What is the downside to being a notary?
Asked by: Ned Collins | Last update: October 7, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (64 votes)
There's a Risk of Lawsuit While this is certainly one of the disadvantages of being a notary, if you perform your notarial duties properly, there's little risk of being involved in a lawsuit. Just be sure you follow the law – and keep a journal of all the documents that you notarize.
What are the risks of becoming a notary?
Mistakes could result in a lawsuit, and the more intensive a signing is, the greater the chances of making a mistake. For instance, a loan signing package may contain hundreds of pages of financial documents totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Any misstep could mean the notary is to blame for the financial loss.
What type of Notaries make 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.
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 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.
THE HONEST TRUTH - PROS & CONS OF THE NOTARY LOAN SIGNING AGENT BUSINESS
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 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.
What is a notary liable for?
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.
How to list notary on resume with no experience?
Under certificates or licenses
The most common place to list your notary status is in your certificates and licenses section. List your status as noted above, including location and expiration date, and include any additional certificates, such as certified notary signing agent or eNotary.
Can Notaries swear people in?
2093. (a) Every court, every judge, or clerk of any court, every justice, and every notary public, and every officer or person authorized to take testimony in any action or proceeding, or to decide upon evidence, has the power to administer oaths or affirmations.
How much do most notaries charge?
Notarization fees are regulated by California state law and are generally low-cost. So how much does a notary charge? In most cases, a California notary public may charge a maximum notary fee of $15 for each signature. This includes writing the certificate, affixing the notary stamp, and acknowledging the signature.
What is the day in the life of a notary?
Notaries frequently meet clients at various locations, including offices, homes, and even public places like coffee shops. Each meeting typically involves verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring that all documents are complete and accurate, and witnessing the signing process.
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.
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 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.
Can I work for myself as a notary?
It is possible! Many people have found freedom in being able to work for themselves as a mobile notary public. There are certain steps you do need to take so that you will have a successful notary business.
Can a notary say no?
Always make sure that you have good cause. You cannot turn down a request simply because of a gut feeling, a nagging suspicion or because you simply “don't like the look” of the signer. Some reasons for refusing are clear cut: Say, for example, the signer asks you to notarize his absent wife's signature.
How to work as a notary part time?
How Can I Get a Part-Time Job as a Notary Public? To become a notary public, you need to obtain notary public qualifications through your state. All states require you to be at least 18 years old, be a legal United States citizen with fluent English speaking and writing skills, and have a clean criminal record.
What are the risks of being a notary?
Those who choose to take on the title of Notary Public, should take precautions to protect themselves, and their employers should do so as well. Even though statistically, less than 2% of full-time notaries end up in court, the risk of a lawsuit is significant enough to make one want to ensure they have coverage.
What is a notary prohibited from?
Notaries cannot authenticate or validate objects. Notaries cannot give advice or opinions that should be given by an attorney—this is unlicensed practice of law.
What happens if you do a notary wrong?
What happens if a notary makes a mistake? The National Notary Association suggests that even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences. The notarized document could get rejected. A mistake that results in a rejection can result in late fees and penalties on the part of the client.
What makes a good notary?
One of the primary qualities to look for in a notary is proper training and certification. Trained notaries are well-versed in the various notarization processes, which is essential for ensuring the accuracy and legality of your documents.
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.
What is your greatest strength in notary public?
What are the most important Notary Public job skills to have on my resume? The most common important skills required by employers are Legal Deed, Detail Oriented, Affidavit, Multi Tasking, Legal Documents, Communication Skills and Collaboration.