TX Notary - Texas Notary Allowable Fees and Records Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the Texas Government Code, what is the maximum fee a notary public can charge for taking an acknowledgment or proof for the first signature on a document?

Accepted Answer

$10

Answer

Texas Government Code § 406.024(a)(4) specifies that the maximum fee for taking an acknowledgment or proof of a deed or other instrument for the first signature is $10. The previous fee was $6, but it was updated.

Question 2

A Texas notary is called to a hospital to notarize a power of attorney. The hospital is 15 miles away. In addition to the standard fee for the notarial act, which of the following is true regarding other charges?

Accepted Answer

The notary can charge a separate travel fee if the signer agrees to it beforehand, and it should be itemized separately from the notarial fee.

Answer

Texas law does not regulate travel fees. A notary may charge a separate fee for travel, but it is not a notarial fee. This fee must be agreed upon with the signer in advance and should be itemized on a separate receipt to avoid confusion with the statutory notarial fees.

Question 3

A client requests a certified copy of a specific entry from a notary's record book. The entry spans a single page. What is the maximum fee the notary is legally permitted to charge for this service?

Accepted Answer

$1.00

Answer

Texas Government Code § 406.024(a)(8) establishes that the maximum fee for providing a copy of a record or paper kept in the notary public's office is $1 per page.

Question 4

If a notary public chooses to charge for their services, which of the following actions is required by Texas law?

Accepted Answer

Keep a list of authorized fees posted in a conspicuous place in their office.

Answer

Texas Government Code § 603.008 requires any officer who is authorized to charge fees, including a notary public, to keep a complete list of those fees posted in a conspicuous place in their office at all times.

Question 5

A signer brings a document to a notary but, citing privacy concerns, refuses to allow the notary to record the details of the notarization in their official record book. What is the appropriate action for the notary to take?

Accepted Answer

Decline to perform the notarization.

Answer

Texas Government Code § 406.014 mandates that a notary public must maintain a record book of all official acts. This is a legal requirement with no exception for a signer's refusal. If the signer will not permit the required information to be recorded, the notary must refuse to perform the notarial act.

TX Notary - Texas Notary Exam Practice Test

TX Notary - Texas Notary Exam Practice Test

TX Notary - Texas Notary Allowable Fees and Records Questions and Answers