The Sherman Antitrust Act

Are Notaries and Signing Agents Allowed to Discuss Fees?
Most believe the answer is yes. Federal law says otherwise.

This comprehensive guide is the first notary-specific compliance manual explaining how the Sherman Antitrust Act applies to notaries, Notary Signing Agents, educators, online groups, and professional communities.

Antitrust violations in the notary industry rarely happen because of bad intent. They happen because well-meaning professionals unknowingly cross legal boundaries-often in Facebook groups, trainings, mentorships, or private messages. This book closes that gap.

Written in plain language and grounded in real-world enforcement, this guide explains what notaries can and cannot do, why intent does not matter, and how everyday conversations about fees can create serious legal exposure.

Inside this book, you'll learn:

• Why independent contractors are exactly who antitrust law regulates

• Why discussing fees-even casually-can be illegal

• The difference between education and coordination

• Why state fee caps do not provide immunity

• How group boycotts and collective refusals happen unintentionally

• How social media posts, polls, and private messages become evidence

• The real consequences of violations, including civil and criminal exposure

This is not just theory. The book provides:

• Clear compliance rules for notaries and signing agents

• Admin and educator templates for group rules and safe responses

• Checklists for daily compliance and self-audits

• FAQs that address the most common gray areas

• An annotated case appendix explaining key Supreme Court and federal cases in practical terms

The guide also reframes compliance as professional responsibility, aligning independent pricing with the same ethical independence required in notarization itself.

Whether you are:

• A working notary or signing agent

• A group admin or moderator

• A notary educator or coach

• A platform or industry partner

...this book provides the clarity, structure, and confidence needed to operate lawfully-without fear, confusion, or silence.

This is not legal advice.
It is something better: a defensible, practical compliance guide built specifically for the notary industry.

If you participate in notary communities, discuss business practices, or teach others-this book is essential reading.