WA Notary Notary Fees and Compensation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Does Washington State set maximum fees that a notary may charge for notarial acts?
- No, fees are entirely unregulated in Washington
- Yes, Washington law establishes maximum fees for notarial acts (Correct answer)
- Only for government-related documents
- Only for notaries employed by financial institutions
Correct answer: Yes, Washington law establishes maximum fees for notarial acts
Washington law sets maximum fees that notaries may charge for individual notarial acts to protect the public from excessive charges.
Question 2: What is the maximum fee a Washington notary may charge per notarial act under state law?
- $5
- $10 (Correct answer)
- $15
- $25
Correct answer: $10
Washington law sets the maximum fee at $10 per notarial act for in-person notarizations.
Question 3: Can a Washington notary charge less than the maximum allowed fee?
- No, they must always charge the maximum
- Yes, notaries may charge any amount up to the maximum or nothing at all (Correct answer)
- Only if the client is a nonprofit
- Only for family members
Correct answer: Yes, notaries may charge any amount up to the maximum or nothing at all
Notaries are free to charge any amount at or below the statutory maximum, including performing free notarizations.
Question 4: May a Washington employer require their employee notary to perform notarizations for free as part of their job?
- No, this violates Washington notary law
- Yes, an employer may require free notarizations as a condition of employment (Correct answer)
- Only for banks and law firms
- Only with a written employment agreement
Correct answer: Yes, an employer may require free notarizations as a condition of employment
An employer may require their notary employee to perform notarizations without charging a fee as part of their job duties.
Question 5: Can a Washington notary charge a travel fee in addition to the notarial act fee?
- No, travel fees are prohibited
- Yes, Washington allows notaries to charge travel fees if the signer agrees in advance (Correct answer)
- Only for travel over 50 miles
- Only for hospital or nursing home visits
Correct answer: Yes, Washington allows notaries to charge travel fees if the signer agrees in advance
Washington notaries may charge a separate travel fee for mobile notarization services, provided the signer agrees to the fee in advance.
Question 6: What must a Washington notary do if they decide to charge for a notarial act?
- File the fee schedule with the county
- Disclose the fee to the signer before performing the notarial act (Correct answer)
- Charge only after the act is complete
- Obtain written authorization from the Secretary of State
Correct answer: Disclose the fee to the signer before performing the notarial act
Notaries should disclose their fees to signers before performing the notarial act to avoid disputes.
WA Notary Notary Fees and Compensation 1
Does Washington State set maximum fees that a notary may charge for notarial acts?