How much does a mobile notary make per job?

How hard is it to become a mobile notary?

Many readers ask how to get started with mobile signing services. The process is straightforward and the exact same as becoming a regular notary public: Meet your state's eligibility rules. Each state sets age, residency, and background criteria.

What are the risks of mobile notary work?

The risks of mobile notary work include significant personal safety concerns (unfamiliar locations, potential for aggression, unsafe neighborhoods), legal/financial liabilities (errors leading to lawsuits, fraud), and business/logistical challenges (poor cell service in remote areas, car trouble, managing low fees, ensuring data privacy). Notaries must prioritize safety by meeting in public places, informing contacts of their location, and exiting dangerous situations immediately, while also maintaining professionalism to avoid costly mistakes.
 

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's the most a notary can charge?

You can charge a maximum fee set by your state (often $5-$15 per notarial act like an acknowledgment or jurat), plus additional, separate fees for services like travel, urgent requests, or Remote Online Notarization (RON), but you must disclose all fees upfront to the signer, often itemizing them on a receipt. State laws vary significantly, with some states having no limits for certain acts, so checking your Secretary of State's guidelines is crucial. 

How do mobile notaries find clients?

4 good ways to find new Notary customers

• Advertise through word of mouth.
• Referrals from current customers.
• Offer discounts to signers.
• Always answer phone calls for Notary services.

Is remote notary a good side hustle?

Yes, remote notary can be a very good side hustle for its flexibility and income potential, allowing you to work from home on your own schedule, but success requires investment in tech, marketing, and understanding state laws, plus diversification beyond just online platforms to overcome potential saturation. It's flexible, taps into consistent demand for document verification, and can offer good per-notarization earnings, but building a steady client base takes effort beyond just signing up for apps. 

What equipment does a mobile notary need?

Essential Supplies Every Notary Needs

• Notary Seal. The Notary seal is the physical representation of the Notary's authority. ...
• Journal. Record details of every notarization you perform in a tamper-proof, bound journal. ...
• Certificate Forms. ...
• Fraud Fighter™ UV Penlight. ...
• Pens. ...
• Small Post-It Notes. ...
• I.D. ...
• State Notary Primer.

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. 

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. 

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.

How much do notaries make per signature?

A notary typically makes $5 to $15 per signature for general work, set by state law, but can earn $75 to $200 or more per appointment as a mobile notary or signing agent for specialized services like loan closings, often adding travel and convenience fees. Earnings vary significantly by state, demand, and specialization, with some states limiting fees strictly (e.g., $2 in NY) and others allowing higher, reasonable charges or travel fees. 

How much does UPS charge to notarize?

UPS Store notary costs typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, with many locations charging around $10 per principal signature, though prices vary by store, state law (which sets maximums, like $15 in CA), and document complexity. Always call your local UPS Store first to confirm their exact fee, as it depends on the number of people signing (principal) and specific state regulations. 

What forms of payment do notaries accept?

Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions

A: I accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), and checks under $25.00. My rates are very reasonable and I offer special discounts on services to senior citizens, teachers, and hospice facilities.

How hard is it to be a mobile notary?

If you're looking to start your own business — or make money on the side — becoming a mobile Notary is a good place to start. It is simple, the start-up cost is fairly low and you can work either part-time or full-time. Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents.

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 do mobile notaries get paid?

Mobile notaries get paid by charging state-regulated fees for each notarization, plus additional, negotiable fees for travel, printing, and other services like loan signings, often earning $75-$200 per appointment by traveling to clients' locations (homes, offices, jails) and handling complex documents, with earnings depending on state laws, market demand, and efficiency. 

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. 

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.

Why do people sue notaries?

Not notarizing correctly can cause financial harm to your client, and you are responsible for any financial harm you inflict. You can be sued.