How much does a remote online notary cost?

Asked by: Dr. Kirk Spencer  |  Last update: March 30, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (30 votes)

A remote online notary (RON) typically costs around $25 for the first seal, with most platforms charging $5-$10 for each additional signer or seal on the same document, though fees can vary by provider and state, with some states capping the maximum fee (e.g., up to $25). Expect to pay per notarization, not per page, with some services offering discounted rates for businesses or volume.

Is remote online notary worth it?

Remote online notarizations are more secure than traditional, in-person notarizations through a number of key security features, but perhaps the greatest fraud deterrent is the recorded video session.

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. 

What is the best online notary service?

The best online notary depends on your needs, with top-rated platforms like Notarize, OneNotary, NotaryLive, and DocVerify often cited for security, ease of use, and availability, catering to general users (Notarize, NotaryLive) or larger businesses (DocuSign Notary, SigniX). Key factors include 24/7 access, identity verification, state compliance, and specific features like business integration or low costs, with services like Notarize and OneNotary offering broad accessibility, while others suit high-volume or niche needs. 

How much money can an online notary make?

Online notaries (RONs) can earn significantly, with potential for $50,000-$100,000+ annually for full-time work, though earnings vary greatly by effort, location, and specialization, often ranging from $25-$75 per notarization, with some platforms paying $5-$25 per general act. While some sources show high average salaries like $130k for RONs, many rely on state-set fees (often up to $25 per act) and efficient volume, making it a variable income stream, especially part-time. 

How Much it Cost Me to Become a Remote Online Notary?

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Are online notaries in high demand?

The online notarization industry has seen significant growth in demand in recent years, but 2026 is proving to be a critical moment in the industry's development. Remote notarization has become a necessary function in real estate, legal, financial, healthcare, and compliance with workflows.

Is remote notary a good side hustle?

Yes, remote notary can be a good side hustle due to its flexibility, low startup costs, and potential for good income, allowing you to work from home on your own schedule; however, success requires effort in marketing, building a client base (often as a mobile notary too), and understanding state-specific regulations, with income varying significantly based on your dedication and location. 

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. 

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.
 

What are the risks of using a remote notary?

Remote notarization platforms handle highly sensitive personal data (driver's license images, legal documents). The risk is using an unsecure or non-compliant platform that is vulnerable to data breaches.

How do I market myself as a remote online notary?

Optimize for local SEO by adding keywords like “Remote Online Notary in [Your State]”. Use Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Share educational content (e.g., “What Documents Can Be Notarized Online?”). Engage with potential clients by answering questions in comments and messages.

What is the difference between an e-notary and a remote notary?

In-person electronic notarization: The principal is in the Notary's physical presence, and signatures are electronic. The Notary may use an electronic seal. Remote ink-signed notarization: The principal appears before the Notary remotely using video conference technology like Skype or Zoom.

Are remote notaries legal?

Yes, California now allows remote online notarization. Governor Newsom signed SB 696 into law in 2023, which will take effect in 2024. This law permits the use of RON in California, although it's important to note that there may be specific requirements and regulations to follow.

Where should a notary post a fee schedule?

Even if state notary laws do not require such display, this Association highly recommends that notaries post a fee schedule of what they can charge in a location visible to the public at all times.

What's the difference between a notary and a mobile notary?

The main difference is convenience and location: a regular notary works from a fixed office during business hours, requiring you to travel to them, while a mobile notary travels to your home, office, or any agreed location, offering flexible scheduling (evenings/weekends) but usually charging extra travel fees. Both perform the same core notarization services (witnessing signatures, applying seals, oaths), but the mobile notary adds a convenience charge for coming to you. 

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.

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 is one thing you should never do when it comes to documents as a notary?

Never notarize without the signer's personal appearance.

You also have no way to prove the person's identity. In many documented cases, scammers who convinced Notaries to ignore personal appearance requirements faked the notarized signatures themselves to commit elder abuse, real estate fraud, or other crimes.

Are online notaries in demand?

Large population and business-friendly environment create consistent demand for online notary services. Active real estate market and large retirement community drive steady need for remote notarization.

How much can I charge as an online notary?

The cost will depend on what you have notarized. Expect typical acknowledgments and jurors to cost about $15 per signature; other types of notaries, including loan closings and multiple signatures, may be more. Some notaries charge by the hour instead of per signature for real estate transactions or mortgage documents.

How to get hired as an online notary?

How to Become a Remote Online Notary

  1. Meet your state's qualifications to become a traditional Notary.
  2. Apply or register to perform virtual notarizations.
  3. Pay the state's application fees.
  4. Complete a RON-specific training course (if applicable).
  5. Pass an exam (if applicable).

What are the risks of using a virtual notary?

Risks of virtual notarization (Remote Online Notarization or RON) include identity fraud (impersonation via deepfakes/stolen IDs), data breaches (sensitive info exposed online), and potential rejection by receiving parties (if not compliant or if tech fails), plus higher fees and the loss of in-person judgment/assessment for coercion or ID verification compared to traditional methods, though RON adds layers like KBA and video to combat fraud. 

How do online notaries get paid?

Most states set the maximum fee for a remote online notarization at $25. Find out how much you can charge in your state for a remote notarial act here. Whether you're looking for a work-from-home career, or a side gig to complement your 9-to-5 job, being a remote Notary can provide you that additional stream of income.

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.