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Misconduct/Fees

A notary charges $15 for a standard acknowledgment and an additional $50 'service fee.' The $50 service fee is:

A

Unlawful only if it is not itemized

B

Unlawful — it exceeds the statutory maximum

C

Lawful if the client agreed in advance

D

Lawful only for mobile notaries

Official source: 2026 California Notary Public Handbook (2026)

Reference: Misconduct/Fees

Source checked September 7, 2026

✓

Correct Answer

C. Lawful if the client agreed in advance

Detailed Explanation

The statutory maximum ($15) applies to the notarial act itself. Additional service fees not tied to a specific statutory notarial act are generally permissible if clearly disclosed and agreed upon. However, courts have found that calling something a 'service fee' to get around the statutory cap may be improper. Travel fees for mobile notaries are separately permitted.

Misconduct/Fees Question #414
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