What is the hardest state to become a notary?

Asked by: Taurean Lakin  |  Last update: December 7, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (10 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 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.

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 state do notaries make the most money?

The five states where Notary jobs get higher salaries in the United States are: District of Columbia, California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Massachusetts. Compared with the average salary of a Notary in the United States, the state of District of Columbia with the highest job income for this job.

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.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST STATE TO BECOME A NOTARY

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What are the downsides of being a notary?

The Cons of Being a Notary
  • Steady income can be difficult.
  • You could be sued for a lot of money.
  • Upstart and upkeep costs can add up.

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.

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 there a demand for online notaries?

States such as California and Texas often see higher demand, increasing the potential for new notaries to secure more jobs. With an average of 5-10 notarizations per day, a notary in these states could earn between $125 and $500 daily.

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.

Can you live in one state and be a notary in another?

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

What state pays notaries most?

California is the highest paying state in the U.S. when it comes to being a notary public. The average salary of a notary public in California is $59,055.

What is the difference between a notary signing agent and a notary public?

In addition to helping to execute the documents, a loan signing agent must also ensure documents are submitted accurately and on time to complete the transaction. Notary publics are not required to review or file the documents to ensure their accuracy, they simply verify the signer's identities and signatures.

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.

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.

Which state has the most notaries?

The highpoint is Florida, with 19.0 notaries for every 1,000 people in the state. Kansas (16.4), Texas (15.1), North Dakota (15.1), and Maine (14.8) also have high numbers of notaries per 1,000 people.

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.

Is being a notary a skill?

Necessary Skills and Attributes

Attention to Detail: Notaries need strong observational skills to verify identification, confirm document details, and ensure proper execution. They must check for completeness and compliance with legal standards, minimizing errors in notarized documents.