We are pleased to share that AB 1597, authored by Assembly Member Leticia Castillo, has been officially introduced in the California Legislature. The California League of Independent Notaries (CLIN) is proud to serve as the sponsor and leading advocate for this important modernization measure.
AB 1597 proposes the first comprehensive update to California’s notary fee schedule in a decade. The bill aligns the statutory framework with current economic realities and strengthens consumer access to essential notarial services across the state.
Key Provisions of AB 1597:
-Modernizes the maximum fee for acknowledgments, jurats, and copy certifications to $20 per signature
-Adjusts deposition-related fees to $35 for services and $12 for both the oath and certificate
-Preserves existing fee exemptions for vote-by-mail ballot materials and veterans’ benefit applications
-Non-fiscal measure with no General Fund impact
-Proposed effective date: January 1, 2027
Why This Matters
The current statutory fee structure has remained unchanged since 2016, despite inflation and rising operating costs for working notaries. At the same time, notarial services continue to underpin a broad range of consumer, legal, financial, housing, and healthcare transactions. Updating the fee structure ensures that Californians maintain convenient access to notarial services while allowing notaries to sustainably deliver essential functions to the public.
What Comes Next
AB 1597 has now entered the legislative process and will be referred to committee in the weeks ahead. CLIN will begin a coordinated advocacy outreach and member engagement campaign as the bill progresses through hearings and analysis. We encourage members to stay tuned as additional opportunities to support the bill become available.
Engagement
We anticipate strong interest from across the profession as the bill advances. CLIN will be mobilizing working notaries statewide to participate in the policy process and share their experiences with lawmakers and stakeholders. Member activation is coming soon, and we will ensure you have the tools and information needed to engage effectively.
Growing Our Voice
This campaign reinforces the importance of notaries as essential service providers who facilitate the execution of critical documents and transactions for the public. We encourage members to invite fellow notaries to join the CLIN and strengthen our collective voice as the bill moves forward.
Learn More
CLIN Press Release: http://www.calnotaries.org/blog/notary-fee-modernization-bill-introduced-to-strengthen-consumer-access-to-essential-services
Bill Text: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1597
Thank you for your continued engagement, professionalism, and commitment to advancing the role of notaries across country. Together, we are shaping a stronger and more accessible notary ecosystem for the public we serve.
In solidarity,
Matt Miller, President
The California League of Independent Notaries
matt@calnotaries.org |
