How many hours a week does a notary work?
Asked by: Prof. Carroll Kemmer | Last update: February 3, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (7 votes)
A notary's work hours vary greatly, from part-time/flexible hours (under 40/week) for supplemental income to a full-time, standard 40-hour week, with many finding work in evenings and weekends to fit client schedules, depending on whether they are self-employed or work for an employer like a bank or law firm. Self-employed or mobile notaries often set their own hours, while those employed in offices might work standard business hours but can also get requests for after-hours signings.
How many hours does a notary work?
As a part-time notary public, you are a witness to the signing of legal documents, working fewer than 40 hours per week, usually on a flexible schedule or an as-needed basis.
Is being a notary a stressful job?
Gavin Ricciu Franklin of California summed it up best: “Everyone thinks this is an easy job, but it's not.”
Can a notary be a full-time job?
Starting a full-time Notary business requires dedication — and a plan. Taking the leap to start your own business is exciting, but also daunting. The cost of starting a Notary business is low compared to other careers, but, success still depends the effort you're able to put into it.
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.
General Notary Work business hours discussed
Is there any downside to becoming 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.
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.
How much does a $50,000 notary bond cost?
$50,000 surety bonds typically cost 0.5–10% of the bond amount, or $250–$5,000. Highly qualified applicants with strong credit might pay just $250 to $500, while an individual with poor credit will receive a higher rate.
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.
Is notary training hard?
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.
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.
Is it hard to find notary clients?
It can be tough to find customers for your Notary business in today's challenging economy. We asked Notaries on Facebook about the best ways to find new signers and expand their customer base. They recommended the four approaches below: Advertise through word of mouth.
What does a notary do all day?
The primary responsibilities of Notaries are to 1) Verify a document signer is who they claim to be; 2) Confirm the document signer's mental competence and willingness to sign; 3) Administer oaths and affirmations; and 4) Oversee or witness the signing of documents.
Do Notaries make good money?
" * More than half of all full-time mobile Notaries earn $2,000 or more a month. Nearly two-thirds of full-timers who have been in business for at least 3 years earn $4,000 or more a month, and 16 percent earn more than $7,500 a month.
How long will it take to become a notary?
Live seminars are available for California Notary applicants throughout the state. Required training courses typically run from three to six hours and notary exams last roughly an hour.
Is being a notary a good side hustle?
Becoming a Notary Public is one of the most flexible and trusted side gigs available today. Whether you want a work-from-home opportunity, a part-time job outside the house, or a way to add credibility to your freelance services, a Notary commission can unlock multiple income streams.
How much does a mobile notary make per visit?
Because travel adds value, income can grow quickly. A single loan signing appointment often pays $75-$200, especially when you're also certified for notary signing services.
How much does UPS charge to notarize?
UPS notary fees vary by location and state. On average, you can expect to pay around $10 to $15 per signature with an appointment, or up to $30 or more if you walk in without one.
Can notaries notarize any document?
For this reason, as long as the signer appears before the notary in person, presents proper identification, and acknowledges or takes the necessary oath, there is generally no reason a notary cannot proceed with notarizing the signature. In fact, anything written on paper can be notarized.
How much to notarize at FedEx?
How much does it cost to get a document notarized? A single document can be notarized for $25. If your document requires more than one notary seal, each additional notary seal will cost $10, but most documents only require one. Also, if your document requires a witness, each supplied witness will cost $10.
Do notaries hold up in court?
Facilitates Legal Transactions
Similarly, wills, power of attorney forms, and specific contracts typically need notarization to be legally enforceable. With notarization, these documents might hold up in a court of law or might not be accepted by institutions.
What mistakes can a notary make?
Forgetting to date the notarial certificate or using an incorrect date can render the notarization invalid. For example, when you take an acknowledgment, the signer may have signed and dated the document at an earlier date, but you should date the notarial certificate when you actually took the acknowledgement.
Are notaries outdated?
Rather than becoming obsolete, notaries have evolved to meet modern needs while preserving essential human judgment technology cannot replicate.