Hi everyone! Wondering if you are supposed to charge for initials on a POA? My state Nevada does not say otherwise. Please share your idea.
You charge for a notarization - either per signature or per notarization - do you notarize initials?
Link to your handbook - I think your answer is clear - look under fees:
https://www.nvsos.gov/sos/sos-information/office-facts/faqs-all-division/notary-divisions#fees
I’m sorry, but the handbook does not say anything on initials. So I am left to wonder if I can legally charge a client of POA for initials. Anyone else know?
My apologies - I thought your handbook was pretty clear - “per signature”
(CA) Think about it. . . are you comfortable/authorized/empowered/etc., etc., etc. to notarize someone’s initials?? Notaries authenticate an individual’s identity so that the subsequent act of notarizing that person’s signature can be universally recognized and relied upon. What good is the act of notarization otherwise?
I would, as a notary, never, ever notarize anyone’s initials. I have no frame of reference (i.e., acceptable forms of identification) to base my authentication upon - initials won’t get it done, I’m afraid. And, as Linda has confirmed, the guide indicates “per signature”. If initials were allowed, the guidance would so state.
P.S. I just remembered, your question was about charging for notarizing initials. My answer is NO.
Definitely Not. Are you wanting to charge for every initial the customer makes on the documents, or is this anytime you initial ??
Let be start by thanking vegas2notary for choosing a screen name that indicates the state; that makes it much easier to answer.
In the Nevada Notary Divisions website you find the following:
What may I charge? Current Fees as of July 1, 2021 (see NRS 240.100)
| For taking an acknowledgment, for the first signature of each signer | $15.00 |
|---|---|
| For each additional signer | $7.50 |
| For administering an oath or affirmation without a signature | $7.50 |
| For a certified copy | $7.50 |
| For a jurat, for each signature on the affidavit | $15.00 |
It doesn’t really say what to do about initials. If it were me, I would treat the signature that indicates the signer is agreeing to the document, or swearing the document is true, as that signer’s signature for that document, and charge accordingly. If the signer initials the bottom of each page, or initials certain paragraphs to show the signer read them, I would think of those as either a security measure, or a clarification, not as the signature that I am notarizing. So I wouldn’t charge for the initials.
I have NEVER seen a document where the signer ONLY initials a document that needs to be notarized. If that is the situation you are asking about, I suggest starting a new question with a subject line that makes that clear.
Thanks everyone for a well informed postings. I truly understand what you are saying. I do not charge for initials, but wanted clarification on this since it is important to know this document extremely well. Appreciate community support.
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