What state is the hardest to become a notary?

Asked by: Abbigail Hyatt  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (8 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 notary exam?

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 state do Notaries make the most money?

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 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 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.

Is it Hard to Become a Notary?

37 related questions found

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.

Can a notary cross out a date?

In most states, a notary public must never change, correct, or amend a notarial certificate at a later date. Such alterations can only be made at the time of the execution of the notarization when the principal signer is present.

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.

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 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.

Is being a 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.

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.

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.

What to wear to a notary exam?

Since it is vital to make a good first impression, you are advised to dress “business casual” so that you will never feel underdressed or make anyone feel uncomfortable. This includes dress shoes, solid colored slacks, and a collared shirt or a blouse.

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.

Can my employer force me to become a notary?

Can an employer require you to be a notary in order to keep your job? An employer has a right to require its employees to become notaries public as part of their duties of their employment in order to meet the needs of the business. However, an employer cannot govern the duties of the office of notary public.

How often do notaries make mistakes?

Notary mistakes and errors increase the number of rejected documents. Most rejected documents contain minor or major notarization mistakes. On average, 30% of notarized documents contain mistakes. But depending on your county and state, this rejection rate can vary.

What is a 7500 notary bond?

Each notary public in the State of Florida is required to secure a $7,500 notary bond. The notary bond protects the public in case an error is made by the Florida notary.

Can you notarize a signature after signing?

No, notarization rules vary by jurisdiction. Some states, like California, require the notary to witness the signature, whereas others, like Texas, allow acknowledgment of a pre-existing 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.

What state pays notaries most?

States with Higher Salaries for Notary
  • 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.

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.