Is a notary a stressful job?

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.

Is it worth it to become a notary as a side hustle?

Becoming a Notary Public is one of the most flexible and trusted side gigs available today. Whether you want a work-from-home opportunity, a part-time job outside the house, or a way to add credibility to your freelance services, a Notary commission can unlock multiple income streams.

Do Notaries make good money?

Nearly two-thirds of full-timers who have been in business for at least 3 years earn $4,000 or more a month, and 16 percent earn more than $7,500 a month. 43 percent of all part-time, self-employed Notaries earn more than $500 a month; nearly 30 percent earn more than $1,000 a month.

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 skills are needed to be a notary?

Essential Skills for Notaries

Attention to Detail: Notaries must carefully review documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Missing a signature or a stamp can invalidate an entire document. Ethical Integrity: As a notary, you will handle sensitive information and must do so without bias.

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.

Is it worth to become a notary?

Make a viable income

Whether you decide to become a full-time or part-time Notary, being a Notary allows you to make additional income you wouldn't have otherwise. While notarization fees are set by state governments, fees for extra services are up to the Notary.

Is notary training hard?

The state with the toughest application requirements is...

California not only requires an exam, it also requires mandatory training up to 6 hours, a background check and a minimum exam score of 70% in order to obtain a notary commission.

Is it hard to find notary clients?

It can be tough to find customers for your Notary business in today's challenging economy. We asked Notaries on Facebook about the best ways to find new signers and expand their customer base. They recommended the four approaches below: Advertise through word of mouth.

How much can I make on notarize?

How much does a Notarize make? As of Jan 14, 2026, the average annual pay for a Notarize in the United States is $36,736 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $17.66 an hour. This is the equivalent of $706/week or $3,061/month.

Is there a demand for notary signing agents?

Yes, Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) are generally in demand, especially for loan signings (mortgages, refinances) and for mobile services (wills, POAs, medical directives) due to ongoing real estate needs and convenience, but the market is competitive, with many agents vying for work, especially in loan signings, leading to lower fees in some areas. The demand is consistent for essential services like notarizing legal/estate documents, but success requires skill, good marketing, and potentially hybrid services (mobile + remote online notarization). 

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.

How to start a notary business from home?

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Remote Notary Public Business

1. Step 1: Check Your State's Requirements.
2. Step 2: Become a Traditional Notary Public (If Needed)
3. Step 3: Get Authorized for Remote Online Notarization (RON)
4. Step 4: Choose Your RON Technology Provider.
5. Step 6: Understand the Legal and Ethical Obligations.

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 long does it take to become a notary?

Becoming a notary can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the state, with processing times for the final commission often taking 2-10 weeks after all requirements (like training, exam, background check, bond, and application) are met, with some states like Colorado being faster (days) and others like California potentially taking longer. The actual training and application steps can be completed relatively quickly (days/weeks), but waiting for state approval is the main variable. 

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 skills help Notaries earn more?

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).

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.

What are the risks of being a signing agent?

It's understandable that borrowers often have questions, and the Notary Signing Agent is often the first person they ask. But providing unauthorized advice or the wrong answers could cause serious problems for the borrower or lender — and put the Signing Agent at risk of liability and loss of future assignments.