Navigating the world of notary services can sometimes feel like deciphering a legal puzzle. A common question that arises is, “Can A Notary Charge A Travel Fee?” Understanding the allowable fees and documentation requirements is crucial for both notaries and individuals seeking notarization services. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, drawing upon established guidelines to clarify what notaries can legally charge and how they must document those charges.
What Fees Can a Notary Legally Charge?
The fees a notary can legally charge are typically governed by state laws. For example, in Colorado, the maximum allowable fee for a notarization is $15 per document. This fee encompasses:
- Verifying the signer’s identity.
- Administering an oath or affirmation, if required.
- Affixing the signature, notarial certificate, and stamp of the notary to the document.
For electronic or remote notarizations, this maximum fee might be higher, such as $25 in Colorado. It’s important to consult the specific regulations of your state.
Notary Public Stamp and Seal
Beyond the Basic Notarization Fee: Additional Services
Can a notary charge a travel fee? The answer is generally yes, but with conditions. Notaries are often permitted to charge for services beyond the basic notarization, such as:
- Photocopying
- Mileage
- Travel
However, transparency is key. The notary must inform the customer of all charges before performing the notarial act and provide a detailed list of these charges.
Documentation Requirements for Notary Fees
A critical aspect of a notary’s responsibilities is providing proper documentation of all fees charged. Notaries must provide a written record of all fees, which can take several forms:
- Closing statement for property sales
- Itemized invoice
- Receipt
- Transaction summary
- Business card with a list of fees
- Similar document listing the notarial act fee
Example of a Notary Fee Schedule
Exceptions to the Documentation Rule
There are specific scenarios where notaries might be exempt from providing fee documentation. A notable exception involves notaries who are employees of a title company and perform notary services as part of the company’s offerings, such as title insurance or settlement services. In this case, the notary does not have to provide separate documentation of fees to the customer.
Independent Contractors vs. Employees
The documentation requirements can differ based on whether a notary is an employee or an independent contractor. As an independent contractor providing notarial services to a title company, you are responsible for providing a copy of your standard notarial fee and any associated fees you charge (travel, mileage, etc.). If the title company charges the customer a different amount, the customer should address the discrepancy with the title company directly.
Zero-Fee Notarizations
If a notary provides their services free of charge, no documentation is required. However, if the notary charges for additional services like travel or photocopying, even when the notarization itself is free, documentation for those charges is still necessary.
Who is the Customer?
For documentation purposes, the “customer” is the individual signing the document. This clarification ensures that the correct party receives the necessary fee information.
Right to Refuse Notarization
It’s also important to note that notaries have the right to refuse to perform a notarization, provided the refusal is not based on discriminatory reasons. This right can be exercised in situations such as language barriers requiring an interpreter, where the notary feels unable to ensure the signer fully understands the document.
Conclusion
Understanding the regulations around notary fees, including the question of “Can a notary charge a travel fee?”, is essential for both notaries and their clients. Transparency, proper documentation, and adherence to state laws are crucial for maintaining ethical and legal compliance in notary practices. By staying informed, notaries can provide reliable services, and customers can confidently seek notarization, knowing their rights and obligations. If you are still unsure it would be best to contact a legal professional.
