Are there too many notaries?
Asked by: Malvina Haag | Last update: June 3, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (44 votes)
Notaries often ask me on my social media channels, “Is the Notary industry too overcrowded for me to start a business?” The answer is NO!
Do people still need notaries?
Despite technological advancements, traditional in-person notarization continues to hold significant importance due to its established trust and legal recognition.
Is there a demand for notary signing agents?
With the rise of remote work and digital transactions, the demand for skilled notary loan signing agents has never been higher.
What are the negatives of being a notary?
Steady income can be difficult
In some cases, you can add additional charges for accompanying services like driving out to meet a client, but it's unlikely that you'll be able to make tons of money doing simple notarizations. Specializing in additional services is one of the best ways to make more money as a notary.
What is the most common mistake made by a notary?
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
Notary buisness oversaturation, too many notaries, is it still worth it, Loan Signing Agent
Are Notaries personally liable?
Violations and unlawful acts of official misconduct create civil liability for the notary public. A notary is liable to the person involved for all damages caused by his or her notarial misconduct.
What is it called when you swear before a notary?
By Kelle Clarke, Updated October 28, 2024. An oath or affirmation is a solemn declaration with legal consequences that can be made before a Notary. If one of your customers wishes to take an oath or affirmation, here is what you need to know.
What type of notary makes the most money?
#1: Loan Signing Agent
One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent.
Is it stressful to be a notary?
Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.
Are Notaries obsolete?
Notarization has not changed substantially over the past several hundred years, no matter how we change the way we do business. The essentials have been outlined in “How to notarize a document in 5 steps.” Yet the modern world often presents Notaries with situations that can trip up even the most experienced Notary.
Can being a notary be a side hustle?
Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig. Whether you're looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first. A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities.
What are the notary trends for 2024?
Welcoming 2024: Notary Trends on the Horizon
As we step into the new year, expect to see notary services embracing blockchain technology for enhanced security and transparency. Blockchain ensures that notarized documents remain tamper-proof and easily verifiable, providing an additional layer of trust.
Where are notaries needed the most?
Banks, Mortgage Lenders, and Other Financial Institutions
As we pointed out, loan and mortgage documents require signature verification. The same goes for other financial agreements as well. That means financial institutions will need notary services on a regular basis.
Why not to be a notary?
You may not enjoy a steady source of income
As a self-employed notary, enjoying a steady source of income may be difficult. This is because the flow of jobs may be unpredictable and estimating how often your clients will need your services may be difficult.
How does a notary get paid?
The two most common ways notaries make money are: Part of an established salary (working for a bank, local post office or another business) As an independent, freelance notary.
What makes a good notary?
One of the primary qualities to look for in a notary is proper training and certification. Trained notaries are well-versed in the various notarization processes, which is essential for ensuring the accuracy and legality of your documents.
What type of personality does a notary have?
Extraversion: Notaries don't necessarily need to be extraverted, but they do need to be comfortable interacting with people. They must be able to communicate effectively and build trust with their clients. Agreeableness: Notaries need to be approachable and easy to work with.
How often do Notaries make mistakes?
Notary mistakes and errors increase the number of rejected documents. Most rejected documents contain minor or major notarization mistakes. On average, 30% of notarized documents contain mistakes. But depending on your county and state, this rejection rate can vary.
Does being a notary look good on a resume?
The second reason is that being a notary public looks good on your resume, particularly if you work in a field like real estate or banking where certain documents will need a notary's signature to be considered valid and binding.
How much do most notaries charge?
Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.
Are notaries respected?
As representatives of the state, Notaries must perform their official duties with respect and seriousness for the public service role they play as a trusted, impartial witness.
Can you be a part-time notary?
It is simple, the start-up cost is fairly low and you can work either part-time or full-time. Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law. Some states also permit Notaries to charge a travel fee.
What does SS mean on a notary page?
The “SS” stands for the Latin term “scilicet” which means "in particular" or "namely" and simply indicates where the venue information on a certificate is located. You do not have to mark anything or fill in any additional information on the “SS” designation itself.
What is a person who notarizes called?
A person certified to notarize documents is called a "notary public," and his job is to officially swear that he saw the contract or agreement get signed. The word "notary" was originally used to mean "secretary," but around the 14th century it took on the meaning of "person authorized to authenticate."
What does "to wit" mean in notary?
(scilicet): “to wit, namely” in Latin. Archaic term generally used to indicate the exact location of the performance of a notarial act.