What is the most you can charge for a notary?
Asked by: Felipe Tremblay | Last update: March 6, 2026Score: 5/5 (41 votes)
The most you can charge for a notary varies significantly by state, as most states set maximum fees per notarial act (often $2 to $25), while some (like Maine, Nevada, Tennessee) allow reasonable fees set by the notary, especially for mobile services or complex tasks like loan signings where charges can exceed $200 with agreed-upon travel/administrative fees. The base fee is state-mandated (e.g., $10 in Florida, $15 in California), but travel, photocopying, and expedited service fees are often extra and must be disclosed upfront, with remote online notarization (RON) often having a higher cap, like $25.
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.
How much do notaries make per signature?
A notary typically makes $5 to $15 per signature for general work, set by state law, but can earn $75 to $200 or more per appointment as a mobile notary or signing agent for specialized services like loan closings, often adding travel and convenience fees. Earnings vary significantly by state, demand, and specialization, with some states limiting fees strictly (e.g., $2 in NY) and others allowing higher, reasonable charges or travel fees.
Is a notary signing agent a good side hustle?
Yes, a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) can be a very good side hustle, offering flexibility, strong earning potential ($75-$200+ per hour/appointment), and steady demand due to real estate transactions, but success requires upfront investment in training, marketing, and supplies, plus dedication to build a client base and navigate state regulations. It's a lucrative option for those willing to put in the effort to become a specialized mobile agent, especially for loan closings, though general notary work might offer lower pay.
What is the downside of being a notary?
A mistake could result in a lawsuit
Notaries may also have to deal with different forms of documentation and people, which may cause confusion and increase the chances of making a mistake that could result in a lawsuit.
What types of fees can a Notary charge?
What type of Notaries make the most money?
The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs).
What are the risks of mobile notary work?
Risks of mobile notary work include significant personal safety concerns (unsafe locations, aggressive clients), liability for errors leading to lawsuits (even for minor mistakes), financial strain from low fees or unnecessary expenses, data security issues, and potential for criminal activity targeting notaries, all requiring high situational awareness, strict adherence to state laws, and robust safety protocols like informing contacts of your location and avoiding sharing your full schedule.
How much does UPS charge for notary?
UPS Store notary costs typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, with many locations charging around $10 per principal signature, though prices vary by store, state law (which sets maximums, like $15 in CA), and document complexity. Always call your local UPS Store first to confirm their exact fee, as it depends on the number of people signing (principal) and specific state regulations.
Can you live off being a notary?
Not every NSA or mobile Notary wants to make it a full-time career. In fact, more than 61 percent notarize as a part-time gig. But even part-timers report they are doing well, reporting earnings ranging from anywhere as low as a few hundred dollars to $20,000 a month from notarizations.
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.
How to tell if someone is a legit notary?
To tell if a notary is legit, verify their active commission on your state's Secretary of State website, check their official seal for your name, commission number, and expiration date, and ensure they use a valid ID and follow proper procedures like recording the act in a journal. A real notary must have a current, state-issued commission and will present their ID and seal, while being impartial and professional.
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.
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.
What forms of payment do notaries accept?
Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions
A: I accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and American Express), and checks under $25.00. My rates are very reasonable and I offer special discounts on services to senior citizens, teachers, and hospice facilities.
How much does notarization usually cost?
Average notary fees vary by state, but typically range from $5 to $15 per signature/act, with many states setting maximums like $10-$15 for basic services (acknowledgments, oaths) and higher for Remote Online Notarization (RON), often around $25, plus potential travel fees for mobile services, with overall mobile appointments costing more due to convenience.
Can I notarize a document myself?
In short, you cannot notarize your own documents. Despite having the technical understanding, it's against notary laws to certify your own paperwork. This rule was established to ensure that the notarization process remains unbiased and prevents any potential conflicts of interest or ethical problems.
Which banks notarize for free?
Bank of America does not charge a fee for notary services.
How much does a mobile notary make per visit?
A mobile notary's earnings per visit vary significantly, but loan signing agents often make $75 to $200+ per appointment, while general mobile notary work can range from $30 to $100+ per trip, depending on location, travel distance, document complexity, and whether they work directly with clients or through signing services. Highly profitable mobile notaries focus on real estate closings (loan signings) or specialized niche markets, adding fees for travel, printing, and administrative tasks.
What mistakes can a notary make?
Forgetting to date the notarial certificate or using an incorrect date can render the notarization invalid. For example, when you take an acknowledgment, the signer may have signed and dated the document at an earlier date, but you should date the notarial certificate when you actually took the acknowledgement.
Is remote notary a good side hustle?
Yes, remote notary can be a good side hustle due to its flexibility, low startup costs, and potential for good income, allowing you to work from home on your own schedule; however, success requires effort in marketing, building a client base (often as a mobile notary too), and understanding state-specific regulations, with income varying significantly based on your dedication and location.
What are the downsides of being a notary?
Disadvantages of being a notary include inconsistent income, high liability for errors, significant startup and maintenance costs (fees, bond, E&O insurance), the challenge of building a client base, strict legal restrictions (no UPL), dealing with difficult clients or requests, and potential for emotionally taxing situations, all while facing intense competition for low-paying gigs.
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.
What's higher than a notary?
Finally, Medallion Signature Guarantees are typically more expensive than Notary services. This is because the financial institution providing the guarantee assumes liability for the transaction and must have insurance to cover any losses.