DC Notary DC Notary Fees, Liability, and Ethical Obligations

Question 1

What is the maximum fee a DC notary may charge per notarial act?

Accepted Answer

$5 per act

Answer

$2 per act

Answer

There is no fee limit set by DC law

Answer

$25 per act

Question 2

A DC notary who charges more than the statutory maximum fee may face:

Accepted Answer

Disciplinary action including revocation of commission

Answer

No consequences if both parties agree

Answer

Only a warning from the DC Mayor's office

Answer

A civil fine paid to the signer

Question 3

Is a DC notary required to charge a fee for every notarial act?

Accepted Answer

No, notaries may choose to waive their fee

Answer

Yes, to maintain fairness

Answer

Only for real estate documents

Answer

Yes, the minimum fee is $1

Question 4

Under DC law, a notary's personal liability arises when:

Accepted Answer

The notary commits misconduct or negligence in performing notarial acts

Answer

The notary charges the maximum fee

Answer

The notary declines to perform a notarial act

Answer

The notary notarizes more than 10 documents per day

Question 5

What is the primary ethical obligation of a DC notary when asked to notarize a document?

Accepted Answer

To act as an impartial witness and follow the law

Answer

To notarize every document presented without question

Answer

To provide legal advice about the document's contents

Answer

To advocate for the signer's interests

Question 6

A DC notary who is also an attorney charges a legal fee in addition to a notary fee for the same transaction. This is:

Accepted Answer

Permissible if the notarial and legal services are separate and disclosed

Answer

Always prohibited

Answer

Prohibited unless approved by the DC Bar

Answer

Required to be reported to the DC Mayor's office