Is starting a notary business worth it?

Asked by: Jamison Shanahan DVM  |  Last update: June 26, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (43 votes)

Starting a notary business is generally considered worth it as a flexible, low-cost side hustle that can become a full-time, profitable career. Success depends on becoming a mobile notary or Loan Signing Agent (NSA), with full-time agents earning over $ 4 , 0 0 0 / m o n t h and part-time agents potentially earning over $ 5 0 0 − $ 1 , 0 0 0 / m o n t h by offering convenience in high-demand areas.

Can I actually make money as a notary?

From loan signings and real estate documents to other professional notarizations, there are multiple ways a notary public can earn real income. Certified loan signing agents often earn more because they're trusted with high- stakes documents.

Will notaries be replaced by AI?

Despite rapid advances in automation, AI is not replacing the role of the notary public. The purpose of notarization is to provide an independent human witness who confirms identity, assesses willingness, and ensures that a signer understands the document they are executing.

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. ...
  • Referrals from current customers. ...
  • Offer discounts to signers. ...
  • Always answer phone requests for Notary services.

What are the cons of being a notary?

You may have to travel to meet with clients: Mobile notaries and Loan Signing Agents travel to their clients. This involves driving to different locations. This might be a con for you if you do not enjoy driving and want to work from home or in an office.

Things I would do differently if I was starting a notary business in 2025

15 related questions found

How much does a $10,000 notary bond cost?

The amount you pay upfront for a $10,000 notary bond is known as the premium. Generally, for those with good credit, this premium could be as low as 1% to 3% of the bond amount. That means, for a $10,000 bond, you might pay between $100 and $300 if your credit is in good shape.

Which type of notary makes the most money?

High-Earning Specialty: Loan Signing Agent

Becoming a loan signing agent represents one path to premium notary income, but success requires specific training, certification, and realistic expectations about timeline and earning potential.

What is the hardest state to become a notary in?

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.

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

According to Bill Gates and industry analysts, the three fields most likely to survive the AI takeover—due to their need for human judgment, strategy, and complex physical skills—are AI developers/coders, energy industry experts, and biotechnology specialists. These roles manage, create, or rely on human intuition that AI cannot yet replicate.

What do you call a person who swears before a notary?

Affiant: Signer of an affidavit. Affidavit: Written statement signed before a Notary by a person who swears or affirms to the Notary that the statement is true.

What do notaries get sued for?

You could be sued for using someone else's business name. 4. You notarize your own signature when you act as a witness and a notary on the same document. This can deem the notarization invalid and can cause you to be sued if the document is rejected.

What's the fastest way to get clients?

10 Tactical ways to get more clients

  1. Get serious about social media. ...
  2. Make booking on your website easy and straightfoward. ...
  3. Put in the reps with email marketing. ...
  4. Lean into incentives and promotions. ...
  5. Collect testimonials (and share 'em far and wide) ...
  6. Network and partner with other businesses—constantly.

Can my boyfriend notarize something for me?

A notary public who has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in a document may not notarize such a document. The better practice is not to notarize for a spouse or family member in order to preserve the integrity of the notarization and to prevent a challenge to the notarization.

Is notary a good side business?

Yes, becoming a notary public is an excellent, flexible side hustle, often allowing you to set your own hours and earn supplemental income, particularly if you become a Mobile Notary or Certified Loan Signing Agent. Part-time, self-employed notaries can earn over $500–$1,000+ per month, while mobile signing agents often make $75–$150 per loan signing.

Can a notary notarize for family?

“In California, a notary public is not prohibited from notarizing for relatives or others, unless doing so would provide a direct financial or beneficial interest to the notary public. With California's community property law, care should be exercised if notarizing for a spouse or a domestic partner.”

How long does notary class take?

All persons seeking appointment as a notary public must satisfactorily complete a Secretary of State approved six-hour course of study prior to appointment. (Government Code section 8201.)

Do banks offer free notary services?

Many banks in the U.S., including Citizens, offer free notary services. You should expect to pay a fee for notary services from an independent individual.

What are the 3 C's of surety?

The 3 C's of surety—Character, Capacity, and Capital—are the fundamental pillars surety underwriters use to evaluate a contractor's risk and eligibility for bonding. These criteria determine if a company can successfully complete a project and fulfill its contractual obligations.

What is better, a CD or a bond?

Bonds are not universally "better" than CDs, but they are often superior for long-term growth, higher income, and tax efficiency, while CDs are superior for safety and short-term, guaranteed returns. Bonds offer higher potential returns and better liquidity, but come with risk of losing value if sold before maturity, unlike FDIC-insured CDs.

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

Read all notarial certificates carefully to make sure you understand what you are being asked to do, and then enter the information accurately. If you don't, you won't know how to complete the certificate. One common mistake occurs when a Notary writes his/her own name in a blank that is meant for the signer's name.

Can a notary public make a living will?

Yes. In California, a living will or advance healthcare directive must be either: Notarized, or. Signed by two adult witnesses, neither of whom is your healthcare agent.

What is higher than a notary?

The level of authority provided by a Medallion Signature Guarantee is typically higher than that provided by a Notary because Medallion Signature Guarantees are backed by the financial institution providing the guarantee, which assumes liability for any fraud or unauthorized transactions.

Is becoming a notary risky?

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.

Who needs notaries the most?

Real Estate Transactions

In California, nearly all real estate closings involve notarized documents.

Where do notaries make the most money?

Notary Public Underwriters Blog

  1. Offer Mobile Notary Services. One of the most popular ways to earn as a notary is by offering mobile notary services. ...
  2. Become a Notary Signing Agent. ...
  3. Offer Remote Online Notarization (RON) ...
  4. Offer Wedding Officiant Services. ...
  5. Partner with Local Businesses. ...
  6. Add Related Services.