I'm in California. I know that you can only charge a fee of $10 per signature for an acknowledgement notarization in California. How does this apply if an individual is signing a document of several pages long which requires more than one signature for that person? Can you charge the $10 fee for each signature for that individual or because it is only one person signing are you limited to $10?
Also, if you are administering an oath, can you charge $10 for the oath in additional to $10 for the signature? If that is the case, can I assume that each of the subparagraphs of Section 8211 of the code can be in addition to the $10 fee for the signature as applicable?
If the document is, say for instance 5 pages and each signature requires it's own notarization, then you would charge the $10 per signature notarized. Otherwise, if it is only one notarization page, it is $10. Makes no difference if it is the same person. How many of those signatures need notarization?
I think in Section 8211, you are looking at depositions (Subparagraph (c). When you do a Jurat notarization, including giving oath or affirmation and sealing, the fee is $10 per signature.
Thanks
A quick note on fees in general - I'm in California and I recently read that it is legal to charge $10 per each signature notarized plus a maximum of $25 as a "convenience fee," and $.55 per mile (which may differ from state to state).
Where in the California Notary Handbook did you read that you can charge a maximum of $25 "convenience fee"? The "maximum" you can charge to notarize a signature is $10. Some notaries charge less per signature.
As a mobile notary, for general notarizations, you would charge $10 maximum per signature notarized and we can charge for travel. This is whatever is agreed upon between you and client before you go. Some notaries in California charge $65 with up to 3 signatures notarized included, some charge $50 for travel, plus the $10 per signature, others charge $5 per signature plus travel fee. It is whatever is agreed upon between you and client. I wouldn't travel 30 miles one way for $25.
Also, I think you are thinking of reporting purposes for the IRS. Business mileage deduction for 2012 is 55.5 cents per mile. You can find this on the IRS website under mileage rates.
If there is a new law regarding a $25 maximum fee, I am unaware of it.
