MI Notary Michigan Notary Fees and Compensation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If a document contains three separate signatures each requiring notarization, what is the maximum total fee a Michigan notary may charge?
- $10
- $20
- $30 (Correct answer)
- $50
Correct answer: $30
Since each signature requiring notarization is a separate notarial act, the notary may charge up to $10 per act, totaling $30 for three acts.
Question 2: A Michigan notary who overcharges for a notarial act may be subject to which penalty?
- Permanent loss of commission only
- A fine and possible revocation of commission (Correct answer)
- Civil lawsuit only
- A verbal warning from the county clerk
Correct answer: A fine and possible revocation of commission
Charging fees above the statutory maximum can result in fines and potential revocation of the notary's commission.
Question 3: A notary employed by a bank notarizes loan documents for bank customers. Who typically pays the notary fee?
- The customer always pays the notary directly
- The bank may absorb the cost as a business service (Correct answer)
- Michigan law requires the borrower to pay all fees
- No fees are allowed at financial institutions
Correct answer: The bank may absorb the cost as a business service
Banks often absorb notary fees as part of their service, and the notary-employee may be prohibited by the employer from collecting fees personally.
Question 4: May a Michigan notary accept a gratuity (tip) in addition to the maximum statutory fee?
- Yes, voluntary tips are permitted above the statutory fee
- No, any payment above the statutory maximum is prohibited (Correct answer)
- Only if disclosed in the notary's fee schedule
- Only from non-profit organizations
Correct answer: No, any payment above the statutory maximum is prohibited
Michigan law sets a strict maximum per notarial act, and accepting payment above this cap—whether called a tip or otherwise—would constitute overcharging.
Question 5: Which document serves as the best evidence if a fee dispute arises regarding a Michigan notary's services?
- Verbal testimony from witnesses
- The notary's journal entry recording the fee charged (Correct answer)
- A receipt from the county clerk
- The notary's commission certificate
Correct answer: The notary's journal entry recording the fee charged
A notary's journal is the primary record of services performed and fees charged, making it key evidence in any fee dispute.
Question 6: A Michigan notary charges $10 per notarial act but the document signer refuses to pay. What should the notary do?
- Complete the notarization and pursue payment in small claims court
- Refuse to perform the notarization until payment is arranged (Correct answer)
- Contact the Secretary of State immediately
- Perform the notarization for free and file a complaint
Correct answer: Refuse to perform the notarization until payment is arranged
A notary is not obligated to perform services without payment and may decline to proceed if the agreed fee is not paid.
MI Notary Michigan Notary Fees and Compensation 2
If a document contains three separate signatures each requiring notarization, what is the maximum total fee a Michigan notary may charge?