Is becoming an online notary worth it?

Asked by: Domenick Mills  |  Last update: June 19, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (14 votes)

Whether you're looking for a work-from-home career, or a side gig to complement your 9-to-5 job, being a remote Notary can provide you that additional stream of income. The amount you earn can significantly increase by using your Notary commission to become a Notary Signing Agent.

Is an online notary profitable?

Remote online notaries typically earn between $25 and $75 per notarization, depending on clients and document types. States with higher demand, like California and New York, offer more earning potential for these professionals.

What are the downsides of being a notary?

The Cons of Being a Notary
  • Steady income can be difficult.
  • You could be sued for a lot of money.
  • Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.

What type of notary makes the most money?

#1: Loan Signing Agent

One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary public is by becoming a loan signing agent.

Is it hard to become an online notary?

Online notaries face challenges such as navigating complex state regulations and ensuring security and compliance. They must understand the rules in each state where they conduct business and use secure platforms for identity verification and encrypted storage.

Is Online Notary Worth It?

16 related questions found

Does everyone accept online notary?

Yes, online notary is legal in most U.S. states. As of 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing for some form of remote online notarization. However, the specific requirements and regulations can vary by state.

What is the hardest state to become a notary?

New York. New York has one of the toughest tests to become a Notary. The Empire State requires Notary applicants to take and pass an exam in order to receive a commission.

Is notary a side hustle?

Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig. Whether you're looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first. A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.

Is notary a stressful job?

Working as a Notary is flexible, rewarding and provides a valuable service to the public — but no one ever said it's a cakewalk. Notaries face many sources of stress on the job, including angry customers, illegal requests, irregular work hours and more.

Is notary a high risk business?

Notaries already shoulder significant risks of being sued, but errors and omissions insurance won't protect your home and other personal assets if your insurance doesn't fully cover the cost of a lawsuit.

Where are Notaries needed the most?

Banks, Mortgage Lenders, and Other Financial Institutions

As we pointed out, loan and mortgage documents require signature verification. The same goes for other financial agreements as well. That means financial institutions will need notary services on a regular basis.

Can you work from home as a notary?

States that allow RON in the future: California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Vermont. States that don't allow RON: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina.

Is it hard to get business as a notary?

It's not instant and it's not easy. Few Notaries find high-paying and rewarding work when first starting out. A crucial part of getting business is finding and introducing yourself to potential customers. While every Notary's community is different, here are some good places to get started.

How do mobile notary make money?

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.

How to list notary on resume with no experience?

Under certificates or licenses

The most common place to list your notary status is in your certificates and licenses section. List your status as noted above, including location and expiration date, and include any additional certificates, such as certified notary signing agent or eNotary.

How does a notary swear someone in?

The revised official notary act is simply called an oath. The wording of the oath may omit the word God or use the term affirm instead of swear. During the act, you may ask the oath-taker or affirmant to raise their right hand in a pledging gesture.

Can a notary cross out a date?

In most states, a notary public must never change, correct, or amend a notarial certificate at a later date. Such alterations can only be made at the time of the execution of the notarization when the principal signer is present.

Is online notary a good job?

Becoming a successful online notary can be challenging, and profitability will take some time, but if you are patient and market yourself effectively, becoming an online notary can be worthwhile in the long run.

Can I be a part-time notary?

As a part-time notary public, you are a witness to the signing of legal documents, working fewer than 40 hours per week, usually on a flexible schedule or an as-needed basis.

Do you tip a mobile notary?

The safest choice is not to accept extra tips for Notary services. Never accept more than the maximum Notary fee allowed by your state. Notaries should not accept non-money gifts from customers.

Is there a demand for online notaries?

States such as California and Texas often see higher demand, increasing the potential for new notaries to secure more jobs. With an average of 5-10 notarizations per day, a notary in these states could earn between $125 and $500 daily.

What state pays notaries most?

States with Higher Salaries for Notary
  • Notary in District of Columbia: $52,767.
  • Notary in California: $52,293.
  • Notary in New Jersey: $51,961.
  • Notary in Alaska: $51,629.
  • Notary in Massachusetts: $51,582.

Is it stressful to be a notary?

As a notary, you're responsible for verifying the identities of signatories and ensuring that they understand and sign critical documents voluntarily. It is no easy feat, and the pressure to get it right can be overwhelming. It's no wonder that many notaries suffer from constant worry and anxiety.