How does notary go pay?

Asked by: Katarina Casper  |  Last update: May 8, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

NotaryGo typically pays its notaries via e-checks (electronic checks) sent to the email on file, usually processing payments at the end of the following month for completed signings, though primary agents may get paid weekly. General notaries earn money through fixed state-regulated fees for basic services, plus custom fees for mobile or specialized work, accepting payment via cash, digital apps (Zelle, Venmo), card readers (Square), or direct deposit.

Do notaries get paid for their services?

Income from Notary Fees

No matter what kind of notary you choose to be, most notary-specific income comes from fees for your services. There are fees associated with general notary work, including acknowledgments, jurats and oaths, and affirmations. These fees come with limitations, however.

What are the benefits of using NotaryGO?

Unmatched Quality Control

  • Proactive Signing Agent Grading.
  • Executed Document QC Process.
  • Monthly Performance Reports and Conference Calls.
  • Secure Online Document Handling.
  • 24/7/365 Real Time Status Via Website.

Is being a notary a good side hustle?

Yes, being a notary is often considered a great side hustle because it offers flexibility, low startup costs (compared to some businesses), high demand for essential services, and the potential for good hourly earnings, especially as a mobile notary or loan signing agent, with Remote Online Notarization (RON) adding work-from-home opportunities. 

Which type of notary makes the most money?

The Notary Loan Signing Agent (NSA) makes the most money, handling complex mortgage documents for $75-$200+ per appointment, significantly more than general notaries, with high demand in real estate; other lucrative paths include specialized services like Apostille agents, Remote Online Notaries (RONs), and mobile notaries who travel for higher fees.
 

Presenting Yourself As A Professional Loan Signing Agent | What I Bring to My Loan Signings | NC

21 related questions found

Can you live off being a notary?

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.

What are the downsides of being a notary?

Disadvantages of being a notary include inconsistent income, high liability for errors, significant startup and maintenance costs (fees, bond, E&O insurance), the challenge of building a client base, strict legal restrictions (no UPL), dealing with difficult clients or requests, and potential for emotionally taxing situations, all while facing intense competition for low-paying gigs. 

Is notary a stressful job?

Yes, being a notary can be stressful due to high stakes, difficult clients, legal complexities, and the pressure of running a business, but it's manageable with proper skills, organization, and boundaries, offering rewards like flexibility and independence. Common stressors include handling illegal requests, dealing with angry or difficult signers, balancing work/life, building a client base, and navigating inconsistent income, especially in competitive markets.
 

How to make 6 figures as a notary?

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?

The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document. 

How much does a mobile notary make per visit?

A mobile notary's earnings per visit vary significantly, with general notarizations offering lower fees (often based on state-set per-signature/act fees plus travel) but specialized roles like Loan Signing Agents earning $75 to $200 or more per appointment, especially for mortgage closings, by saving time and handling complex documents, notes National Notary Association. Higher fees come from working directly with title companies or attorneys, while agents using signing services might earn less due to commission splits, Loan Signing System. 

What are the risks of mobile notary work?

Risks of mobile notary work include significant personal safety concerns (unsafe locations, aggressive clients), liability for errors leading to lawsuits (even for minor mistakes), financial strain from low fees or unnecessary expenses, data security issues, and potential for criminal activity targeting notaries, all requiring high situational awareness, strict adherence to state laws, and robust safety protocols like informing contacts of your location and avoiding sharing your full schedule. 

Is it worth it to get a notary license?

Yes, getting a notary license is often worth it for the flexibility, low startup costs, and career advantages, offering potential income as a side gig or full-time business, especially as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) for loan signings, though profitability depends heavily on your hustle and market saturation, as basic notarial work can be low-paying. It boosts resumes, adds value for employers in various industries, and opens doors to mobile services, but requires dedication to find profitable niches beyond basic, often free, bank services. 

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.

How much can I make on Notarize?

How much does a Notarize make? As of Jan 14, 2026, the average annual pay for a Notarize in the United States is $36,736 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $17.66 an hour. This is the equivalent of $706/week or $3,061/month.

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.

Can I do notary work as a side hustle?

Yes, notary work is an excellent and popular side hustle, offering flexibility to earn supplemental income with low startup costs, especially through mobile and online notary services, with many notaries earning hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly by specializing in areas like loan signings or remote online notarization (RON). 

What type of notary makes the most money?

The Notary Loan Signing Agent (NSA) makes the most money, handling complex mortgage documents for $75-$200+ per appointment, significantly more than general notaries, with high demand in real estate; other lucrative paths include specialized services like Apostille agents, Remote Online Notaries (RONs), and mobile notaries who travel for higher fees.
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What if a notary makes a mistake?

Remember, the signer can hold a notary public liable for a mistake in the notarized document. If there is direct wrongdoing in a notarization process, the notary public may be required to cover the damages and penalties. You may not be aware of it, but even a typo in a document notarized can cost you $20,000.

Is a notary signing agent a good side hustle?

Yes, a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) can be a very good side hustle, offering flexibility, good income ($75-$200 per signing), and low barriers to entry (no degree needed), but success depends heavily on marketing, gaining experience, and managing costs, as regular notaries often earn much less; the key is specializing in loan signings, not just basic notarizations. It's flexible for part-time work, allows you to set your own hours, and can provide quick cash, but requires dedication to find clients and build a reputation, especially in competitive areas.