Is it hard to work as a notary?

Asked by: Alvina Robel V  |  Last update: January 7, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (50 votes)

As a self-employed notary, enjoying a steady source of income may be difficult. This is because the flow of jobs may be unpredictable and estimating how often your clients will need your services may be difficult.

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.

Is it stressful to be a notary?

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.

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 star worth it?

If you are brand new or less than a year into your career we highly recommend you sign up for at least the Notary Star Membership to ensure you have the advanced training you need to conquer this industry.

Is it Hard to Become a Notary?

15 related questions found

How hard is the loan signing system exam?

The pass rate of Loan Signing System's exam is approximately 30%. We make the test challenging on purpose to prepare you to build a successful signing agent business. The students who pass the test on the first try are those that set aside time in a quiet place and take notes during every module.

What makes a good notary?

One of the primary qualities to look for in a notary is proper training and certification. Trained notaries are well-versed in the various notarization processes, which is essential for ensuring the accuracy and legality of your documents.

Is notary a high risk business?

Even though statistically, less than 2% of full-time notaries end up in court, the risk of a lawsuit is significant enough to make one want to ensure they have coverage.

What does a day in the life of a notary look like?

Notaries frequently meet clients at various locations, including offices, homes, and even public places like coffee shops. Each meeting typically involves verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring that all documents are complete and accurate, and witnessing the signing process.

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.

Is notary a good side hustle?

A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.

What type of personality does a notary have?

Extraversion: Notaries don't necessarily need to be extraverted, but they do need to be comfortable interacting with people. They must be able to communicate effectively and build trust with their clients. Agreeableness: Notaries need to be approachable and easy to work with.

Does being a notary look good on a resume?

The second reason is that being a notary public looks good on your resume, particularly if you work in a field like real estate or banking where certain documents will need a notary's signature to be considered valid and binding.

What is a fun fact about notary?

All roads lead to Rome. Notaries public first developed in the Roman Empire. The word notary comes from the Latin word nota. Nota was a system of short-hand Cicero's clerk, Tullius Tiro, used to transcribe his speeches.

How do Notaries find work?

How to find notary jobs
  • Become approved by your state. ...
  • Look for job openings in your community. ...
  • Advertise your services. ...
  • Tell people you're a notary. ...
  • Attend networking events. ...
  • Post a profile on an official community notary page or website. ...
  • Talk to other notaries.

Is being a notary a good side hustle on Reddit?

In person general notary work is exceptionally difficult to make any money in. Most of the services you would provide are already provided for free as a courtesy at many banks, libraries, and businesses.

How long does a notary signing last?

In summary, notarized documents do not expire and remain valid indefinitely unless there are specific laws or regulations that require them to be updated or renewed. It is important to understand your local laws in order to ensure that all documents remain up-to-date and legally binding.

Do you work for yourself as a notary?

It offers flexible hours

This is because being a self-employed notary means you have your own business, and you run it independently. This enables you to decide your working hours and the most convenient location to work, so you can offer your services anytime and anywhere that works best for you.

How do I become a 24 hour notary?

Starting a Mobile Notary Business: A Quick Checklist
  1. Ensure you meet your state's requirements.
  2. Complete a state-approved training course.
  3. Submit your state's notary application.
  4. Pass the state-administered exam.
  5. Undergo a background check.
  6. Await your commission certificate in the mail.
  7. Purchase a surety bond.

How do Notaries get paid?

The two most common ways notaries make money are: Part of an established salary (working for a bank, local post office or another business) As an independent, freelance notary.

Is a notary signing agent a good job?

Becoming a signing agent provides an excellent opportunity for you to achieve your income goals. By working your chosen hours, your loan signing agent salary can be just as much as people who work at an office more than 40 hours per week.

Can you be a part-time notary?

It is simple, the start-up cost is fairly low and you can work either part-time or full-time. 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.

What questions does a notary ask?

The most common questions Notaries ask
  • What is an acceptable ID? This clearly takes the top spot. ...
  • Can I notarize this document? This is a frequent question asked by both new and experienced Notaries. ...
  • What kind of notarization is required? ...
  • How do I complete the notarial certificate?

Are notaries respected?

As representatives of the state, Notaries must perform their official duties with respect and seriousness for the public service role they play as a trusted, impartial witness.

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.