CA Notary Notary Fees and Charges 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum fee a California notary public may charge per signature for an acknowledgment or jurat?
- $5
- $10
- $15 (Correct answer)
- $20
Correct answer: $15
California Government Code Section 8211 sets the maximum fee at $15 per signature for acknowledgments and jurats.
Question 2: Can a California notary charge a travel or convenience fee in addition to the maximum statutory fee?
- No, all fees are capped at the statutory maximum
- Yes, a travel fee may be charged separately if agreed upon in advance (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only for out-of-county travel
- Only if approved by the Secretary of State
Correct answer: Yes, a travel fee may be charged separately if agreed upon in advance
A notary may charge a separate travel fee if it is agreed upon beforehand, as it is a separate service charge not covered by the statutory fee schedule.
Question 3: What is the maximum fee a California notary may charge for certifying a copy of a power of attorney?
- $5 per page
- $10 (Correct answer)
- $15 per signature
- $20
Correct answer: $10
California law sets the maximum fee for certifying a copy of a power of attorney at $10.
Question 4: A notary's employer instructs the notary to provide free notarizations to clients. Is this permissible?
- No, a notary must always charge the maximum fee
- Yes, a notary may waive fees at the employer's direction or by personal choice (Correct answer)
- Only for nonprofit organizations
- Only with Secretary of State approval
Correct answer: Yes, a notary may waive fees at the employer's direction or by personal choice
California notaries are permitted to waive or reduce their fees, including at the direction of their employer or as a personal choice.
Question 5: What is the maximum fee for administering an oath or affirmation without a signature in California?
- $5
- $10 (Correct answer)
- $15
- $20
Correct answer: $10
California Government Code sets the maximum fee for administering an oath or affirmation without a signature at $10.
Question 6: If a notary charges more than the statutory maximum fee, what can happen?
- Nothing, fees are negotiable
- The notary may face disciplinary action, commission revocation, or criminal penalties (Correct answer)
- The signer may request a refund only
- The notary must donate the excess to a state fund
Correct answer: The notary may face disciplinary action, commission revocation, or criminal penalties
Charging fees above the statutory maximum is a violation of California law that can result in disciplinary action, commission revocation, and potential criminal liability.
CA Notary Notary Fees and Charges 1
What is the maximum fee a California notary public may charge per signature for an acknowledgment or jurat?