Notarizations

If you’re in need of mobile notary services in Boston, MA, you may be wondering what to expect in terms of cost. Unlike walk-in notaries, mobile notaries charge two separate fees: the notary fee and the travel fee. While Massachusetts doesn’t regulate notary fees, mobile notaries are expected to charge reasonable prices for their services. On average, you can expect to pay between $75 to $200 for mobile notary services in Boston. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of notary fees, travel fees, and what you should expect to pay. We’ll also share our competitive pricing at BMNA.

Notary Fees

When hiring a mobile notary in Boston, it’s important to understand that the total cost involves two components: their travel fee (which we’ll cover next) and their fee for performing the notarial act itself. Unlike many other states with set maximums, Massachusetts allows notaries public to determine their own prices. So, how can you figure out what’s reasonable?

Think of notaries as public officials – the fees they charge should reflect the service they provide to the community. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, notary fees in Boston typically range between $5 and $20 per notarial act, depending on factors like the notary’s experience, location, and any additional services offered.

Remember, you’re charged per notarial act, not per document. So, if you have several documents needing notarization, or a single document that requires multiple notarial acts, the cost will naturally increase.

But what exactly is a notarial act? In Massachusetts, there are several types, each serving a specific purpose:

• Signature Witnessing: The notary confirms your identity, observes you signing a document, and then adds their official stamp and signature.
• Acknowledgments: The notary verifies that you signed the document willingly and are who you say you are.
• Jurat: Similar to an acknowledgment, but with the added step of you swearing or affirming the truthfulness of the document’s content under oath.
• Oaths and Affirmations: The notary guides you through taking an oath or affirmation before giving testimony or making a sworn statement.
• Copy Certifications: The notary verifies that a copy of your document is an exact match to the original.

Let’s break it down with an example:

Imagine you’re closing on a new home. You might have multiple documents requiring various notarial acts, like signature witnessing, acknowledgments, and jurats. In this case, you’d be charged for each of those individual acts across all of your documents.

Transparency is Key

Remember, Massachusetts doesn’t regulate notary fees, so it’s always wise to ask about the notary’s fees upfront. A reputable notary will be upfront and transparent about their pricing and happy to answer any questions you have.

Up next, we’ll dive into travel expenses, the other component of mobile notary fees. By understanding both parts of the equation, you’ll be equipped to choose the right mobile notary for your specific needs and budget.

Travel Fees

The beauty of mobile notaries lies in their ability to meet you wherever you are, whether it’s your home, office, or even a local coffee shop. But this convenience comes at a price, as mobile notaries must factor in the costs associated with traveling to your location. These travel fees are what distinguish them from traditional walk-in notaries who operate from a fixed location.

So, what exactly goes into these travel fees? Think gas, mileage, tolls, parking, and of course, the notary’s valuable time spent on the road. In Massachusetts, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer regarding how much you should expect to pay. Unlike notary fees, which have some loose guidelines, travel fees are entirely up to the discretion of the individual notary, as long as they remain reasonable and fair to both parties.

To navigate this aspect of mobile notary services, it’s helpful to understand the various ways notaries structure their travel fees:

• Flat Fee: This is a set amount charged for any service within a predetermined radius. It’s straightforward and easy to understand, but may not always accurately reflect the actual cost incurred by the notary, especially for longer distances.
• Flat Fee + Mileage: This hybrid approach involves a base fee for a certain distance, with an additional per-mile charge for any travel beyond that. It’s a balanced approach that considers both the notary’s time and the actual distance covered.
• Mileage Fee Only: This fee structure is calculated solely based on the distance traveled, typically charged per mile. It’s a fair option for longer trips, but may not be sufficient to cover the notary’s expenses for shorter distances or multiple short trips in a single day.
• Arbitrary Fee: This method allows notaries to factor in unique circumstances like heavy traffic, expensive parking fees (especially in areas like the Seaport District), or other unforeseen travel expenses. While flexible, it can be less predictable and transparent for clients.

Each of these fee structures has its advantages and drawbacks, so it’s crucial to inquire about the notary’s specific pricing model before booking their services. A transparent notary will readily explain their fee structure and address any questions you may have, ensuring you’re well-informed and comfortable with the associated costs.

By understanding the nuances of travel fees, you can make an informed decision when selecting a mobile notary, balancing convenience with cost-effectiveness. Remember, a reputable mobile notary will prioritize transparency and fairness, so you can be confident in the value you’re receiving for the services rendered.

What You Should Expect To Pay in Boston, Massachusetts

So, what’s the bottom line? For most mobile notary services in Boston, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $120. This range reflects the diverse fee structures notaries use, with some charging flat fees as high as $120 and others starting with a base fee as low as $30, plus additional charges per document or notarial act.

But remember, the most important factor is finding the right balance between cost and the value you’re receiving. A higher price doesn’t always guarantee superior service, and a lower price doesn’t always mean you’re getting a bargain.

To get a clear picture of the total cost, be sure to inquire about any potential additional fees beyond the initial quote. Some notaries might charge extra for parking, tolls, or travel beyond a certain distance. Clarifying these details upfront will help you avoid any surprises when the final bill arrives.

If the notary charges a mileage fee, ask how it’s calculated and whether it’s locked in before your appointment. Some notaries may base their mileage fee on a pre-determined route, while others might adjust it based on actual travel conditions or unforeseen detours.

Why We Charge a Flat Travel Fee + Notary Fees

At Boston Mobile Notary and Apostille (BMNA), we believe in keeping things simple and transparent. We use a flat travel fee plus a per-notary act fee structure to ensure you always know what you’re paying for.

As of right now, our travel fee within Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline zip codes is a flat $55. This covers our time, gas, mileage, tolls, and any potential parking expenses. Our notary fee per notarial act is $15.

This means that for a standard appointment within our primary service area, with one notarial act, you can expect to pay a total of $70. This straightforward pricing ensures there are no surprises or hidden costs.

For locations outside of our primary service area (surrounding towns and areas beyond Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline), our travel fees vary depending on the distance and specific location. We’ll always provide a clear quote upfront, so you know exactly what to expect before we arrive.

Why This Approach? Serving Boston Best

Our primary focus is on serving the heart of Boston, where we can be just minutes away from our clients. We understand that Boston is a bustling city with heavy traffic, and we want to ensure we can reach you quickly and efficiently, without compromising our ability to serve other clients promptly.

While we’re happy to travel to surrounding areas, the increased travel time and distance necessitate a higher travel fee to cover our expenses and ensure we can continue providing reliable service within the city.

By concentrating our efforts on Boston proper, we can offer a convenient and affordable solution for individuals and businesses seeking mobile notary services in the heart of the city.