WA Notary Notary Fees and Compensation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Can a Washington notary charge a higher fee for a remote online notarization (RON) than for an in-person notarization?
- No, fees must be identical for all notarizations
- Yes, Washington sets a different maximum fee for RON (Correct answer)
- Only if the notary has special RON certification
- Only for interstate RON transactions
Correct answer: Yes, Washington sets a different maximum fee for RON
Washington law sets a higher maximum fee for remote online notarizations to account for the additional technology requirements involved.
Question 2: What is the maximum fee a Washington notary may charge for a remote online notarization (RON)?
- $10
- $15
- $25 (Correct answer)
- $50
Correct answer: $25
Washington law allows notaries to charge up to $25 per notarial act performed via remote online notarization.
Question 3: If a Washington notary charges more than the statutory maximum fee, what may result?
- Nothing — fees are self-regulated
- The notary may face disciplinary action including commission suspension or revocation (Correct answer)
- The client may negotiate a refund only
- A small civil fine paid to the client
Correct answer: The notary may face disciplinary action including commission suspension or revocation
Charging in excess of the statutory maximum is a violation of Washington notary law and can result in disciplinary action against the notary's commission.
Question 4: A Washington notary performs three separate notarial acts on one document signing appointment. How should fees be calculated?
- One fee for the entire appointment
- One fee per notarial act performed (Correct answer)
- A flat rate regardless of the number of acts
- Double the maximum for multiple acts on one document
Correct answer: One fee per notarial act performed
Washington notary fees are charged per individual notarial act, so three separate acts may be charged separately at up to the maximum per act.
Question 5: Is a Washington notary required to provide a receipt for fees charged?
- Yes, a receipt is always required by law
- No, but it is a recommended best practice (Correct answer)
- Only for fees over $25
- Only for business clients
Correct answer: No, but it is a recommended best practice
While Washington law does not explicitly require receipts, providing one is a professional best practice that protects both the notary and the client.
Question 6: Can a Washington notary refuse to notarize a document because a signer cannot afford to pay the fee?
- No, refusing to notarize for financial reasons is always prohibited
- Yes, a notary is not obligated to perform services for free unless required by law (Correct answer)
- Only government officials may refuse on financial grounds
- No, all notarizations must be free for low-income individuals
Correct answer: Yes, a notary is not obligated to perform services for free unless required by law
A Washington notary is generally not obligated to provide free services; however, they may not refuse for discriminatory reasons.
WA Notary Notary Fees and Compensation 2
Can a Washington notary charge a higher fee for a remote online notarization (RON) than for an in-person notarization?