Do people still use notaries?
Asked by: Mr. Blake Nader DDS | Last update: July 7, 2025Score: 5/5 (59 votes)
But it's important to understand that legal requirements for notary services don't go away simply because documents can be executed online. There are also benefits to retaining a notary – even when not required under the law – in order to protect yourself from fraud.
Is there still a need for notaries?
Traditional Notary Services: Still Puttering Along
Despite technological advancements, traditional in-person notarization continues to hold significant importance due to its established trust and legal recognition.
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.
How common are notaries?
The spread is dramatic—among states for which we have data, the state with the highest prevalence has nearly eight times the number of notaries per capita as the state with the least. The highpoint is Florida, with 19.0 notaries for every 1,000 people in the state.
Who uses notary services the most?
- Insurance companies.
- Mortgage companies.
- Title companies.
- Corporations — of any type.
- Real-estate companies.
- Construction companies.
- Schools — public or private of all levels.
- Any other company that requires notarization on a regular basis.
General Notary/ Why Notaries are Still Needed/ Loan Signing Agent
Can I make money as a notary?
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.
Why do notaries still exist?
The Notary Public's Role:
A notary public is a person appointed by state government to act as an impartial witness in the execution of important documents. The intent of notarization is to deter fraud by those signing paperwork, so proper verification of identity is a key task for notary services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is there a demand for online notaries?
States such as California and Texas often see higher demand, increasing the potential for new notaries to secure more jobs. With an average of 5-10 notarizations per day, a notary in these states could earn between $125 and $500 daily.
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.
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.
Can you refuse to do a notary?
In order to properly refuse a notarization, you should have one or more reasons to do so that can be objectively articulated in your journal. In other words, you should be able to explain why you are refusing to notarize. If you can't explain it, then you don't have a sufficient basis to do it.
Is there a market for notaries?
The global mobile notary public market is expected to reach a market valuation of USD 347.2 million by the year 2023, accelerating with a moderate CAGR of 18.4% from 2023 to 2033. Mobile notary public market size is anticipated to be valued at about USD 1,885.3 million by 2033.
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.
Do banks have notaries?
Most banks have notaries that provide the service for free for their customers and for a fee for non-customers. A document is notarized when a third party, known as a notary public, verifies your identity and witnesses you signing the document.
What's the point in notarizing?
Notarization is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic, and can be trusted. It is a three-part process, performed by a Notary Public, that includes of vetting, certifying and record-keeping.
Do notaries keep a record?
California requires its Notaries to keep all completed journals as long as they maintain a current Notary commission. California Notaries whose commissions end without being renewed must turn in their journals within 30 days to the county clerk's office where their oath of office is on file.
What makes a notarized document invalid?
Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal
States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.
What are the downsides of being a notary?
Time Commitment and Costs
Initial training courses may take several hours to days to complete, depending on the program's complexity. Ongoing education is necessary to stay current with changes in notarial laws and procedures. Costs can include training fees, application fees, bond expenses, and insurance premiums.
What state pays notaries most?
- Notary in District of Columbia: $52,767.
- Notary in California: $52,293.
- Notary in New Jersey: $51,961.
- Notary in Alaska: $51,629.
- Notary in Massachusetts: $51,582.
How to market yourself as a notary?
- Create profiles on as many Notary listing websites as possible.
- Create a social media presence.
- Create a Google ad for your business.
- Form a Notary network.
- Reach out directly to potential clients.