How to do notary as a side hustle?
Asked by: Prof. Winnifred Keeling DVM | Last update: April 25, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (39 votes)
To start a notary side hustle, become a commissioned notary, then choose a profitable niche like mobile or online notarization, specialize (e.g., loan signings, legal docs), create an online presence, and actively market to local businesses and clients, offering reliable, convenient service for fees. Key steps involve getting your commission, getting supplies (stamp, journal, scanner), setting up a simple website, and networking, with options to earn extra income from advanced roles like Loan Signing Agent or selling templates.
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 type of Notaries make 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.
Can you make money becoming a notary?
Your earning potential depends on many factors, but one of the most important is dedicating yourself to earning experience. New Notaries usually don't start out the gate earning large fees, so you must be patient, especially during the first year or two.
How to start a notary side business?
Starting a Business in Five Steps
- Ensure That You Are Fully Certified and Legally Cleared to Provide Notary Services. ...
- Order the Right Notary Supplies. ...
- Create a Business Plan and Register Your Business. ...
- Market Your Notary Services. ...
- Optimize Your Notary Operations and Expand Beyond Them.
Make Extra Cash With Notary Side Hustles
Can you work-from-home as a notary?
A legitimate work-from-home job in 40 states
Traditionally, Notaries would meet with signers in person to perform notarial acts. However, it's now possible to provide Notary services online thanks to remote online notarization (RON) laws.
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 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 to find clients as a notary?
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 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.”
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 happens if a notary makes a mistake?
A mistake can trigger an immediate rejection and result in penalties and additional fees. In most severe cases, the notary public becomes highly vulnerable to civil litigation. Mostly, notaries are aware that there are many moving pieces in a notarization process.
How can notaries increase their income?
Other Services Notaries Can Offer To Earn Extra Money
Courier services for documents. Offering after-hours/holiday services for an additional fee. Photocopying or faxing services. Form I-9 services for employers (restricted in California to qualified and bonded immigration consultants).
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 get sued often?
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.
What is the hardest Notary exam?
While opinions vary, New York and Louisiana are often cited as having the hardest notary exams due to rigorous state-specific laws and higher failure rates, with Louisiana's exam testing extensive duties beyond typical witnessing (like drafting documents), while New York's is known for its strict, proctored format and detailed legal focus. California is also challenging due to specific fee/fine details and frequent test changes.
How much notary public charge philippines?
Basic Notarization Fees
Typically, simple documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, contracts, and deeds can be notarized for around Php 100 to Php 300 per document. The cost may increase slightly for more complex legal instruments, such as property deeds or contracts involving significant sums of money.
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.
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.
How to start a notary business from home?
Step-by-Step: How to Start a Remote Notary Public Business
- Step 1: Check Your State's Requirements.
- Step 2: Become a Traditional Notary Public (If Needed)
- Step 3: Get Authorized for Remote Online Notarization (RON)
- Step 4: Choose Your RON Technology Provider.
- Step 6: Understand the Legal and Ethical Obligations.
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.
How to make money online as a notary?
Notary Public Services You Can Offer and Get Paid For
From becoming a loan signing agent or remote online notary to offering specialized services like apostilles, estate planning notarizations, mobile fingerprinting, and even wedding officiating — the income possibilities are far more diverse than most people realize.