How to be a mobile notary?

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 being a 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.
 

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 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.
 

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.

What are the risks of being a notary?

Liability is a common concern of notaries public, as it should be. It is your primary duty as a notary public to serve your state and the public in preventing fraud. Unfortunately, many notaries public are not aware of the liability they face when performing authorized duties within the scope of their employment.

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.

Is it hard to become a mobile notary?

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. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law. Some states also permit Notaries to charge a travel fee.

Can I do notary work as a side hustle?

Yes, notary work is an excellent and popular side hustle, offering flexibility to earn supplemental income with low startup costs, especially through mobile and online notary services, with many notaries earning hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly by specializing in areas like loan signings or remote online notarization (RON). 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Do banks offer free notary services?

Yes, many banks offer free notary services, especially for their account holders, as a perk, but it's not guaranteed and policies vary, so always call ahead to confirm availability, fees (if any for non-customers), and if they notarize your specific document type, as some banks restrict certain documents or only serve customers. 

How much to notarize at FedEx?

FedEx offers online notary services through Notarize, typically costing $25 for the first seal on a single document, with an extra $10 for each additional seal or supplied witness, though physical location fees can vary and some authorized centers might offer lower rates. Not all FedEx locations provide in-person notary services, and state laws dictate fees, so it's best to check online or call ahead.