What is the hardest state to be a notary in?
Asked by: Dorcas Kessler | Last update: January 26, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (7 votes)
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 is the hardest state to become a notary?
And the toughest notary exam is...
New York has the toughest exam to become a notary with a minimum passing score of 70%. The disconnect is that New York does not require any training requirements which leaves the individual on his own for preparing for the exam from one of the online exam preparation materials.
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.
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.
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.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST STATE TO BECOME A NOTARY
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.
How much does a notary make per signing?
Notary Fee Structure in California
In California, the maximum fee notaries can charge per signature is $15. However, notaries often earn additional income through: Travel fees for mobile notary services. Loan signing packages (ranging from $75 to $200+ per signing)
Can I be a notary in two states?
A notary must understand which notarial acts are authorized in each jurisdiction. 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.
Do notaries vary by state?
Each state regulates the qualifications to become a notary, the procedures notaries must follow, and the powers with which notaries are endowed. State statutes and regulations also determine which documents legally require notarization.
Can a notary move to another state?
The answer generally is “no” — Notary commissions are not transferable between states. If you are relocating to another state, you need to resign your current commission and apply for a Notary commission in your new state.
How do notaries make 6 figures?
We'll use the industry average of $150 per signing. $100,000 divided by $150 signing fee equals 667 signings you need to accomplish in one calendar year. Or more specifically, you need to do about 13 signings a week. Yes, to make six figures as a signing agent you need to do only 13 signings a week.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 are the hardest states 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.
What do you call a notary person?
A notary public ( a.k.a. notary or public notary; pl. notaries public) of the common law is a public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters usually concerned with general financial transactions, estates, deeds, powers-of-attorney, and foreign and international business.
Which state has the most notaries?
- Texas484,230.
- Florida474,670.
- New York278,741.
- New Jersey196,199.
- Ohio194,919.
Does it matter what state a notary is from?
The short answer is yes, notary publics are legally allowed to notarize documents from any state as long the notarial act is conducted within the geographical boundaries of the notary's state of commission.
Can I be a remote notary in a different state?
Currently, California does not allow its own notaries to perform remote online notarization. However, thanks to the passing of California Senate Bill 696 in 2023, remote online notary (RON) will be implemented in California by January 1, 2030 or sooner.
Can two notaries notarize the same document?
each of the multiple Notaries who might officiate at different times for the various named signers of a document must complete their own, separate notarial certificate.
Is notary a good side hustle?
A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you're not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.
What is the most a notary can 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.
Is there a demand for notary signing agents?
The demand for skilled notary loan signing agents is increasing due to the trend of remote work and digital transactions.