Can you make money off of being a notary?

Asked by: Dr. Immanuel Kerluke I  |  Last update: July 19, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (29 votes)

Yes, you can absolutely make money as a notary. While simply stamping standard documents at a flat state-mandated fee (usually $ 5 to $ 1 5) yields a very small income, you can significantly boost your earnings by offering premium mobile services and specializing in real estate loan signings.

What type of notary makes the most money?

General mobile notaries handling standard document acknowledgments, oaths, and affirmations typically earn between $24,000 and $90,000 annually, according to the National Notary Association. Loan signing agents command significantly higher rates, with Glassdoor data showing an average of $101,858 annually.

Will notaries be replaced by AI?

Despite rapid advances in automation, AI is not replacing the role of the notary public. The purpose of notarization is to provide an independent human witness who confirms identity, assesses willingness, and ensures that a signer understands the document they are executing.

Can I actually make money as a notary?

Notaries are essential for verifying signatures and preventing fraud — and that vital service comes with real earning potential. From mobile notarization to online notarization and loan signings, you can turn your notary commission into a flexible, rewarding source of income.

How do notaries find 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. ...
  • Referrals from current customers. ...
  • Offer discounts to signers. ...
  • Always answer phone requests for Notary services.

How To Make Money As A Notary In 2025

15 related questions found

What do notaries get sued for?

You fail to administer an Oath. If you are notarizing using a Jurat, a verbal oath is required, and the signer must verbally attest to the truthfulness of the documents, and attest that they are signing of their own free will. You can be fined and can lose your commission.

How much does a $10,000 notary bond cost?

The cost of the bond, or the premium, can also vary. For a $10,000 notary bond, the premium is usually between $38 and $50 for the entire commission period, which is typically 4-6 years. In contrast, the premium for a $10,000 contractor license bond or auto dealer bond might be higher due to the perceived greater risk.

What are the risks of being a notary?

what happens when clients and even non-clients ask to have documents notarized that have nothing to do with the business at hand? Remember that a notary is potentially liable for any of the document signer's losses that can be traced to an improper notarization.

Do notaries do fingerprints?

If you mean, may a Notary take a person's fingerprints, the answer may be yes. Many Notaries have provided fingerprinting services in the past. However, taking fingerprints is not a notarial act for which a Notary commission is required and may be regulated by other law.

Can a notary public make a living will?

Yes. In California, a living will or advance healthcare directive must be either: Notarized, or. Signed by two adult witnesses, neither of whom is your healthcare agent.

What is the hardest state to become a notary in?

The state with the toughest application requirements is...

California not only requires an exam, it also requires mandatory training up to 6 hours, a background check and a minimum exam score of 70% in order to obtain a notary commission.

Which 5 jobs will survive AI?

The AI Tsunami: 5 Jobs That Will Survive (And 1 You Won't Expect)

  • Entrepreneurs. AI dramatically lowers the cost of building companies. ...
  • Relationship Builders. Deals still happen between people. ...
  • Builders of the Physical World. Plumbers. ...
  • Specialists Who Understand Complexity. ...
  • Creators With a Point of View. ...
  • Tax Advisors.

What do you call a person who swears before a notary?

Affiant: Signer of an affidavit. Affidavit: Written statement signed before a Notary by a person who swears or affirms to the Notary that the statement is true.

Is a notary a stressful job?

Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more. Managing stress is important for your health and long-term success as a Notary. Let's look at some common causes of stress while notarizing along with tips to keep them from overwhelming you.

Do I need an LLC to be a mobile notary?

Most of us can just begin operations as a mobile notary and a loan signing agent right away acting as a sole proprietorship. Now keep in mind that some States, counties, cities, they may have some business licensing requirements too. So you just need to do your due diligence and look up that.

What other jobs can you do as a notary?

Although some might require training or certification.

  • Job Opportunities for Notaries. ...
  • Notary Signing Agent. ...
  • Escrow Assistant. ...
  • Legal Assistant. ...
  • Field Inspector. ...
  • Bookkeeper. ...
  • Remote Online Notary. ...
  • Explore Different Opportunities.

Can my boyfriend notarize something for me?

A notary generally cannot notarize a document if they have a direct financial or beneficial interest in the transaction. While rules vary by state, notarizing for family members is often prohibited or legally risky due to conflicts of interest.

Can notary be a side hustle?

Yes, being a notary is an excellent, flexible side hustle with a low barrier to entry. It allows you to set your own hours, and you can significantly boost your earning potential by specializing in real estate or online notarizations.

Do notaries go over documents?

No, it is not illegal; however, the Notary should not read the documents they notarize because it is unnecessary and could possibly be a violation of the signer's privacy. You may scan over the document to obtain the information you need for your journal entry of the notarization. Confronted with a tricky notarization?

Why do notaries get sued?

Many lawsuits against Notaries are filed because the Notary carelessly failed to request proper ID, which allowed a signer to commit fraud. Always follow your state's laws to ensure a signer's identity is properly vetted.

How long does notary class take?

All persons seeking appointment as a notary public must satisfactorily complete a Secretary of State approved six-hour course of study prior to appointment.

Who should you not notarize for?

A notary cannot proceed with notarization if the signer appears confused or mentally incapable of understanding the transaction. A notary cannot proceed with notarization if he/she is a named party in the transaction, or if he/she will derive a financial or material benefit.

What is a $500 notary bond?

A notary bond is required by many states to ensure that notaries perform their notarial duties in accordance with the law. The bond amount is determined by each state and can range from $500 to $25,000. The premium amount paid by the notary will depend on the bond amount.

How much do you pay on a $100,000 bond?

$100,000 surety bonds typically cost 0.5–10% of the bond amount, or $500–$10,000. Highly qualified applicants with strong credit might pay just $500 to $1000, while an individual with poor credit will receive a higher rate.

What is better, a CD or a bond?

Bonds are not universally "better" than CDs, but they are often superior for long-term growth, higher income, and tax efficiency, while CDs are superior for safety and short-term, guaranteed returns. Bonds offer higher potential returns and better liquidity, but come with risk of losing value if sold before maturity, unlike FDIC-insured CDs.