You got commissioned. You’ve got your stamp. But now you’re staring at the $5–$15 per signature fee and thinking… “How the heck do notaries make real money with this?”
The truth? Most Pennsylvania notaries are UNDERCHARGING—because they don’t understand what they’re legally allowed to charge on top of the notarization fee. But you? You’re about to learn how to do it by the book and still run a wildly profitable notary business.
The Truth About Pennsylvania’s Notary Fee Limits
According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, the max fee for a basic notarization is $5–$15, depending on the act (acknowledgment, oath, verification, etc).
But here’s what they don’t highlight: That limit applies only to the notarial act itself. You can—and should—charge for:
- Travel (mileage, time, tolls, wait time)
- After-hours service
- Courier/drop-off add-ons
- Print/scan fees for signings
- Specialized expertise (apostille, auto tags, field inspections)
You just need to clearly disclose your pricing before the appointment and keep it separate from the notarial fee on receipts. That’s it.
How to Ethically Maximize Your Rates
Here’s a high-profit fee structure that’s totally compliant and highly effective:
- Notarization: $5–$15 per signature (required limit)
- Travel Fee: $25–$75 depending on distance
- Evening/Weekend Premium: +$25
- Document Drop-Off: $30–$100 (courthouse, title office, etc)
- Print/Scanback Fee: $15–$25 (for loan signings)
Total on one visit? Easily $95–$275 for 20 minutes of work.
What the High Earners Are Doing Differently
They’ve stopped thinking like employees and started thinking like specialists. They don’t offer “just a notary.” They offer:
- Emergency travel notary services
- Document courier + notarization bundles
- Apostille preparation and certification
- Auto tag & title processing
When you specialize, you separate. You become the go-to—not the “cheap stamp.”
🔥 Want the Real Bag? Offer Auto Tags
Did you know Pennsylvania notaries can legally process vehicle titles, registrations, license plates, and more? It’s one of the most in-demand and profitable services you can offer—and it’s not saturated.
Bonus: When you enroll in our Notary Course, you’ll unlock “Cashflow from Car Titles”—your blueprint for launching and growing a legit auto tag agency, from licensing to marketing.
🎓 Enroll in the Notary Course + Get “Cashflow from Car Titles” FREE
📥 Need a Step-by-Step Plan?
Get your hands on the PA Notary Appointment Guide—our signature 7-step roadmap for getting commissioned, compliant, and cashflow-ready. Perfect for new and renewing notaries who don’t want to guess their way through the process.
