What are the hardest states to become a notary?
Asked by: Angelita Jaskolski | Last update: November 8, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)
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.
What is the easiest state to become a notary?
You can get your California notary public six-hour course and take the exam for only $79! The test is only 30 questions and you can miss 9 of them! I look at it more like a quiz because what test is only 30 questions and you can get a passing grade of 70%?
What type of notary makes 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. Signing agents are responsible for guiding borrowers through the process of closing a mortgage loan, ensuring that all paperwork is properly signed and notarized.
How difficult is the NY notary exam?
The exam you must take to become a Notary is notoriously difficult – it will test your knowledge of the New York Notary Public License Law. Our exam prep will break things down for you and cover everything you need to know to pass.
What are the negatives of being a notary?
Steady income can be difficult
In some cases, you can add additional charges for accompanying services like driving out to meet a client, but it's unlikely that you'll be able to make tons of money doing simple notarizations. Specializing in additional services is one of the best ways to make more money as a notary.
Bogus Affidavits
Is it worth becoming a notary in the UK?
Notaries are also entitled to deal with conveyancing and other non contentious work in England and Wales. Why Become a Notary? Being a Notary gives you exposure to a worldwide profession, not just restricted to England and Wales.
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.
What is the hardest state to be a notary in?
California has some of the most stringent application requirements for Notaries in the U.S. — including a required education course and background check — and the mandatory exam is among the most challenging in any state.
What disqualifies you from becoming a notary in NY?
Generally, a person convicted of felony cannot be appointed as a notary public. Also, certain misdemeanors are considered disqualifying.
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.
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 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.
What state pays notaries most?
- Notary in District of Columbia: $52,767.
- Notary in California: $52,293.
- Notary in New Jersey: $51,961.
- Notary in Alaska: $51,629.
- Notary in Massachusetts: $51,582.
Are notaries in demand UK?
You're not alone! Many solicitors don't either. The short answer is they “authenticate” documents for use in foreign jurisdictions. Notaries have been seeing a steady increasing demand for their services just now.
Can you be a notary in every state?
For example, some states (e.g., California) limit notaries to perform only within their home state borders, while others (e.g., Montana) may allow broader authority under certain conditions.
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.
Why not to be 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.
Can a non-US citizen be a notary public?
Do I have to be a United States Citizen to become a notary? The United States Supreme Court, in the case of Bernal v Fainter, decided in 1984, that a notary applicant does not have to be a United States citizen. The resident alien notary applicant must be in the country legally, however.
How hard is it to become a notary in NY?
Successfully completing the exam demands a thorough understanding of the NY notary law. Furthermore, the applicant must be able to apply the law acceptably and efficiently. For this reason, many candidates fee that the test is difficult and challenging.
Is it stressful to be a notary?
As a notary, you're responsible for verifying the identities of signatories and ensuring that they understand and sign critical documents voluntarily. It is no easy feat, and the pressure to get it right can be overwhelming. It's no wonder that many notaries suffer from constant worry and anxiety.
Does it matter what state your notary is in?
Can a Notary Legally Notarize Out-of-State Documents? Yes, a notary public can legally notarize documents from any state as long as the notarial act occurs in the state in which they were commissioned.
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 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.
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.