How do notaries get paid?

Asked by: Rocio Anderson  |  Last update: January 22, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (66 votes)

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.

How do Notaries receive payments?

How Do Notary Publics Get Paid: The Invoicing Process. After completing the notarization, title companies typically require you to submit an invoice for your services. An invoice is a document that details the services rendered, including the notarization date, client information, fees, and any additional charges.

How does notary go pay?

Primary agents get paid weekly. How is my payment sent? All checks are sent to the email we have on file as an e-check.

How does a notary make money?

In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act. In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10. In some states, there are no maximum notary fees set by law, so local competition sets the typical price. These types of notarizations can be quick and simple.

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.

Webinar Training: How to Make $75-$200 Per Hour Appointment as a Notary Public Loan Signing Agent

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What 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. ​Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.

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 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.

Who uses notaries the most?

What types of businesses benefit the most from having a Notary on staff?
  • 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.

What happens when you go to a notary?

As an official witness of a state, a notary helps prevent fraud. By witnessing the signing of documents or administering oaths, the notary is there to make sure participants are willing and all tasks are carried out properly.

How to be a mobile notary?

Steps to Become a Mobile Notary
  1. Meet the Basic Requirements. ...
  2. Complete Notary Education and Training. ...
  3. Pass the Notary Exam. ...
  4. Obtain a Notary Bond and Insurance. ...
  5. Apply for Your Notary Commission. ...
  6. Setting Up Your Business Structure. ...
  7. Marketing Your Services. ...
  8. Managing Appointments and Scheduling.

How do loan signing agents get paid?

One common payment method for loan signing agents is a flat fee per signing. This means that regardless of the time it takes to complete the signing, or the number of documents involved, the signing agent will receive a predetermined amount for their services.

How to bill as a notary?

Here are the basic but essential elements to include for flawless notary invoices.
  1. Business Information. ...
  2. Invoice Number and Date. ...
  3. Client Information. ...
  4. Notary Services Performed. ...
  5. Other Expenses. ...
  6. Totals. ...
  7. Payment Information. ...
  8. Notes.

How long does a notary signing take?

From start to finish, the typical appointment takes about 30 minutes.

Can notaries do contracts?

A notary can play an important role in making sure that a contract is legally enforceable, even if notarization isn't necessary. Just like wills, there is generally no requirement that a contract be notarized in order to be legally binding.

Is notary a high risk business?

Even though statistically, less than 2% of full-time notaries end up in court, the risk of a lawsuit is significant enough to make one want to ensure they have coverage.

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.

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.

Is notary a good side hustle?

A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.

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.

What is a fun fact about notary?

All roads lead to Rome. Notaries public first developed in the Roman Empire. The word notary comes from the Latin word nota. Nota was a system of short-hand Cicero's clerk, Tullius Tiro, used to transcribe his speeches.

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.

How to market yourself as a notary?

5 simple tips to market your Notary Signing Agent business
  1. Create profiles on as many Notary listing websites as possible.
  2. Create a social media presence.
  3. Create a Google ad for your business.
  4. Form a Notary network.
  5. Reach out directly to potential clients.

Is being a notary a good side hustle on Reddit?

In person general notary work is exceptionally difficult to make any money in. Most of the services you would provide are already provided for free as a courtesy at many banks, libraries, and businesses.