MT Notary Fees and Compensation 2

Question 1

A Montana notary works for a bank and is asked to notarize documents for a customer. The bank has a policy of not charging customers for notarizations. Can the notary charge the customer personally?

Accepted Answer

No, the notary must follow the employer's policy

Answer

Yes, the notary's statutory right to $5 overrides employer policy

Answer

Yes, as long as the total does not exceed $5

Answer

No, because bank employees are prohibited from acting as notaries

Question 2

Which best describes the consequence a Montana notary may face for consistently overcharging signers above the statutory maximum?

Accepted Answer

Suspension or revocation of their notary commission

Answer

A warning letter only for the first offense

Answer

A civil fine payable to the signer

Answer

No consequence, as fee disputes are civil matters only

Question 3

A Montana notary is asked to certify a copy of a document and charges $5. The signer later asks for a second certified copy and is charged another $5. Is this correct?

Accepted Answer

Yes, each separate notarial act may be charged up to $5

Answer

No, the second copy is free because it is the same document

Answer

No, the maximum for copy certifications is $2

Answer

Yes, but only if the copies are made on different days

Question 4

Before performing a notarization, a Montana notary states their fee. The signer refuses to pay. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

The notary may decline to perform the notarial act

Answer

The notary must perform the act and pursue payment later

Answer

The notary must reduce the fee to whatever the signer will pay

Answer

The notary must report the signer to the Secretary of State

Question 5

How should a Montana notary handle a situation where a signer cannot afford the notary fee?

Accepted Answer

The notary may choose to waive or reduce the fee at their discretion

Answer

The notary must charge the full statutory maximum regardless

Answer

The notary must refer the signer to a government office at no charge

Answer

The notary is required to provide a payment plan

Question 6

A Montana notary performs a remote online notarization (RON). Compared to in-person fees, what is generally true about RON fees under Montana law?

Accepted Answer

RON fees may be set at a higher maximum than traditional in-person fees

Answer

RON fees are prohibited entirely

Answer

RON fees must match the $5 in-person cap exactly

Answer

RON fees are governed solely by the technology vendor's pricing

Question 7

A Montana notary posts a fee schedule at their place of business. Under state law, is this practice recommended or required?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended as a best practice for transparency but not mandated by statute

Answer

It is required by statute before any fee may be charged

Answer

It is prohibited because fees must be individually quoted

Answer

It is required only when the notary's fee exceeds $3