🖋️ Notary Seal vs. Notary Act: What’s the Difference?
When people think of notaries, they often picture a stamp or seal on a document. But that’s just one part of the process. Let’s break down the difference between a notary seal and a notary act and clarify what notaries charge for their services.
🔍 What Is a Notary Act?
A notary act is the official duty a notary performs. It’s the legal process of verifying identity, witnessing signatures, administering oaths, or certifying copies of documents. Common types of notarial acts include:
- Acknowledgments – Confirming that a signer understands and willingly signed a document.
- Jurats – Administering an oath or affirmation and witnessing the signing of a document.
- Oaths/Affirmations – Swearing to the truthfulness of a statement or document.
- Copy Certifications – Verifying that a copy of a document is true and accurate.
Each act is governed by Virginia notary laws and must be performed according to strict guidelines to ensure its validity.
🧷 What Is a Notary Seal?
A notary seal (or stamp) is the physical impression or ink mark that a notary places on a document after performing a notarial act. It includes:
- The notary’s name
- Commission number
- Commission expiration date
- The state and county of commission
The seal is a symbol of authenticity, showing that the document has been notarized properly. However, it’s not the act itself—it’s just the official mark that confirms the act was completed.
Cost - Why It’s Per Act, Not Per Seal
One common misconception is that notaries charge based on how many seals they place on a document. In reality, notary fees are charged per notarial act, not per stamp or seal.
For example:
- If a document requires two acknowledgments (one for each signer), that counts as two notarial acts, even if only one seal is used.
- If a signer needs to take an oath and sign a document, that’s two separate acts: a jurat and an oath/affirmation.
The notary seal is simply the official mark that confirms the act was performed—it’s not the basis for pricing.
💰 What Do Notaries Charge?
Notary fees vary by state and by type of service. In Virginia, for example:
- Standard notarial acts (like acknowledgments or jurats): up to $10 per signature
- Remote online notarization (RON): fees can range from $25 to $55+ per session, depending on the platform and complexity
- Mobile notary services: may include travel fees, typically $25–$75 or more, depending on distance and urgency
- Loan signing services: fees can be $100–$250+, especially for certified signing agents
At Remote Notarez Hampton Roads Notary Public, we offer transparent pricing and MISMO-certified remote notary services tailored to your needs—whether you’re closing on a home, verifying identity, or handling legal paperwork.
📌 Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, financial guidance, or a guarantee of service pricing. Notary laws and fee structures vary by state and may change over time. Readers should consult their state’s official notary commission or a licensed attorney for specific legal requirements. Remote Notarez Hampton Roads Notary Public follows Virginia state guidelines and strives to provide accurate, transparent service, but we recommend verifying current regulations and fees with the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth or other official sources.