How much can a notary charge in Alabama?

May, 1 2023

Introduction to Alabama Notary Fees

As a notary public in Alabama, it's important to know how much you can charge for your services. In this article, we will discuss the various fees that notaries in Alabama can charge. We'll break down the different types of notarial acts, as well as provide guidance on how to set your fees in a fair and reasonable manner. By understanding the regulations and limitations on notary fees, you can provide valuable services to your clients while maintaining a successful notary business.

Maximum Notary Fees in Alabama

In Alabama, the state government has established maximum fees that a notary public can charge for their services. These fees are set to ensure that notary services are accessible and affordable to the general public. As a notary public in Alabama, you must adhere to these maximum fees to avoid any legal issues or complaints. However, you can choose to charge less than the maximum fees if you prefer.

Notary Fees for Acknowledgments and Jurats

The most common notarial acts are acknowledgments and jurats. In Alabama, a notary public can charge a maximum fee of $5.00 for taking an acknowledgment or administering a jurat. This fee is set by the state, and you cannot charge more than this amount for these services.

Notary Fees for Oaths and Affirmations

Another common notarial act is administering oaths and affirmations. In Alabama, the maximum fee that a notary can charge for administering an oath or affirmation is $5.00. This fee is also set by the state to ensure that these services remain affordable to the public.

Notary Fees for Copy Certifications

When certifying copies of documents, a notary public in Alabama can charge a maximum fee of $5.00 per certified copy. This fee is set by the state and must be adhered to by all notaries in Alabama.

Notary Fees for Protests

Notaries in Alabama can also perform protests, which are formal declarations regarding the non-payment or non-acceptance of negotiable instruments, such as checks or promissory notes. The maximum fee for a protest in Alabama is $5.00, as set by the state.

Travel Fees and Additional Charges

As a notary public in Alabama, you may also charge a travel fee for your services. However, this fee must be reasonable and agreed upon by both you and the client prior to the notarial act. There is no maximum travel fee set by the state, but it's important to ensure that your fee is fair and reflective of the distance and time required for the travel.

In addition to travel fees, you may also charge additional fees for any supplies or services that are required for the notarial act. These fees must be reasonable and agreed upon by both parties before the notarial act is performed. Examples of additional charges may include providing witnesses, photocopies, or postage.

Disclosing and Communicating Your Fees

As a notary public in Alabama, it's important to clearly communicate your fees to your clients before performing any notarial acts. You should provide a written list of your fees, including any travel fees and additional charges, to your clients before the notarial act is performed. This ensures that there are no surprises or misunderstandings regarding your fees and allows your clients to make an informed decision about utilizing your services.

Recordkeeping and Fee Documentation

Proper recordkeeping and documentation of your notary fees is essential for maintaining a successful notary business in Alabama. You should maintain a notary journal that includes all notarial acts performed, as well as the fees charged for each service. This journal should be kept in a secure location and maintained for a minimum of five years after the notarial act is performed.

In addition to your notary journal, you should also provide your clients with a receipt or invoice for any fees charged. This documentation should include the date, type of notarial act performed, and the fee charged for the service. Providing clear and accurate documentation of your fees helps to protect both you and your clients from any potential disputes or misunderstandings.

Conclusion

Understanding how much you can charge as a notary public in Alabama is crucial for operating a successful notary business. By adhering to the maximum fees set by the state and ensuring that you clearly communicate your fees to your clients, you can provide valuable notary services while maintaining a profitable business. Remember to keep accurate records of your fees and notarial acts, and always strive to offer fair and reasonable pricing for your services.