MT Notary Fees and Compensation 3

Question 1

A Montana notary charges $5 for an acknowledgment and $5 for a jurat performed for the same signer in the same sitting. Is this permissible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because each is a separate and distinct notarial act

Answer

An acknowledgment and a jurat are two distinct notarial acts, so each may be charged up to the $5 maximum independently.

Question 2

A Montana notary notarizes a document for a nonprofit organization and wants to waive the fee. Must the notary record the waived fee anywhere?

Accepted Answer

No statutory requirement exists to record a fee waiver, though journal entries should note the transaction

Answer

Montana does not require notaries to formally report or document fee waivers, but the notarial act itself should still appear in the journal.

Question 3

A signer claims a Montana notary overcharged them $3 above the statutory limit. Which agency would the signer most likely contact to file a complaint?

Accepted Answer

The Montana Secretary of State's office

Answer

The Montana Secretary of State oversees notary commissions and handles complaints about notarial misconduct, including fee violations.

Question 4

If a Montana notary charges a fee for performing an oath or affirmation, which amount is within the legal limit?

Accepted Answer

$5

Answer

Administering an oath or affirmation is a standard notarial act in Montana, and the $5 maximum applies to it just as it does to other acts.

Question 5

A Montana notary doubles as a legal document preparation service. Can the notary bundle notarial fees with document preparation fees?

Accepted Answer

Only if the notarial fee is clearly itemized separately from preparation fees

Answer

When a notary offers additional services, the notarial fee must be separately identified so it is clear the notarial charge does not exceed the statutory cap.

(MT Notary) Montana Notary Exam Practice Test

(MT Notary) Montana Notary Exam Practice Test

MT Notary Fees and Compensation 3