Posted by SLP_VA on 10/22/05 3:33pm
Msg #71911

Non Loan Signing Call

I received a call from someone who found my name on signingagent.com. They requested that I drive to their home (which is 42 miles from me) to notarize about 7 papers. Of course I told them no problem, so the appointment is all set. I will be notarizing a husband and wife signature.

My notary handbook states that I am allowed to charge $3.00 per notarial act. So, does this mean I can charge $21.00 (for 7 documents). Of course I will add my travel fee which I am still trying to figure out what that will be.

Can someone help me out with the charge for the notarial acts? Just want to be sure I don't overcharge anyone here.

Thanks in advance.

Reply by PAW_Fl on 10/22/05 3:48pm
Msg #71913

Since this is a "notarial" request, you are limited to what you can charge per your state statutes. As far as travel costs, if you are allowed them, you should be up front with what that charge is so the 'buyer' can determine if the costs are worth it. A lot of times, when I get calls like that, the travel fee is too high and they choke. So I suggest they go to their local bank or Pak 'n Ship, Kinkos that has a notary on staff. (I tell them to call first to make sure.) Of course, there are times they gladly meet my fee and away I go.

Reply by SLP_VA on 10/22/05 4:10pm
Msg #71916

My state statute states I can charge $3.00 per notarial act. I just want to be sure that I can charge $3.00 for each paper notarized. I researched a little more and I see that I can.
Thanks Paw. Once again, you're the best!

Reply by Roger Rill on 10/22/05 4:17pm
Msg #71918

As Paul noted, make sure the customers understand and agree to your total fees, including travel, before making the trip. For an 80-mile round trip, I'd be in the $1.25/mile range.

Reply by SLP_VA on 10/22/05 4:31pm
Msg #71920

Yes, thanks. I told him I would email him confirmation with my total fees including travel fees and he agreed with the total, he could forward me signed confirmation back.

Thanks so much all!

Reply by SLP_VA on 10/22/05 4:31pm
Msg #71921

Yes, thanks. I told him I would email him confirmation with my total fees including travel fees and if he agreed with the total, he could forward me signed confirmation back.

Thanks so much all!

Reply by Hank_VA on 10/22/05 4:51pm
Msg #71923

The Virginia Notary fee was changed in July to $5.00 per notarial act.

Hank

Reply by SLP_VA on 10/22/05 5:10pm
Msg #71927

Re: Thanks Hank!

Thanks Hank! You're right. I do remember seeing that on the NNA. I have an outdated manual!

Reply by thnotary_NY on 10/23/05 8:53am
Msg #71967

Re: Thanks Hank!

SLP_VA, one of the things you should be keeping track of (in your spreadsheet) are the (deductable) Notary fees per signing.

Reply by RickinVA on 10/23/05 9:06am
Msg #71971

Re: Thanks Hank!

Yeah, but don't forget that's true ONLY for Self Employment taxes, not as deduction from total income.

Rick

Reply by thnotary_NY on 10/24/05 7:17am
Msg #72028

Re: Thanks Hank!

True, but one should get into the habit of keeping track just in case it applies.