Why Am I Paying More Than The State Maximum Notary Fee?

Each state that authorizes RON also sets a maximum fee that notaries are allowed to charge for their services. This is often between $10 and $25 per notarization act, depending on the state. Notaries must comply with these limits even when performing their work online. Charging more than the allowed amount directly would violate state law and could result in penalties or loss of commission.

However, Remote Online Notarization involves more than just the notary’s time. It also includes secure video technology, identity verification systems, encryption tools, document storage, and audit logging. These services are provided by the RON platform itself, not the notary. As a result, the total amount you pay includes both a notary fee and a separate platform fee.

In the case of BlueNotary, the company collects the full payment from the signer, separates the legally allowed notary fee, and pays that amount to the notary. The remainder of the payment — the platform fee — is retained by BlueNotary to cover the cost of software, support, and infrastructure. This model allows the notary to remain compliant with state law while still being fairly compensated through an agreed platform arrangement.

When you pay for a RON session, you are not being overcharged by the notary. The notary is only receiving the amount permitted by law. The rest goes to the technology provider who hosts and manages the session. This distinction is important because it protects consumers and notaries alike by ensuring transparency and legal compliance.

So while it may seem like you are paying more than what a traditional notary might charge, the added value includes convenience, advanced identity checks, 24/7 availability, and secure document handling — all made possible through the platform fee structure. Your notary remains within legal limits and receives fair compensation through the partnership with the RON provider.