Is remote notary a good side hustle?

Asked by: Myrtle Heidenreich  |  Last update: May 15, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (20 votes)

Yes, remote notary (Remote Online Notarization or RON) is generally considered a good side hustle due to high flexibility, potential for decent per-fee income, and steady demand, allowing work from home on your own schedule, though it requires initial tech investment, specific state compliance, and effort to build clientele beyond platform reliance.

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

Being a notary public can be a good way to develop new skills and build your professional network. Many notaries work on a part- time basis, which can be a good fit for those who want the flexibility to set their own schedule. Becoming a notary can provide an additional source of income.

How much money can I make as an online notary?

Online notaries (RONs) can earn significantly, with potential for $50,000-$100,000+ annually for full-time work, though earnings vary greatly by effort, location, and specialization, often ranging from $25-$75 per notarization, with some platforms paying $5-$25 per general act. While some sources show high average salaries like $130k for RONs, many rely on state-set fees (often up to $25 per act) and efficient volume, making it a variable income stream, especially part-time. 

Is being a remote notary worth it?

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.

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.

6 ways to earn Passive Income as a Notary

45 related questions found

How much can a notary charge for remote notarization?

Remote online notary costs typically range from $15 to $40 per document, with many services charging around $25 per notarization, which usually covers one signer and one seal, while additional signers or seals often add $5-$25 per extra item, depending on the platform and state regulations. Some platforms offer tiered pricing or business accounts, but the per-notarization fee remains the core cost.
 

What 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 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.

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.

How do I find clients as an online notary?

One of the easiest and most effective ways to find clients for your notary business is by joining groups on Facebook and LinkedIn that cater to your target audience. This can include groups for real estate agents, legal professionals, small business owners, and even local community groups.

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 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. 

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.

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). 

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 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.

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.

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.
 

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.

What is the hardest notary exam?

While opinions vary, New York and Louisiana are often cited as having the hardest notary exams due to rigorous state-specific laws and higher failure rates, with Louisiana's exam testing extensive duties beyond typical witnessing (like drafting documents), while New York's is known for its strict, proctored format and detailed legal focus. California is also challenging due to specific fee/fine details and frequent test changes. 

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. 

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.

What is the most I can charge for a notary?

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.