KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to California

AB-1597 • 2026

Notary public: service fees.

Notary public: service fees.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Castillo
Last action
2026-03-17
Official status
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on how much fees will increase or who sets the new fee limits.

Notary Public Service Fees

AB-1597 increases the maximum fees that notaries public can charge for certain services.

What This Bill Does

  • Increases the maximum fees a notary public can charge for taking an acknowledgment or proof of a deed.
  • Includes findings and declarations about why these changes are needed.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Notaries public who provide services like taking acknowledgments or proving deeds.
  • People or businesses that use notary services for legal documents.

Terms To Know

Acknowledgment
A formal declaration made before a notary public confirming the signing of a document.
Deed
A legal document that transfers ownership of property from one person to another.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify exactly how much the fees will increase.
  • It is unclear when these changes would take effect after passing into law.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-17 California Legislative Information

    In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.

  2. 2026-03-16 California Legislative Information

    Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 75. Noes 0.)

  3. 2026-03-11 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.

  4. 2026-03-10 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 10).

  5. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on JUD.

  6. 2026-01-17 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee February 16.

  7. 2026-01-16 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1597, as introduced, Castillo.
Notary public: service fees.
Existing law authorizes the Secretary of State to appoint and commission notaries public in the number that the secretary deems necessary for the public convenience. Existing law prohibits fees charged by a notary public for certain services, including taking an acknowledgment or proof of a deed, from exceeding specified amounts.
This bill would increase those amounts, as specified, and make findings and declarations related to these provisions.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF