Is it permissible for a notary public to charge more than the statutory fee for their services?

A notary public is required to adhere strictly to the maximum fees established by law when charging for their services. This regulation ensures consistency and fairness in notarial fees across the state, preventing any potential abuse or exploitation of clients. The statutory fee structure is designed to be reasonable for the services provided, reflecting the basic nature of notarial acts, which do not typically require extensive training or significant time investment.

Charging more than the established statutory fees, regardless of the situation, would be a violation of the regulations governing notaries in California. This rule helps maintain public trust in the notarial process, ensuring that notaries do not take advantage of individuals in need of their services. While various circumstances may arise that could lead a notary to feel justified in charging more, the law is clear that they must base their charges solely on the statutory fee guidelines.