AL Notary Notary Fees and Compensation

Question 1

What is the maximum fee an Alabama notary may charge per notarial act under state law?

Accepted Answer

$5 per notarial act

Answer

$10 per notarial act

Answer

$25 per notarial act

Answer

There is no statutory fee limit in Alabama

Question 2

An Alabama notary charges $20 for a single acknowledgment. This is:

Accepted Answer

Illegal — it exceeds the $5 statutory maximum

Answer

Legal if the document is a real estate deed

Answer

Legal if the notary has a written fee schedule on file

Answer

Legal for notaries with more than 10 years of experience

Question 3

May an Alabama notary charge a travel fee in addition to the notarial fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a separate travel fee may be charged if agreed upon in advance

Answer

No, Alabama law prohibits any fees beyond the $5 notarial fee

Answer

Yes, but only if the travel exceeds 50 miles

Answer

Only government-employed notaries may charge travel fees

Question 4

An Alabama notary who is also a licensed attorney notarizes documents for their legal clients. Can they charge more than $5 per act?

Accepted Answer

No, the $5 cap applies to all Alabama notaries regardless of professional credentials

Answer

Yes, attorney-notaries may charge up to $25 per act

Answer

Yes, if the document is part of a legal proceeding

Answer

Only if the client waives the statutory fee limit in writing

Question 5

When is an Alabama notary permitted to perform a notarial act for free?

Accepted Answer

At any time — charging a fee is optional, and the notary may waive it

Answer

Only for immediate family members

Answer

Only for government documents

Answer

Never — Alabama requires a minimum $1 fee to make the act valid

Question 6

An Alabama employer requires their notary-employee to notarize company documents without charging any fee. This is:

Accepted Answer

Legal — the notary may waive fees, including under employer direction

Answer

Illegal — the notary must collect at least the minimum statutory fee

Answer

Legal only if the employer reimburses the notary directly

Answer

Illegal unless a corporate notary exemption has been filed