How much does a Notary Public make in NJ?
Asked by: Dovie Gleason | Last update: February 28, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (67 votes)
Notary salaries in New Jersey vary widely, from around $30k to over $70k+ annually, depending heavily on specialization like loan signing agent, hours worked, and location, with averages often falling in the $60k-$70k range for experienced professionals, while basic notary work can be a side income. Top earners, particularly Notary Signing Agents, can make significantly more, sometimes over $90k, but require high demand and skill.
How much can you make as a notary in NJ?
$62.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. The median wage is $70.1K / yr.
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.
How much can you charge to notarize in NJ?
The County Clerk's Office can notarize documents for a fee of $2.50 per notarization. Proper photo identification is required. All documents to be notarized must be signed in the presence of the notary.
Which type of notary makes the most money?
The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs).
How to Become a Notary in New Jersey | NNA
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.
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 does a $50,000 notary bond cost?
A $50,000 notary bond typically costs a small percentage (0.5% to 10%) of the bond amount, meaning around $250 to $5,000, but for specific states like Alabama requiring this amount, the price is fixed, often around $70-$140 for a 4-year term, depending on packages and credit, as the bond amount is set by law, not individual risk.
Is it hard to become a notary in NJ?
Those seeking to become a Notary Public in New Jersey are required to read the NJ Notary Public Manual and pass the New Jersey Notary Public Exam. (Attorneys are exempt from the testing requirement.) Upon passing the exam, which is online, the next step is to complete the Notary Public Registration Application.
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.
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 long does it take to become a notary?
Becoming a notary typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your state's requirements, involving a short training course (3-6 hours), passing a state exam, undergoing a background check (often with fingerprints), and completing the application with bond/oath filing, with commission processing taking another 1-6 weeks after submission. The initial steps (training, exam) can be done quickly, but waiting for the official commission to arrive from the state is the longest part.
How much does a mobile notary make per visit?
A mobile notary's earnings per visit vary significantly, but loan signing agents often make $75 to $200+ per appointment, while general mobile notary work can range from $30 to $100+ per trip, depending on location, travel distance, document complexity, and whether they work directly with clients or through signing services. Highly profitable mobile notaries focus on real estate closings (loan signings) or specialized niche markets, adding fees for travel, printing, and administrative tasks.
Can I notarize for a friend in NJ?
No. If a notary public is a party to a transaction, or has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in the transaction, no matter how small, the notary must decline the notarization.
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.
Do I need an LLC as a notary?
In most states, simply having a notary commission does not require a separate business license. However, if you plan to operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or other business entity, you may need to register your business and obtain any necessary local permits.
How long is a NJ notary license good for?
Notary Publics in New Jersey are commissioned for a period of 5 years. Commissions may be renewed for additional 5 year periods. We will mail you a reminder notice before your commission expires providing information about the renewal application process.
What type of notary makes the most money?
The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs).
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.
How much can I charge per notary?
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 much is a $25,000 notary bond?
A $25,000 notary bond typically costs between $40 and $180, depending on your state, credit score, and whether you add Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, with rates varying from a few dollars to over $100 for basic bonds, while packages with E&O can range from $75 to over $100. The cost is a small percentage (0.5% - 10%) of the bond amount, so strong credit means lower premiums, while poor credit leads to higher rates.
Is it worth becoming a notary signing agent?
Yes, becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) can be very worthwhile for income and flexibility, offering $75-$200+ per signing, but it requires drive, training, marketing, and adapting to market changes, as loan volume fluctuates; it's a good fit for those seeking autonomy and supplemental income but demands effort to build a client base and succeed.
Where are notaries needed the most?
Many businesses require notary services for essential tasks like loan signings, real estate closings, and legal document preparation. However, some businesses that need notaries, such as law firms, title companies, and banks, rely on them constantly.
How does a notary public get paid?
To allow you to perform all the necessary services in-house, the bank may pay for you to complete notary training. Once you're a notary, you still work for the bank (though you may get a raise because of your additional function), and it's the bank that pays your salary.