What are the disadvantages of being a notary?
Asked by: Merle Adams I | Last update: April 13, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (11 votes)
Disadvantages of being a notary include low pay per transaction, high competition, market saturation, significant startup/operating costs (insurance, supplies, tech), liability for errors (even small ones), unrealistic client/signing company demands, dealing with stressful/unpleasant situations, constant need to stay updated on laws, building a client base, and low fees for standard services, making it hard to earn a full-time living without a specialized niche like loan signing or mobile services.
Is there any downside to becoming a notary?
You may not enjoy a steady source of income
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 is the most common mistake made by a notary?
The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document.
Do notaries make good money?
Nearly two-thirds of full-timers who have been in business for at least 3 years earn $4,000 or more a month, and 16 percent earn more than $7,500 a month. 43 percent of all part-time, self-employed Notaries earn more than $500 a month; nearly 30 percent earn more than $1,000 a month.
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.
The Truth About Being a Notary Long-Term
Is being a notary a good side hustle?
Yes, being a notary is often considered a great side hustle because it offers flexibility, low startup costs (compared to some businesses), high demand for essential services, and the potential for good hourly earnings, especially as a mobile notary or loan signing agent, with Remote Online Notarization (RON) adding work-from-home opportunities.
How long does it take to become a notary?
Becoming a notary can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the state, with processing times for the final commission often taking 2-10 weeks after all requirements (like training, exam, background check, bond, and application) are met, with some states like Colorado being faster (days) and others like California potentially taking longer. The actual training and application steps can be completed relatively quickly (days/weeks), but waiting for state approval is the main variable.
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.
Where are notaries needed the most?
Many businesses require notary services for essential tasks like loan signings, real estate closings, and legal document preparation. However, some businesses that need notaries, such as law firms, title companies, and banks, rely on them constantly.
Do Notaries get sued a lot?
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.
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.
Which state has the hardest notary test?
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. However, the state does not require any training so applicants are on their own to learn the material covered in the exam.
What liability does a notary have?
A notary public is liable for all damages caused by his or her errors, omissions, improper notarizations, or negligence in the performance of a notarial act even if such actions were made inadvertently.
What is the hardest state to become a notary in?
California and Louisiana are often cited as having the hardest notary requirements, with California requiring a mandatory 6-hour course, a tough proctored exam, and a background check, while Louisiana's exam is compared to the bar exam due to its legal scope, involving complex state-specific laws. Illinois has also implemented rigorous new training and testing, making it another challenging state, says the National Notary Association (NNA).
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).
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.
Can I do notary work as a side hustle?
Yes, notary work is an excellent and popular side hustle, offering flexibility to earn supplemental income with low startup costs, especially through mobile and online notary services, with many notaries earning hundreds to thousands of dollars monthly by specializing in areas like loan signings or remote online notarization (RON).
How do mobile Notaries get paid?
Mobile notaries get paid by charging state-regulated fees for each notarization, plus additional, negotiable fees for travel, printing, and other services like loan signings, often earning $75-$200 per appointment by traveling to clients' locations (homes, offices, jails) and handling complex documents, with earnings depending on state laws, market demand, and efficiency.
Is notary training hard?
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.
How much does a $25,000 notary bond cost?
A $25,000 notary bond typically costs between $40 and $180, depending on your state, the bond provider, and whether you bundle it with an Errors & Omissions (E&O) policy, with common prices around $70-$100 for the bond alone. The cost is a small percentage (often 0.5% to 10%) of the $25,000 amount, but prices vary significantly by state and specific requirements, like those for Remote Online Notaries (RON).
What are the risks of being a notary?
Liability is a common concern of notaries public, as it should be. It is your primary duty as a notary public to serve your state and the public in preventing fraud. Unfortunately, many notaries public are not aware of the liability they face when performing authorized duties within the scope of their employment.
Where should a notary post a fee schedule?
Even if state notary laws do not require such display, this Association highly recommends that notaries post a fee schedule of what they can charge in a location visible to the public at all times.
Can notaries notarize any document?
For this reason, as long as the signer appears before the notary in person, presents proper identification, and acknowledges or takes the necessary oath, there is generally no reason a notary cannot proceed with notarizing the signature. In fact, anything written on paper can be notarized.
How much to notarize at FedEx?
FedEx offers online notary services through Notarize, typically costing $25 for the first seal on a single document, with an extra $10 for each additional seal or supplied witness, though physical location fees can vary and some authorized centers might offer lower rates. Not all FedEx locations provide in-person notary services, and state laws dictate fees, so it's best to check online or call ahead.