefit documents. These maximums exist to protect the public, but notaries are always allowed to charge less or waive the fee completely.

Mobile travel fees and zones in San Diego

The mobile travel fee is what makes each notary’s pricing unique. For Zara Shea, Notary Public, each flat fee travel zone includes the mobile travel fee and one notarized signature. This structure keeps visits simple to understand. The travel portion is not regulated by the state and should always be discussed in advance. Travel zones are listed clearly so clients can see their flat visit price upfront, and each additional notarized signature at the same appointment is 15 dollars.

55 and 65 dollar mobile travel zones

55 dollar zone, Downtown and surrounding districts: This travel zone covers the heart of the city, including Downtown, Little Italy, Columbia, Core, Cortez, East Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Harborview, Horton Plaza, and Marina. A standard visit in this zone is charged as a flat fee that includes the mobile travel fee and one notarized signature. If more than one notarized signature is needed at the same appointment, each additional notarized signature is 15 dollars.

65 dollar zone, central San Diego communities: This zone includes nearby and connected neighborhoods such as Coronado, National City, Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Valley, Point Loma, South Park, and Emerald Hills. A standard visit in this zone is also billed as a flat fee that includes the mobile travel fee and one notarized signature. When additional notarized signatures are required at the same appointment, each one is 15 dollars. This same structure applies across every flat-fee zone in the San Diego service area.

No Minimum Fee and Free Notary Fridays

The question “What is the minimum notary fee?” can be confusing. California law sets maximums but never minimums, so a notary can legally charge less or even nothing at all. In that spirit, Free Notary Fridays are offered, a weekly community program where up to two signatures are notarized free of charge every Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Curbside in Downtown San Diego, 92101, Free Fridays are open to everyone, including all residents of San Diego and surrounding areas. Simply call or text (760) 385-3662 to see if your neighborhood can be included that week.

Remote Online Notarization in California

At present, California notaries cannot perform remote online notarization, often called RON. Each signer must personally appear in front of the notary. California does recognize remote online notarizations performed by notaries commissioned in other states where RON is legal, as long as those acts follow the laws of that state. However, the receiving party for your document may or may not accept a remote notarization, so it is always best to confirm with the receiving party or institution before proceeding.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• Current government issued photo identification
• Documents that are complete but not yet signed
• The signer must appear in person and be aware and willing
• The name on the ID should reasonably match the name on the document

These steps support compliance with California identification and journal requirements and help prevent errors that could invalidate a notarization.

Transparent pricing and professional standards

Because fees and rules can seem confusing, it helps to verify both the notarial act fee and the travel fee before scheduling your appointment so you know your total notary cost in San Diego before the seal is applied. Clear pricing shows professionalism, transparency, and respect for California law. All travel zones and fees are listed openly, every notarization complies with state regulations, and accessibility remains at the center of each service.

After-Hours Emergency Notarization Fee

Emergency notarizations requested between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. incur an additional emergency fee of 200 dollars. This surcharge ensures round-the-clock service availability while accommodating urgent and after-hours requests. Standard travel and per-signature fees still apply in addition to the emergency fee.

Questions about notary cost in San Diego

What is the maximum notary fee per signature in California?

The California Secretary of State caps the notarial fee at 15 dollars per notarized signature, whether it is an acknowledgment, a jurat, an oath or affirmation, or certifying a copy of a power of attorney.

Is there a minimum notary fee?

No. California law sets maximum fees but does not set minimums, so a notary may charge less than the maximum or waive the fee entirely, including community programs like Free Notary Fridays.

Can a California notary perform remote online notarization?

No. California notaries cannot perform remote online notarizations. California may recognize a remote notarization completed by a notary in another state where RON is legal, but acceptance is always up to the receiving party.

Do emergency notarizations cost more in San Diego?

Yes. Emergency appointments scheduled between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. include a 200 dollar emergency fee in addition to the standard mobile travel fee and the per-signature notary fee.

For appointments, call or text (760) 385-3662. Open 24 hours a day for your convenience. Whether you are in Downtown, Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Valley, or Coronado, you will know your cost before the seal is applied, with pricing that is transparent, compliant, and community minded.