MA Notary Notary Fees and Compensation 3

Question 1

What is the consequence in Massachusetts for a notary who charges a fee for a notarial act they did not actually perform?

Accepted Answer

This could constitute fraud or theft and expose the notary to civil and criminal liability

Answer

Charging for services not rendered is fraudulent and could expose the notary to criminal charges for theft as well as civil liability.

Question 2

May a Massachusetts government employee notary charge a fee for notarizations performed for the public during official duty hours?

Accepted Answer

No, government notaries are often required to provide free notarizations as part of their public service role

Answer

Many Massachusetts government agencies require employee notaries to perform free notarizations for the public as part of their public service duties.

Question 3

Can a Massachusetts notary's fee schedule vary depending on the type of document being notarized?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a notary may charge different fees for different types of notarial acts or circumstances

Answer

Since Massachusetts does not set statutory fees, notaries may set their own fee schedules and may differentiate based on act type, complexity, or travel requirements.

Question 4

If a Massachusetts notary is performing notarial acts as part of their employment duties, who typically retains the fees collected?

Accepted Answer

Often the employer, per employment agreement

Answer

When a notary performs services as part of their employment, the employment contract typically specifies that fees collected belong to the employer.

Question 5

Is it ethical for a Massachusetts notary to quote one fee and then charge a higher fee after notarizing?

Accepted Answer

No, changing fees after the fact without prior agreement is unethical and potentially fraudulent

Answer

Changing fees after the service is rendered without prior disclosure is deceptive and violates basic consumer protection and professional ethics principles.

MA Notary - Massachusetts Notary Exam Practice Test

MA Notary - Massachusetts Notary Exam Practice Test

MA Notary Notary Fees and Compensation 3