Is there a demand for notaries in California?
Asked by: Myriam Torp | Last update: December 14, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)
Demand: The need for notaries is on the rise due to economic growth and increased legal services. This trend creates ample job opportunities. Earning Potential: With California being the highest-paying state for notaries, the average salary stands at $59,055 per year.
Is it worth becoming a notary in California?
Without a doubt, becoming a notary public in California is a great way to make more money. It also offers numerous other benefits such as social connections, expanding your professional skills, and providing a valuable service to your community. These are some advantages of becoming a CA notary: 1.
Where are notaries needed most?
- Real Estate Agencies - Many real estate agencies need a notary for deeds and titles.
- Banks - A lot of banks offer notary services to their customers. ...
- Lending Institutions - Some lending institutions hire notaries to notarize loan paperwork.
Can you make good money as a notary in California?
As of Jan 20, 2025, the average annual pay for a Notary in California is $63,928 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $30.73 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,229/week or $5,327/month.
Is it hard to become a notary public in California?
Requirements to Become a Notary Public
be a legal California resident. complete a course of study approved by the Secretary of State. satisfactorily complete and pass a written examination prescribed by the Secretary of State. clear a background check.
Remote Online Notarization Bill Passed in California! | Next Steps for Notary Loan Signing Agents
Which type of notary makes the most money?
Specialize in real estate closings
Make money as a notary public by becoming a loan signing agent and specializing in notarizing real estate documents. Loan signings are often more complex and command higher fees.
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.
What is the total cost to become a Notary in California?
The cost to become a Notary in California ranges between $313 to $595, depending on the company you choose for your Notary training and supplies and the county in which you file your bond and oath of office.
What are the pros and cons of becoming a Notary?
- Steady income can be difficult.
- You could be sued for a lot of money.
- Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.
- Getting started as a notary is pretty easy.
- Flexible hours and be your own boss.
- A notary commission enhances your resume.
- Opportunity to make extra money.
- You get to help people.
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.
Who needs notaries the most?
- New and used car dealerships.
- Insurance companies.
- Mortgage companies.
- Title companies.
- Corporations — of any type.
- Real-estate companies.
- Construction companies.
- Schools — public or private of all levels.
How to start a notary business in California?
The first step is to obtain your notary commission from the Secretary of State. The second step is to take optional training courses to become a notary signing agent. The third step is to fulfill all of the federal, state, and local requirements for opening your notary business.
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 the notary exam hard in California?
The California notary exam is not too difficult, if you are willing to study and memorize all the required skills and rules to be a Notary Public. The notary exam will have 45 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 70% correctly to pass.
How long is the California notary course?
All persons seeking appointment as a notary public must satisfactorily complete a Secretary of State approved six-hour course of study prior to appointment.
Can I make a good living as a notary in California?
This is actually a living wage career, but doesn't require a degree or extensive training. Around two hundred thousand people are making a good living as a notary public in California. You could be one of them if you wanted to be, and we can help you!
How many people pass the CA notary exam?
On average 97% of our students pass the California Notary Exam the first time. The state does charge you $20.00 for retaking the test and you can only take the exam once per calendar month. What happens if I fail the test? If you should fail the test, you are welcome to take advantage of our "class guarantee".
Is it hard to be a notary in California?
Notary Education: To become a California notary, you must first take a California notary course. New notaries in California must take a six-hour notary training course. Renewing notaries are required to take a three-hour notary course. Notary Learning Center offers live notary training seminars.
What type of notaries make 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.
What are the risks of being a notary?
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.
Can being a notary be 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.
How much do notaries make in California per signing?
If you want to go into business strictly as a notary public, then what you can make per year can vary dramatically. Notary publics who work as a notary loan signing agents can make $75 to $200 per appointment with real estate documents, so what you can make depends on the number of appointments you can get.
How to market yourself as a notary?
- Create profiles on as many Notary listing websites as possible.
- Create a social media presence.
- Create a Google ad for your business.
- Form a Notary network.
- Reach out directly to potential clients.
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.