PA Notary Fees & Charges 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum fee a Pennsylvania Notary Public may charge for taking an acknowledgment of a signature on a document for a single individual?
- $2.00
- $5.00 (Correct answer)
- $10.00
- $15.00
Correct answer: $5.00
The Pennsylvania Notary Public Law specifies the maximum fees a notary may charge for various notarial acts. For taking an acknowledgment, the maximum fee is $5.00 for the first signature and $2.00 for each additional signature.
Question 2: A Pennsylvania Notary Public is asked to administer an oath or affirmation to a deponent for a sworn statement. What is the maximum fee the notary may charge for this act?
- $2.00
- $5.00 (Correct answer)
- $7.00
- $10.00
Correct answer: $5.00
Similar to acknowledgments, the maximum fee for administering an oath or affirmation is $5.00 for the first individual and $2.00 for each additional individual taking the oath or affirmation.
Question 3: A principal requests a Pennsylvania Notary Public to travel to their home to perform a notarial act. Which of the following statements regarding travel fees is TRUE?
- A notary may charge a reasonable travel fee, which must be agreed upon in advance and itemized separately from the notarial fee. (Correct answer)
- Notaries are strictly prohibited from charging any fees beyond the statutory notarial fees.
- Travel fees are only permitted if the notarial act is performed outside of normal business hours.
- A notary may include a travel fee within the statutory notarial fee, provided the total does not exceed $10.00.
Correct answer: A notary may charge a reasonable travel fee, which must be agreed upon in advance and itemized separately from the notarial fee.
Pennsylvania notaries may charge a reasonable fee for travel, provided it is agreed upon by the principal in advance, disclosed separately from the notarial fee, and itemized. It is not part of the statutory notarial fee itself.
Question 4: Which of the following charges is a Pennsylvania Notary Public expressly PROHIBITED from imposing on a principal?
- A fee for travel expenses, agreed upon in advance.
- A fee for administering an oath.
- An 'administrative fee' or 'convenience fee' for scheduling the appointment. (Correct answer)
- A fee for certifying a copy of a document.
Correct answer: An 'administrative fee' or 'convenience fee' for scheduling the appointment.
The Pennsylvania Notary Public Law strictly limits the fees a notary may charge to the statutory notarial fees and reasonable, separately disclosed travel fees. Notaries are prohibited from charging additional fees such as 'administrative fees,' 'convenience fees,' 'processing fees,' or 'document preparation fees.'
Question 5: What is the maximum fee a Pennsylvania Notary Public may charge for certifying a copy of a document?
- $2.00
- $5.00 (Correct answer)
- $10.00
- $15.00
Correct answer: $5.00
The maximum fee for certifying or attesting a copy of a document is $5.00. This is consistent with the fee for many other basic notarial acts.
Question 6: Before performing a notarial act, a Pennsylvania Notary Public must disclose all fees to the principal. How must these fees be disclosed?
- The notary must verbally state the total fee after the notarial act is completed.
- The notary must display a schedule of fees in a prominent location at their place of business, but no verbal disclosure is required.
- The notary must inform the principal of the fees for the notarial act and any separate travel fees prior to performing the notarial act. (Correct answer)
- The notary is only required to disclose fees if the principal specifically asks for them.
Correct answer: The notary must inform the principal of the fees for the notarial act and any separate travel fees prior to performing the notarial act.
Pennsylvania Notary Publics are required to inform the principal of the fees for the notarial act and any separate travel fees prior to performing the notarial act. This ensures transparency and prevents disputes.
Question 7: A Pennsylvania Notary Public charges a principal $15.00 for a single acknowledgment, exceeding the statutory maximum fee. What is a potential consequence for the notary?
- The notary will receive a warning letter from the Department of State.
- The notary may be subject to civil penalties, suspension, or revocation of their commission. (Correct answer)
- The notary must refund the overcharged amount, but no further penalty applies.
- The notary will be required to complete additional continuing education courses.
Correct answer: The notary may be subject to civil penalties, suspension, or revocation of their commission.
Charging fees in excess of the statutory maximum is a serious violation of the Pennsylvania Notary Public Law. Such actions can lead to disciplinary action by the Department of State, including civil penalties, suspension, or even revocation of the notary's commission.
PA Notary Fees & Charges 1
What is the maximum fee a Pennsylvania Notary Public may charge for taking an acknowledgment of a signature on a document for a single individual?