AL Notary Notary Fees and Compensation 2

Question 1

An Alabama notary performs three separate notarial acts on the same document. How much may they charge?

Accepted Answer

Up to $5 per act, so up to $15 total

Answer

A flat $5 regardless of the number of acts on one document

Answer

Up to $25 for multiple acts on a single document

Answer

Nothing — multiple acts on one document are considered one fee

Question 2

What should an Alabama notary do if a client disputes the fee they were charged?

Accepted Answer

Review the fee schedule and refund any amount exceeding the $5 statutory cap

Answer

Refuse to return any fees once a notarial act is completed

Answer

Contact the Secretary of State to arbitrate the dispute

Answer

Refer the dispute to the county probate judge

Question 3

Is an Alabama notary required to post their fee schedule?

Accepted Answer

Alabama law does not require posting a fee schedule but it is good practice

Answer

Yes, the fee schedule must be posted in a visible location

Answer

Yes, the fee schedule must be filed with the Secretary of State annually

Answer

Only mobile notaries are required to disclose fees in writing

Question 4

Under Alabama law, an unlawful overcharge by a notary may result in:

Accepted Answer

Disciplinary action including revocation of the notary commission

Answer

A warning letter only for a first offense

Answer

A mandatory refund but no other penalty

Answer

A civil fine payable to the state treasury

Question 5

A mobile Alabama notary charges $5 for the notarial act and $30 for travel. The client agreed to the travel fee beforehand. Is this lawful?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because the travel fee was disclosed and agreed to in advance

Answer

No, total charges cannot exceed $35 for any notarization

Answer

No, travel fees are prohibited for Alabama notaries

Answer

Yes, but only if the notary is a certified loan signing agent

Question 6

An Alabama notary performs a notarial act but the signer refuses to pay the fee. The notary should:

Accepted Answer

Pursue the fee through civil means if desired; the notarial act itself is already complete and valid

Answer

Void the notarization and demand payment before releasing the document

Answer

Report the signer to the Secretary of State

Answer

Retain the original document until payment is made