A notary's liability for a notarization depends on the state's statute of limitations and the specific nature of the claim (e.g., negligence vs. fraud). While the notarization seal and the document itself typically remain valid indefinitely, the notary's personal and financial liability is subject to specific legal timeframes. OneNotary +4 Liability Duration and Statute of Limitations The "liability" of a notary generally falls into three categories: Statutes of Limitation : Most states have a specific period within which a lawsuit may be filed against a notary, typically ranging from 3 to 10 years from the date of the act or the discovery of the error. Bond Liability : In states like Michigan, notaries must carry a $10,000 surety bond that covers the duration of their 6 to 7-year commission . If a claim is made, the bond provides a layer of public protection, but the notary may still be personally liable for amou...
Notary travel fee rules vary by state, but generally require advance agreement between the notary and client, separate disclosure from notarization fees, and compliance with any state-specific caps or regulations. Many states allow notaries to charge separately for travel, but some, like Nevada, set hourly limits, while others, like Maryland, allow a federal mileage rate plus a flat fee. It is essential to check local laws and clearly communicate all fees before performing the service. General rules and guidelines Agree on the fee in advance: The travel fee must be agreed upon by both the notary and the client before the notary travels to the location. Disclose fees separately : The travel fee is separate from the fees for the notarial act itself and must be disclosed as such. Check state-specific laws: Some states have specific rules for travel fees, while others leave it up to the notary and client to agree. State-specific caps: Some states may have limits on how much can be ...