Ohio Notary Fees: $5 Max Per Signature (2026)

Quick answer: Ohio notaries can charge a maximum of $5 per notarial act (per signature), a significant increase from the previous $1.50 cap raised in 2023. A mobile notary in Ohio typically costs $50 to $125 total including travel. Many Ohio banks notarize for free for account holders.

Ohio Maximum Notary Fee Per Signature

Ohio Revised Code Section 147.04 sets the maximum notary fee at $5.00 per notarial act. This cap was raised in 2023 from $1.50 — more than tripling the previous maximum, which had been one of the lowest in the country. The increase was part of Ohio’s broader notary modernization effort.

At $5 per act, Ohio now sits alongside Illinois ($5) and Pennsylvania ($5) in the lower-middle range nationally. It remains well below California ($15) and Florida ($10), but above New York ($2).

What counts as one act? Each signature that needs notarizing is a separate notarial act. If you have three documents that each require a notarized signature, that is three acts at $5 each = $15 total. Prior to the 2023 change, the same three signatures would have cost only $4.50 — the fee increase was the first in decades.

Ohio notaries may charge less than $5 but cannot exceed it. Banks and credit unions in Ohio often notarize for free for their customers. For a full comparison across all 50 states, see our complete guide to notary costs. Neighboring Pennsylvania also caps fees at $5, while New York is just $2.

Mobile Notary Costs in Ohio

When an Ohio notary travels to your location, the travel fee is charged separately from the per-act fee. Ohio does not regulate mobile notary travel fees.

Service	Major Metro Areas	Smaller Cities / Rural OH
Standard daytime (within 15 mi)	$50–$100 total	$35–$75 total
Evening or weekend	$75–$125 total	$50–$100 total
Rush / same-day	$100–$150 total	$75–$125 total
Hospital or care facility visit	$75–$150 total	$60–$125 total
Late night or holiday	$125–$225 total	$100–$175 total

These totals include both the $5 per-act fee and the travel charge. A mobile notary who charges a $60 travel fee plus the $5 per-act fee would cost $65 for one signature or $75 for three signatures.

Cleveland and Columbus pricing tends to be similar and is the highest in the state, with standard weekday mobile notary appointments running $60–$100 and evening or weekend appointments reaching $100–$150.

Cincinnati pricing is comparable to Cleveland and Columbus, though slightly lower in some areas, typically $50–$100 for a standard appointment.

Dayton, Toledo, Akron, and smaller cities generally offer the most affordable mobile notary rates, in the $40–$85 range for standard daytime appointments.

Where to Get Free Notary Services in Ohio

Banks and credit unions — Chase, Huntington, KeyBank, Fifth Third, PNC, and most Ohio credit unions offer free notarization to account holders. Ohio has a strong community banking presence.
AAA offices — Members can access free notary services at Ohio branch locations.
Your employer — Large Ohio employers frequently have notaries on staff, particularly in insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing companies.
Public libraries — Some Ohio library systems offer free or low-cost notary services. Columbus Metropolitan Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library, and Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library are worth checking.
UPS Store — Widely available across Ohio with walk-in service. Typically charges $5 per signature (the state maximum).

For more options, see our complete guide to free notary services.

Ohio Notary Journal Requirements

Ohio’s notary modernization act introduced new journal requirements. Key points:

Recommended but not required for traditional notaries: Ohio law does not mandate a journal for in-person notarizations, though the Secretary of State’s office strongly recommends it
Required for online notaries: Notaries performing remote online notarizations must maintain an electronic journal
Best practice: Even for traditional notarizations, maintaining a journal protects the notary in case of disputes or legal challenges
If maintained, required entries include: Date, type of act, document type, signer’s name, ID method, and fee charged

For the full state-by-state comparison, see our notary journal requirements guide.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Ohio

Ohio authorized remote online notarization as part of its broader notary modernization in 2023. The state has developed a clear framework for RON under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 147.

Fully authorized: Ohio has comprehensive RON legislation
Typical RON cost: $25–$50 per session through platforms like Notarize or Proof
Requirements: Government-issued photo ID, knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions, stable internet connection, audio/video capability
Online notary commission: Ohio notaries must obtain a separate online notary commission in addition to their traditional commission to perform RON

RON is a practical option in Ohio, especially for residents in rural areas where the nearest mobile notary may be a significant drive away. A $25–$50 online session eliminates travel fees and scheduling challenges.

Loan Signing Agent Fees in Ohio

When you are buying or refinancing a home in Ohio, the loan signing agent is typically paid by the title company, not by you directly.

Signing Type	Agent Fee	You Pay
Standard refinance	$75–$125	Included in closing costs
Purchase closing	$75–$150	Included in closing costs
HELOC / second lien	$50–$100	Included in closing costs

Ohio’s relatively affordable housing market is reflected in signing agent fees, which are somewhat lower than in high-cost states like California or New York. You will see a “notary fee” line on your closing disclosure, but you do not negotiate this directly.

How to Save Money on Notarization in Ohio

Check your bank first. Free notarization for account holders is the simplest way to save on Ohio’s $5 per-act fee. See our guide to getting a document notarized for what to bring.
Plan ahead. Rush and evening fees can turn a $5 notarization into a $100+ mobile visit. Schedule during business hours a few days out.
Batch your documents. Bring everything to one appointment to avoid multiple travel fees.
Use RON. Ohio’s new RON framework makes online notarization a convenient and cost-effective alternative to mobile notaries, especially in rural areas.
Compare mobile notary quotes. Use FindNotary.io to find and compare notaries in your area.

Ohio Notary Fee FAQ

When did Ohio raise its notary fee from $1.50 to $5?

Ohio raised its maximum notary fee from $1.50 to $5.00 per notarial act in 2023 as part of a broader notary modernization law. The $1.50 cap had been in place for decades and was one of the lowest in the country.

Can an Ohio notary charge more than $5?

No. The $5 per notarial act limit is set by Ohio Revised Code Section 147.04. Exceeding it is a violation. Mobile notary travel fees are separate and unregulated, so the total cost of a mobile visit will be higher than $5.

How much does a mobile notary cost in Columbus or Cleveland?

Expect $60–$100 for a standard weekday appointment in Columbus or Cleveland, and $100–$150 for evenings, weekends, or rush service. Ohio’s mobile notary rates are generally lower than coastal cities due to shorter distances and less traffic.

Is notarization free at Ohio banks?

Most major banks and credit unions in Ohio offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available at your branch.

Does Ohio allow online notarization?

Yes. Ohio authorized remote online notarization (RON) as part of its 2023 notary modernization. You can get documents notarized via video call for $25–$50 per session through approved platforms. The notary must hold a separate online notary commission.

Find a notary near you in Ohio: Columbus · Cleveland · Cincinnati · Dayton · Toledo · Akron

Compare other states: Pennsylvania notary fees ($5) · Illinois notary fees ($5) · California notary fees ($15) · New York notary fees ($2)