How long does notary service take?

Asked by: Keshawn Bogan  |  Last update: January 22, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (74 votes)

When you (as well as any additional document signers and required witnesses) arrive at your appointment, the Notary will review your document(s) to determine the notarization requirements and whether we are able to complete the notarization. From start to finish, the typical appointment takes about 30 minutes.

How much is a notary processing fee?

What are processing fees? Processing fees are the amount of money that banks and credit card companies charge a business every time their credit/debit account is used. Simply put, when a customer pays for goods or services the business has to pay the bank a fee in order to accept the payment.

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 long do notary signings take?

The process usually takes about 60-90 minutes for in-person signings, depending on the parties' readiness and document complexity. Remote signings through digital platforms can take 30-60 minutes, provided there is a reliable internet connection and familiarity with e-signature tools.

How long does a notary background check take?

The turn-around time for Alaska, California, District of Columbia, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington may be as long as 10-15 days due to special handling requirements. When available, your results will be sent to you via email.

Passport & Notary Services

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Does notary take long?

When you (as well as any additional document signers and required witnesses) arrive at your appointment, the Notary will review your document(s) to determine the notarization requirements and whether we are able to complete the notarization. From start to finish, the typical appointment takes about 30 minutes.

How fast can you get your notary license?

The timeframe varies by state and individual circumstances. Generally, application processing can take 1-4 weeks, depending on state regulations and document completeness. Training might last a few hours or up to 3 days, and the exam can add another 1-2 weeks.

How long does online notarization take?

Signers complete their notarization in less than 10 minutes on average.

How long is a closing signing?

A cash deal might close in as few as two weeks because you can skip the lengthy mortgage and appraisal process. Closing day — when you sign your final paperwork and buy the home — usually takes one to two hours if everything goes smoothly.

What happens if you do a notary wrong?

What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.

Which of the following offenses cancels a notary application?

The examples include but are not limited to: assault, arson, auto theft, burglary, possession or sale of illegal drugs, embezzlement, forgery, fraud, failure to pay child support or failure to comply with a court order.

Does a notary have to read the document they are notarizing?

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?

Do you need two forms of ID for notary?

States like California and Florida may necessitate dual IDs to enhance security and verify the signer's identity conclusively. These states recognize both primary documents, like a driver's license, and secondary forms, such as a credit card or utility bill, to meet their dual ID criteria.

Where is the cheapest place to get a notary?

Banks, universities, and hospitals often provide free notarization services for their clients or those in need. Q2. How can I get documents notarized at a low cost? Consider low-cost options like the post office, law firms, or online notary services like BlueNotary for affordable rates.

How long does a notarization last?

In summary, notarized documents do not expire and remain valid indefinitely unless there are specific laws or regulations that require them to be updated or renewed. It is important to understand your local laws in order to ensure that all documents remain up-to-date and legally binding.

How do online notaries get paid?

Remote online notaries typically earn between $25 and $75 per notarization, depending on clients and document types. States with higher demand, like California and New York, offer more earning potential for these professionals.

Can you be a notary in multiple states?

By meeting the necessary requirements and following the proper application procedures in multiple states, you can obtain a multistate notary commission. This allows you to serve as a notary public across state borders, offering your services to a wider range of clients.

Is it profitable to be a notary?

Opportunity to make extra money

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.

What is the most a notary can 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.

What state pays notaries most?

States with Higher Salaries for Notary
  • 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.

Is it hard to become an online notary?

Online notaries face challenges such as navigating complex state regulations and ensuring security and compliance. They must understand the rules in each state where they conduct business and use secure platforms for identity verification and encrypted storage.

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.

How long does notary signing take?

Most Notaries allow around an hour for a signing. But, for a HELOC, Reverse Mortgage, or other longer packages, the timing can be unpredictable.