Can you charge money as a notary?

Asked by: Brando Rau I  |  Last update: April 22, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (59 votes)

While it's difficult to build a six-figure income by doing simple notarizations like jurats and acknowledgments, some states have higher maximum rates than others. In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act. In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10.

Can you charge people for being a notary?

It's a small task and most states limit the fees a notary can charge anyway. If you're doing it for work purposes and they're paying for the testing, license, and upkeep I wouldn't bother charging the company. You can charge up to your state's maximum for freelance notarizing outside of work though.

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.

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.

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.

How to Charge Customers as a Notary

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What are the downsides of being a notary?

The Cons of Being a Notary
  • Steady income can be difficult.
  • You could be sued for a lot of money.
  • Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.

Can I be a freelance notary?

If you're looking to start your own businesses — or make money on the side — becoming a mobile Notary is a good place to start. 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.

Can Notaries swear people in?

2093. (a) Every court, every judge, or clerk of any court, every justice, and every notary public, and every officer or person authorized to take testimony in any action or proceeding, or to decide upon evidence, has the power to administer oaths or affirmations.

How to list notary on resume with no experience?

Under certificates or licenses

The most common place to list your notary status is in your certificates and licenses section. List your status as noted above, including location and expiration date, and include any additional certificates, such as certified notary signing agent or eNotary.

What is a notary liable for?

A notary public is liable for all damages caused by his or her errors, omissions, improper notarizations, or negligence in the performance of a notarial act even if such actions were made inadvertently.

Is notary a stressful job?

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.

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.

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.

Can a friend be a notary public?

Can I be the notary for them? No. If a notary public is a party to a transaction, or has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in the transaction, no matter how small, the notary must decline the notarization.

What is the day in the life of a notary?

Notaries frequently meet clients at various locations, including offices, homes, and even public places like coffee shops. Each meeting typically involves verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring that all documents are complete and accurate, and witnessing the signing process.

How to work as a notary part time?

How Can I Get a Part-Time Job as a Notary Public? To become a notary public, you need to obtain notary public qualifications through your state. All states require you to be at least 18 years old, be a legal United States citizen with fluent English speaking and writing skills, and have a clean criminal record.

Can a notary say no?

Always make sure that you have good cause. You cannot turn down a request simply because of a gut feeling, a nagging suspicion or because you simply “don't like the look” of the signer. Some reasons for refusing are clear cut: Say, for example, the signer asks you to notarize his absent wife's signature.

Is a notary a license or certification?

Like the training beforehand, the notary exam can usually be taken either in person or online. After taking and passing the exam, the state will provide you with a notary commission certificate and further instructions regarding the oath of office.

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.

How much does the UPS store charge for notary?

For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature. Where as other states are lower, sometimes even under $10. However if the notary has to come you or travel for any reason to do the job, the notary can charge whatever traveling fee they would like to on top of the charge per signature.

What is a notary prohibited from?

Notaries cannot authenticate or validate objects. Notaries cannot give advice or opinions that should be given by an attorney—this is unlicensed practice of law.

Can I work from home as a notary?

States that allow RON in the future: California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Vermont. States that don't allow RON: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina.

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 should I name my notary business?

Consider using a name that indicates your service area, which has worked for California Notary Karen S. Flores. “My business West Coast Notary Pro has defined and branded me as a Notary professional,” says Flores.