AK Notary AK Notary Fees and Compensation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should an Alaska notary do if a signer cannot afford the notary fee?
- Refuse to notarize
- Waive or reduce the fee at their discretion (Correct answer)
- Charge double the next time
- Report the signer to the state
Correct answer: Waive or reduce the fee at their discretion
Notaries may waive or reduce their fee for anyone, including those who cannot afford it.
Question 2: Can an Alaska notary charge more than the statutory maximum fee for a notarization?
- Yes, for complex documents
- No, charging above the maximum is a violation of Alaska law (Correct answer)
- Yes, with written consent of the signer
- Yes, during evenings and weekends
Correct answer: No, charging above the maximum is a violation of Alaska law
Charging above the statutory maximum is a violation of Alaska notary law and may result in disciplinary action.
Question 3: How should an Alaska notary handle a signer who refuses to pay the fee after a notarization is complete?
- Void the notarization
- Pursue the fee through appropriate civil channels (Correct answer)
- Report the signer to the Lieutenant Governor
- Demand return of the document
Correct answer: Pursue the fee through appropriate civil channels
Fee disputes are civil matters; the notary may pursue payment through appropriate legal means but cannot void the completed notarization.
Question 4: Is an Alaska notary required to post their fee schedule publicly?
- Yes, in all cases
- No, but it is good practice to disclose fees before performing the act (Correct answer)
- Only in commercial settings
- Only if requested by the signer
Correct answer: No, but it is good practice to disclose fees before performing the act
While not always legally required to post fees, notaries should disclose their fees to signers before performing the notarial act.
Question 5: An Alaska notary charges $10 per acknowledgment signature when the statutory maximum is $5. This is:
- Acceptable if the signer agrees
- A violation of Alaska notary law (Correct answer)
- Acceptable for rush services
- Acceptable only for out-of-state documents
Correct answer: A violation of Alaska notary law
Charging above the statutory maximum is prohibited regardless of signer agreement.
Question 6: Which of the following additional services may an Alaska notary charge for separately?
- Witnessing a signature (if authorized) (Correct answer)
- Reading the document aloud
- Translating the document
- Advising on legal content
Correct answer: Witnessing a signature (if authorized)
Witnessing a signature is a separate authorized act that may carry its own fee under Alaska law.
AK Notary AK Notary Fees and Compensation 2
What should an Alaska notary do if a signer cannot afford the notary fee?