Notaries frequently ask if they can charge signers an additional travel fee during mobile Notary assignments. The answer is that each state is different: Some say yes and fix travel fees; some allow it and only provide broad guidelines for the fee, and others provide no guidance at all.
This article offers Notaries a guide to each state’s Notary travel fee rules and guidelines, grouped into 4 general categories. We’ll look at how travel fees work for states in each category and provide you with helpful tips. The categories are:
States that set travel fees
There are 4 states and the District of Columbia that set the fees Notaries may charge to travel: Idaho, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Virginia. In these states, the maximum amount for travel is set by state law.
- District of Columbia*
- Idaho*
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Virginia*
*DC, Idaho and Virginia allow Notaries to charge a travel fee that does not exceed the Notary’s actual travel expenses.
New Hampshire allows Notaries to charge up to 20 cents per mile, but the rate only applies when a Notary travels to swear witnesses for a deposition (RSA 455:11; 517:19).
The District of Columbia, Idaho, and Virginia allow Notaries to charge the actual and reasonable expense of travel (CDC 1-1231.23[b], IC 51-133[2], and COV 47.1-19[D]). For example, if a Notary in one of these jurisdictions spent $5 total on fuel or other travel expenses while traveling to a notarization, the Notary cannot charge the signer more than that amount for a travel fee. The District of Columbia also requires travel expenses to be in writing and itemized as separately from the fee for the notarial act.
Nevada’s laws are the most unique. The Notary and signer must agree in advance on the maximum hourly rate of travel. The Notary must explain that the travel fee is separate from the notarization fee and not required by law.
Nevada Notaries may not charge more than the following hourly rates, and the rate depends on the time of day they travel:
- The travel fee may not exceed $15 for travel between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. ($10 per hour for an electronic notarization) or $30 per hour for travel between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. ($25 per hour for an electronic notarization) (NRS 240.100[3][d]; NRS 240.197 for electronic notarizations).
- Notaries may charge a minimum of 2 hours for such travel and must charge on a pro rata basis after the first 2 hours (NRS 240.100[3][d]).
Nevada law also prescribes the following rules related to charging travel fees:
- Travel fees must be recorded in the notarial journal, along with the date and time the Notary began and ended the travel (NRS 240.100[5]).
- The Notary may demand that the travel fee be payable in advance (NRS 240.100[2]).
- The Notary is entitled to the additional travel fee if the person requesting the notarial act cancels the request after the Notary begins to travel, or the Notary is unable to perform the notarial act as a result of the actions of the person who requested it or any other person who is necessary for the performance of the notarial act (NRS 240.100[4]).
States that base travel fees on federal or state mileage rates
Nine states base the travel fee on mileage rates set by state or federal agencies. Unlike states that set a maximum travel fee amount, the mileage rates in these states can change from year to year. Notaries in these states should always confirm the current authorized mileage rate before charging a travel fee.
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Utah
- Wyoming
Connecticut, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina, Utah and Wyoming allow Notaries to charge federal mileage rates.
In Indiana, the travel fee “may not exceed the federal travel fees established by the United States General Services Administration” (IC 33-42-14-1[e]). Maryland indexes the travel fee to the Internal Revenue Service per mile rate for business travel plus an additional $5 (ACM St. Gov’t 18-107[b][1]) (COMAR 01.02.08.02D). Connecticut, Montana and Wyoming also set their travel fee to the Internal Revenue Service per-mile rate. Utah caps the travel fee at the “approved federal mileage rate” (UCA 46-1-12[2]).
Montana, Utah and Wyoming require Notaries to inform customers about travel fees in advance and clarify they are separate from the regular notarization fee. Utah requires the Notary to explain that the travel fee is neither specified nor mandated by law. North Carolina requires the customer to agree to the travel fee in writing prior to the travel (GS 10B-31(5)). North Carolina additionally requires that the written consent include the estimated mileage, the per-mile fee and the planned date of travel.
In Arizona and Nebraska, travel fees are based on state mileage rates. For the latest authorized mileage rate in Arizona, check the fee schedule online. The Nebraska mileage rate, which applies only to serving notices of protest and not to other notarial acts, is set by the State Department of Administrative Services (433 NAC 6.008.04[F]), which, according to state Notary officials, is currently 51 cents per mile.
States with travel fee guidelines
14 states do not set the amount of travel fees but provide general guidelines for Notaries to follow when charging a travel fee. These states are: California, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and Washington.
- California
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Washington
In these states, the amount of a travel fee is not specified, but Notaries must follow any guidelines issued by the state. These guidelines are usually published in state Notary handbooks or online. For example, most of these states (California and Minnesota are exceptions) require the travel fee to be agreed upon with the signer prior to travel. The Minnesota Department of Commerce has posted an advisory that Notaries who charge travel fees may be required to obtain a real estate closing license. In California, the Secretary of State has said, “Other fees, such as travel fees and/or loan signing fees should not be included as fees charged for the notarial service. You may note other fees charged in the additional information portion of your journal” (Notary News, 2020). Pennsylvania Notaries may charge customary and reasonable “clerical or administrative fees” for notarizations, including travel, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State website. Notaries should inform customers of the fee in advance and note the fee separately in their journal.
Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, and Washington also require Notaries to inform the signer that the travel fee is not mandated by law.
States that allow Notaries to set their own travel fees
The following states permit Notaries to set their own travel fees or do not regulate Notary or travel fees:
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Many of these states recommend that Notaries set “reasonable” fees.
If your state does not provide travel fee rules or guidance, the NNA suggests the following five best practices:
- Keep travel fees separate from notarial fees.
- Inform the customer of the travel fee in advance.
- Explain your travel fee payment policy should the notarization not be completed.
- Request payment of travel fees in advance (optional).
- Record the travel fee separately from the notarization fee in your journal.
Related Articles:
5 tips for Notaries charging travel fees
Additional Resources:
2026 Notary Fee Schedules By State
2020 Notary Public Code Of Professional Responsibility
(See Guiding Principle II-A-1, Proper and Improper Gain/Associated Charges, pg. 29 of PDF)