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AB 1597

Notary public: service fees.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Leticia Castillo

AB 1597 updates California notary public service fees to adjust compensation for notarial acts, impacting transaction costs for document authentication and legal filings.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 39, Statutes of 2026.
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Bill Summary · AB 1597

Legislative bill overview

AB 1597 adjusts the authorized service fees that notary publics in California may charge for their services. The bill modifies existing fee schedules established in California law, allowing notaries to charge different amounts for various notarial acts. This is a technical bill focused on updating compensation standards for a regulated profession.

Why is this important

Notary fees directly affect the cost of common transactions like document authentication, loan signings, and legal filings that Californians use regularly. Fee adjustments can influence whether notaries remain economically viable in underserved areas and may impact consumer access to notarization services across the state. The last significant fee update shapes current market conditions, so periodic adjustments address inflation and operational costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer affordability: Increases to notary fees could make document authentication more expensive for lower-income Californians and small businesses requiring multiple notarizations
  • Geographic equity: Fee changes may disproportionately affect rural areas where fewer notaries operate, reducing competition and consumer choice
  • Notary sustainability: Current fees may be insufficient for notaries to operate profitably, particularly those serving remote communities, creating the case for increases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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