How to get a job as a mobile notary?

Asked by: Prof. Arden Okuneva II  |  Last update: May 24, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (14 votes)

To get a job as a mobile notary, first, get commissioned by your state (training, exam, bond, background check), then get certified (like NNA Certified), establish an online presence (website, directories), and actively market to signing services, title companies, loan officers, and real estate agents to secure loan signing or general notary work.

How much does a mobile notary make per visit?

A mobile notary's earnings per visit vary significantly, with general notarizations offering lower fees (often based on state-set per-signature/act fees plus travel) but specialized roles like Loan Signing Agents earning $75 to $200 or more per appointment, especially for mortgage closings, by saving time and handling complex documents, notes National Notary Association. Higher fees come from working directly with title companies or attorneys, while agents using signing services might earn less due to commission splits, Loan Signing System. 

How to do notary as a side hustle?

How to make money as a notary public? Advertise your rates on marketplace and hope for the best. Most people I know go to the bank to use their notary for free. Travel fees and loan signings are how most notaries make their money. If your state has online notarization that's another avenue as well.

Is a mobile notary a good job?

Being a mobile notary is a great choice if you are not looking for a full-time job but something to make additional income. For instance, if you work an office job, you can take on clients as a mobile notary in the afternoon or evening. Most states regulate how much you can charge per notarizing one signature.

How do mobile notaries make money?

Mobile notaries travel to their clients, providing convenience and saving them time. You can charge a travel fee in addition to the notarization charges, which can significantly increase your earnings.

How To Become A Mobile Notary For BEGINNERS! 5 TIPS!

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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.

Are online notaries in high 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 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 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. 

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 are the risks of being a mobile notary?

Common Risks:

  • Meeting unknown clients at private residences.
  • Traveling to remote or high-crime areas.
  • Carrying valuable notary supplies such as a stamp, journals, and documents.
  • Dealing with fraudulent or aggressive signers.

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.

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.

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 is the most common mistake made by a notary?

The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to require the signer to appear personally, which violates law and leads to fraud claims; other frequent errors include incomplete or incorrect certificates (wrong dates, missing venue, illegible seals, incorrect wording, or misaligned signatures/names) and failing to properly verify signer identity. These errors can invalidate documents and lead to legal penalties, making adherence to strict procedures crucial. 

What's the most a notary can charge?

How much you can charge as a notary depends heavily on your state's maximum fee schedule for basic acts (often $5-$15 per signature for acknowledgments/jurats) plus potential extra fees for ** mobile services (travel, urgency), remote online notarization (RON)**, or specialized documents, but all fees must be itemized and disclosed upfront, as some states limit charges strictly to the notarial act. 

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.

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.
 

Are Notaries outdated?

Rather than becoming obsolete, notaries have evolved to meet modern needs while preserving essential human judgment technology cannot replicate.

How do mobile Notaries get clients?

Social media platforms are the best way to quickly reach new customers. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp, or your website can all help you get more clients.

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. 

Which state has the toughest notary exam?

New York has the toughest exam to become a notary with a minimum passing score of 70%. The disconnect is that New York does not require any training requirements which leaves the individual on his own for preparing for the exam from one of the online exam preparation materials.

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).

Is there a notary shortage?

Even if there's no “magic number” it's clear in 2022 that signers need not fear a shortage of available Notaries. No matter what state they are commissioned in, Notaries remain ready and willing to perform their essential duties of identity verification and document fraud prevention throughout the United States.

Is starting a notary business worth it?

Starting a notarization business provides the flexibility to earn additional income as a side gig. Or, with enough preparation and experience, it can be profitable enough for a full-time career.