Notary Cost in Ohio: 2026 Guide
If you need a document notarized in Ohio, the price depends mainly on whether the notarization is performed in person or online. Ohio law sets maximum fees for the notarial act, but travel and technology charges can increase the final total.
Ohio Notary Fee Limits in 2026
Ohio Revised Code Section 147.08 establishes the maximum charges. The current limits became effective April 3, 2025 and remain the relevant limits for this 2026 guide.
| Service | Maximum Ohio Notary Fee | Possible Extra Charge |
|---|---|---|
| In-person notarial act | Up to $5 | A reasonable travel fee agreed to in advance |
| Online notarization | Up to $30 | Technology fee of up to $10 per online session |
| Notary20 online service | $20 per document | Check your document and recipient requirements before ordering |
An Ohio notary who charges the online-notarization fee cannot also add the separate $5 traditional-notarial-act fee for the same act. Ohio also states that these statutory fees are not calculated per signature.
Why Your Final Price May Be Higher
The statutory fee is not always the entire bill. A mobile notary may charge a reasonable travel fee if you agree to it before the appointment. For an online session, Ohio permits a technology fee of up to $10. A provider may charge that technology fee even when identity verification fails, but the total technology fee cannot exceed $10 per online session.
- Travel distance and after-hours scheduling
- Technology or platform use
- Witness arrangements
- Printing, scanning, or shipping
- Multiple documents requiring separate notarial acts
Can You Get Free Notary Service in Ohio?
Sometimes. Banks and credit unions may offer complimentary notary service to customers, and some employers, libraries, law offices, or community organizations may provide low-cost service. Availability, document restrictions, and appointment requirements vary, so call ahead.
What to Bring to an Ohio Notary
- The complete document, including every page
- Acceptable, unexpired identification
- Any required witnesses
- Payment for the agreed fees
- Recipient instructions about originals, electronic files, or special certificates
Do not leave important blanks in the document. Whether you should sign beforehand depends on the notarial act and the receiving party's instructions; follow the notary's directions.
In-Person vs Online Notarization
| Feature | In-Person | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Base legal maximum | Up to $5 per notarial act | Up to $30 per online notarization |
| Extra fee | Possible agreed travel fee | Possible technology fee up to $10 |
| Location | Physical meeting | Live audio-video session |
| Best for | Paper originals and local appointments | Convenience and electronic documents |
Ohio authorizes eligible online notarizations, but the receiving agency or organization controls whether it will accept a remotely notarized electronic document. Confirm acceptance before paying.
A Flat $20 Online Alternative
If your document is eligible for remote notarization and the recipient accepts it, Notary20 offers a simple $20 per document online option. You can submit the document and identification from home instead of searching for a local appointment.
For a broader comparison, read our Online Notary Cost Guide.
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FAQ
How much can an Ohio notary charge in person?
Ohio law permits up to $5 for a notarial act that is not performed online. A reasonable travel fee may be added if agreed to in advance.
How much can an Ohio online notary charge?
The notarial fee may be up to $30. A technology fee of up to $10 per online session may also apply.
Is the Ohio fee charged per signature?
No. Ohio law says the authorized fees are not calculated on a per-signature basis.
Can I use an online notary for an Ohio document?
Many eligible documents can be notarized remotely, but document rules and recipient acceptance vary. Confirm that an electronic remote notarization will be accepted.