Can you live off being a notary?
Asked by: Jadyn Mraz DVM | Last update: April 20, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (10 votes)
Not every NSA or mobile Notary wants to make it a full-time career. In fact, more than 61 percent notarize as a part-time gig. But even part-timers report they are doing well, reporting earnings ranging from anywhere as low as a few hundred dollars to $20,000 a month from notarizations.
Is being a notary a good side hustle?
Being a notary public can be a good way to develop new skills and build your professional network. Many notaries work on a part- time basis, which can be a good fit for those who want the flexibility to set their own schedule. Becoming a notary can provide an additional source of income.
Is notary a stressful job?
Gavin Ricciu Franklin of California summed it up best: “Everyone thinks this is an easy job, but it's not.”
What type of notary makes the most money?
Here are the types of notaries who typically earn the most:
- Loan Signing Agents 💼 Specialize in notarizing mortgage and real estate documents. ...
- Remote Online Notaries (RON) 💻 Perform notarizations online, reaching clients statewide. ...
- Mobile Notaries 🚗 ...
- Notaries Offering Specialized Services 📝
What are the cons of becoming a notary?
Becoming a notary can be expensive
You may also want to consider the cost of training to become better at your career as this may also attract additional courses. Staying prepared can help you plan financially and navigate the costs easily.
Things I would do differently if I was starting a notary business in 2025
Will Notaries be replaced by AI?
The Bottom Line. AI is a powerful resource, but it will never replace the personal involvement of a commissioned notary public. Notaries must continue to follow the laws and rules that govern their role, personally carrying out each step of a notarization.
How can a notary make 6 figures?
To be a six figure-earning money as a notary loan signing agent, you need to do 667 signings a year — or 13 signings a week — and you only need 3 escrow officers feeding you their loan signing appointments to be well on your way to making six figures a year, working less than 40 hours a week.
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.
How lucrative is it to be a notary?
But once you get 12-24 months of experience, you can bring in higher fees. We asked Notaries who have been in business 1-2 years how much they earned. More than 60 percent reported $1,000 per month working part-time, and that figure jumped to $2,000 for more than half of the full-timers surveyed.
Do Notaries get sued a lot?
It's not unusual for a Notary to be named in a lawsuit simply because plaintiffs are obligated to cast a wide net. In other words, the civil process is “Sue first, ask questions later.” And even with the best outcome, being sued is incredibly disruptive.
What is the hardest notary exam?
And the toughest notary exam is...
New York has the toughest exam to become a notary with a minimum passing score of 70%. The disconnect is that New York does not require any training requirements which leaves the individual on his own for preparing for the exam from one of the online exam preparation materials.
How long is being a notary good for?
In most states, a notary commission lasts between four and ten years before it expires. Once a commission expires, the notary must renew their certification and obtain a new stamp to continue performing notarial acts. Here are the standard commission lengths in some states: California – 4 years.
How long does it take to become a notary?
Live seminars are available for California Notary applicants throughout the state. Required training courses typically run from three to six hours and notary exams last roughly an hour.
What happens if a notary makes a mistake?
A mistake can trigger an immediate rejection and result in penalties and additional fees. In most severe cases, the notary public becomes highly vulnerable to civil litigation. Mostly, notaries are aware that there are many moving pieces in a notarization process.
Where are notaries needed the most?
Many businesses require notary services for essential tasks like loan signings, real estate closings, and legal document preparation. However, some businesses that need notaries, such as law firms, title companies, and banks, rely on them constantly.
Which state has the hardest notary test?
New York. New York has one of the toughest tests to become a Notary. The Empire State requires Notary applicants to take and pass an exam in order to receive a commission. However, the state does not require any training so applicants are on their own to learn the material covered in the exam.
Can a notary edit a document?
At best and depending on a notary's state law and rules, they can cross-through the certificate containing the error or omission, perform a new notarization, and complete a new, correct notarial certificate.
Do Notaries hold up in court?
Facilitates Legal Transactions
Similarly, wills, power of attorney forms, and specific contracts typically need notarization to be legally enforceable. With notarization, these documents might hold up in a court of law or might not be accepted by institutions.
Is there a demand for notary signing agents?
In conclusion, becoming a notary loan signing agent is a promising career path for individuals seeking flexibility, independence, and professional growth. With increasing demand due to rising property transactions and loan-related services, signing agents are playing a critical role in the notarization process.
Is starting a notary business worth it?
Starting a notarization business provides the flexibility to earn additional income as a side gig. Or, with enough preparation and experience, it can be profitable enough for a full-time career.
Which type of notary makes the most money?
Specialize in real estate closings
Make money as a notary public by becoming a loan signing agent and specializing in notarizing real estate documents. Loan signings are often more complex and command higher fees.
Is remote notary a good side hustle?
Whether you're looking for a work-from-home career, or a side gig to complement your 9-to-5 job, being a remote Notary can provide you that additional stream of income. The amount you earn can significantly increase by using your Notary commission to become a Notary Signing Agent. Learn more here.
What skills are needed to be a notary?
Essential Skills for Notaries
Attention to Detail: Notaries must carefully review documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Missing a signature or a stamp can invalidate an entire document. Ethical Integrity: As a notary, you will handle sensitive information and must do so without bias.
How does a notary get clients?
Advertise through word of mouth
Many Notaries agreed that getting the word out in your community is one of the best ways to find new customers. If someone needs a notarization but aren't sure where to go, word of mouth about your business can be key to getting signers to come to you first.