Posted by Monique Insalaco on 3/24/13 9:08pm
Msg #462854

General Notary Work--State Limits Travel Fee Imposed

New Mexico imposes a $0.30/mile maximum fee for travel when performing general notary work, as well as $5.00/jurat or acknowledgement maximum. This makes any profit margin on this type of work thin at best. Is it "lawful" to add an additional fee for say, prorated hourly rate to cover time, or a flat fee for . . . something politically correctly worded?

Regards,
Monique in NM

Reply by AngelaV/CA on 3/25/13 12:31am
Msg #462862

That's a shame. I do a lot of general "mobile" notary work and can attest to the absolute need in my communities. As a licensed professional, I can't imagine working for those rates.

Reply by Yoli/CA on 3/25/13 8:36am
Msg #462877

Is "convenience fee" or "accommodation fee" allowed?

Reply by Monique Insalaco on 3/25/13 10:35am
Msg #462887

See, that's exactly what I'm wondering. The statues don't say, hey don't charge anything but the $5.00/stamp and the $0.31 per mile for travel that's all you get. So, I'm hoping a "convenience fee" would be allowed to make this type of work worthwhile. (while I'm waiting for $xxx SS to call me.) I'm just ultra-conservative and am concerned about the letter of the law so I was asking. Sounds like I should give the state a call.

Regards,
Monique

Reply by NVLSlady/VA on 3/25/13 11:06am
Msg #462891

Seems like you should be able to "set your own boundary" Or just have signer come to you (or someplace mutually agreed). I don't know the NM terrain . . . I agree that gnw is part of why we exist, but why would I want to expend much time, resources on it?

For that matter, I'm fortunate that I am able to provide notary signing services within a quad-county radius/densely populated region only separated by a few miles (no more than 15-20 generally). So I don't even consider going outside of that (jungle) radius. When companies ask, "Do you do work in so-and-so area?" - I don't play the numbers game; I just say "unfortunately, no." It's just my business model so I can serve my "neighbors."

Also, if there's a problem, the "remedy" is not far away. This policy allowed me to go the "extra few miles" for a new client last week by serving as courier.