CA Notary Notary Fees and Charges 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A California notary notarizes 3 signatures on one document. What is the maximum total fee they may charge?
- $15
- $30
- $45 (Correct answer)
- $60
Correct answer: $45
Since the maximum fee is $15 per signature, three signatures on one document allows a maximum charge of $45.
Question 2: May a California notary charge a fee for services that are expressly required by law to be performed free of charge?
- Yes, as long as the fee is below the statutory maximum
- No, fees are prohibited when law mandates free notarization (Correct answer)
- Only if the signer agrees in writing
- Only if the notary is self-employed
Correct answer: No, fees are prohibited when law mandates free notarization
Certain notarial acts, such as those for military members under specific statutes, are required by law to be performed free of charge and no fee may be collected.
Question 3: What fee may a California notary charge for a protest of a negotiable instrument?
- $15
- $10 (Correct answer)
- $20
- $5
Correct answer: $10
California Government Code allows a maximum fee of $10 for noting, protesting, and providing a notice of dishonor on a negotiable instrument.
Question 4: Is a California notary required to post their fee schedule?
- No, posting is optional
- Yes, fees must be posted in a conspicuous place in the notary's office if they charge fees (Correct answer)
- Only if the notary works in a bank
- Only if they charge more than $10 per act
Correct answer: Yes, fees must be posted in a conspicuous place in the notary's office if they charge fees
California law requires notaries who charge fees to post their fee schedule in a conspicuous location in their place of business.
Question 5: Can a California notary collect a fee before performing the notarial act?
- No, payment must always follow the act
- Yes, a notary may collect fees before or after the act (Correct answer)
- Only for mobile notary services
- Only with a signed fee agreement
Correct answer: Yes, a notary may collect fees before or after the act
California law does not prohibit collecting a fee before performing the notarial act; payment timing is flexible.
Question 6: What is the fee limit for a California notary who provides a deposition service including swearing in the witness?
- $10 per hour
- $15 for the oath plus $2 per page of the deposition (Correct answer)
- $15 flat
- $30
Correct answer: $15 for the oath plus $2 per page of the deposition
California sets the fee at $15 for administering an oath to a deponent and $2 per folio (100 words) for any deposition taken by the notary.
CA Notary Notary Fees and Charges 2
A California notary notarizes 3 signatures on one document.
What is the maximum total fee they may charge?