Updated 11-13-23. Notaries and signers alike are often confused about the rules for charging fees for a notarization. Take our quiz and see how many fee misconceptions you can spot.
ANSWERS:
1. How much are Notaries allowed to charge for notarizations?
A. Whatever amount is set by the Notary’s employer
B. Any amount the signer agrees to pay prior to the notarization
C. Up to the maximum amount allowed by state law
D. Notaries are not allowed to charge fees
ANSWER: C. A Notary may charge up to the maximum notarization fee set by state law. This can vary significantly between states — California’s maximum fee is $15 and Tennessee permits its Notaries to set their own fees.
2. If a document signer is identified by one or more credible witnesses, the Notary may:
A. Charge one fee for notarizing the signature, and another administering any oaths to witnesses
B. Only charge the document signer a fee
C. Only charge a fee for any oaths taken by the credible witness or witnesses
D. The Notary must waive any fees charged
ANSWER: B. Some Notaries have contacted the NNA asking if they may charge fees if a signer must be identified by one or more credible witnesses, since the Notary must administer an oath or affirmation to the witnesses. The answer is no — only the signer may be charged a fee. Administering an oath or affirmation to a credible witness is simply part of the identification process, not a notarization for which you can charge a fee.
3. True or False. A Notary may always charge less than the maximum fee set by state law.
ANSWER: True. Notaries may choose to charge a lower fee to customers, or waive a fee entirely.
In Arizona, for example, Notaries may charge any amount less than the maximum or may charge no fee at all. If Notaries do charge for their services, the state recommends fees should “be consistent. That is, the same fee should be charged for each notarization.”
4. Which of the following is true about Notaries charging travel fees?
A. Travel fees are considered separate from fees charged for notarizations
B. It’s a good practice to contact a signer and agree on any travel fees in advance
C. Some states regulate how much Notaries may charge for a travel fee
D. All of the above
ANSWER: D. Rules for Notaries charging travel fees depend on each state’s laws, but a travel fee is always considered separate from the fee for notarizing. Some states, like Nevada, set a specific amount Notaries may charge for travel. Others, like South Carolina, do not set a specific travel fee amount, but require the Notary and signer to agree on any travel fees in advance. Even if not required by law, it’s a good practice to contact a signer and agree on a travel fee before the notarization takes place.
5. True or False. Notaries may never accept a fee to endorse products with their official seal.
ANSWER: True. Notaries are never allowed to use their commissions or collect fees to endorse a product. For example, if someone offered to pay you to use an image of your seal and say, “As a Notary, I certify that Bosco Waffles are a great-tasting product!” in an advertisement, you would have to say no, because you can’t use your commission that way.
David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor at the National Notary Association.