Colorado Notary Exam Notary Fees and Compensation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Can a Colorado notary charge a separate travel fee in addition to the statutory notarial fee?
- No, all compensation must fall within the statutory maximum per act
- Yes, a reasonable travel fee may be charged separately if agreed upon in advance (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only for travel exceeding 50 miles
- No, travel fees are prohibited under any circumstance
Correct answer: Yes, a reasonable travel fee may be charged separately if agreed upon in advance
Colorado allows notaries to charge a reasonable travel fee separate from the notarial act fee, provided the signer agrees to it before travel begins.
Question 2: A notary begins a notarization but discovers the signer lacks a valid ID and cannot complete the act. May the notary still charge a fee?
- Yes, for time spent regardless of completion
- No, a fee may not be charged for an incomplete notarial act (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only half the normal fee
- No, unless the notary traveled to the location
Correct answer: No, a fee may not be charged for an incomplete notarial act
A notary may not charge a fee for a notarial act that was not completed, since no notarial service was actually rendered.
Question 3: A Colorado notary is employed by a business. Who determines whether the notary may charge personal fees for notarizations performed on the job?
- The Colorado Secretary of State
- The notary's employer (Correct answer)
- The county clerk
- The signer of the document
Correct answer: The notary's employer
An employer may prohibit or restrict an employee-notary from collecting personal fees for notarizations performed during work hours or on behalf of the employer.
Question 4: A Colorado notary witnesses a signature on a will for a client. What is the maximum fee the notary may charge for this signature witnessing act?
- $5
- $10 (Correct answer)
- $15
- $25
Correct answer: $10
Signature witnessing carries the same $10 per-signature maximum as other standard notarial acts under Colorado law.
Question 5: A notary in Colorado charges $10 for an oath administered to a single individual without any accompanying document. Is this within the legal limit?
- No, oaths without documents are free
- Yes, $10 per person is the maximum for an oath or affirmation (Correct answer)
- No, the maximum for a standalone oath is $5
- Yes, but only if the notary also issues a written certificate
Correct answer: Yes, $10 per person is the maximum for an oath or affirmation
Colorado law sets a maximum of $10 per person for administering an oath or affirmation, with or without a document.
Question 6: Which of the following actions by a Colorado notary regarding fees could result in commission suspension or revocation?
- Charging less than the statutory maximum
- Charging fees above the statutory maximum
- Declining to disclose fees before the act
- Both charging above the maximum and failing to disclose fees (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both charging above the maximum and failing to disclose fees
Charging fees above the statutory cap and failing to make required disclosures are both grounds for disciplinary action against a notary's commission.
Question 7: A Colorado notary notarizes documents for a nonprofit organization and wishes to waive the fee. Is this allowed?
- No, notaries must always charge the statutory fee
- Yes, a notary may choose to perform notarizations for free (Correct answer)
- No, waiving fees requires Secretary of State approval
- Yes, but only for recognized 501(c)(3) organizations
Correct answer: Yes, a notary may choose to perform notarizations for free
Colorado notaries are free to waive fees entirely, as the statute sets a maximum rather than a minimum required charge.
Colorado Notary Exam Notary Fees and Compensation 3
Can a Colorado notary charge a separate travel fee in addition to the statutory notarial fee?