How to get experience as a notary?

Asked by: Mr. Caleb Boyer IV  |  Last update: May 11, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (60 votes)

To get experience as a notary, first complete your state's commissioning process (training, exam, background check, bond/insurance) and then gain practical experience by specializing as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), networking at community events, building an online presence, contacting title companies and businesses, and finding a mentor. Persistence and networking are key, as experience builds over time through active marketing and offering valuable services beyond basic notarizations.

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.
 

How to get work as a notary signing agent?

To become a loan signing agent, you first need to become a commissioned notary public in your state by applying through your state's notary office, passing any required exams, and obtaining your notary tools like a stamp and journal.

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. 

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. 

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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. 

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.

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 do Notaries find clients?

Advertise through word of mouth. Many Notaries agreed that getting the word out in your community is one of the best ways to find new customers. If someone needs a notarization but aren't sure where to go, word of mouth about your business can be key to getting signers to come to you first.

Is the notary signing agent exam hard?

California. California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.

Are signing agents in demand?

The need for skilled loan signing agents is growing fast, despite the fluctuating real estate market. They are key in the mortgage and real estate fields. This career is both rewarding and flexible for those with the right skills and who can handle the legal and regulatory parts of the job.

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's higher than a notary?

Finally, Medallion Signature Guarantees are typically more expensive than Notary services. This is because the financial institution providing the guarantee assumes liability for the transaction and must have insurance to cover any losses.

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. 

Why are notaries still a thing?

Legal Weight That Matters

Many legal instruments still require notarization by law—real estate transactions, corporate resolutions, and estate planning documents often cannot be legally valid without proper notarization, regardless of digital signature sophistication.

What is the 30% rule in AI?

The “30% AI rule” is a simple guideline designed to help students (and adults!) use AI responsibly. It means that when you're creating something — whether it's an essay, a project, or a piece of code - no more than about 30% of the work should come directly from AI tools.

What are the 5 jobs that will survive AI?

Which Jobs Are Safest from AI and Automation?

  • Health Care: Nurses, doctors, therapists, and counselors.
  • Education: Teachers, instructors, and school administrators.
  • Creative: Musicians, artists, writers, and journalists.
  • Personal Services: Hairdressers, cosmetologists, personal trainers, and coaches.

What is the downside of being a notary?

A mistake could result in a lawsuit

Notaries may also have to deal with different forms of documentation and people, which may cause confusion and increase the chances of making a mistake that could result in a lawsuit.

What if a notary makes a mistake?

Remember, the signer can hold a notary public liable for a mistake in the notarized document. If there is direct wrongdoing in a notarization process, the notary public may be required to cover the damages and penalties. You may not be aware of it, but even a typo in a document notarized can cost you $20,000.

What does a notary usually cost?

A notary cost typically ranges from $2 to $20 per signature/act, depending on state laws and location, with many states setting maximum fees (e.g., $10-$15) for common acts like acknowledgments and jurats, while some places like banks or libraries offer free services. Mobile notaries or special services (like mortgage closings) can cost significantly more, sometimes $50 or higher. 

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). 

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.