What's the most a notary can charge?

Asked by: Dr. Dominic Watsica  |  Last update: December 16, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (62 votes)

States can set a maximum notary fee that notaries can charge. Many notaries charge on a per signature basis. Did you know that a handful of US states don't regulate the fee? This means that the notary public can set their own fees, but the highest notary fee in states that regulate it is $20.

What is the maximum you can charge for a notary?

Standard Notarization: Basic services usually range from $20 to $80 per signature. Real Estate Documents: The fees for complex documents can range from $75 to $200. Remote Online Notarization: Virtual services typically cost $25. Travel Fees: Mobile notaries may charge $25 to $50, plus $0.50 per mile travelled or more.

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 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.

Is it profitable to be a notary?

Opportunity to make extra money

While it's difficult to build a six-figure income by doing simple notarizations like jurats and acknowledgments, some states have higher maximum rates than others. In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act. In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10.

Best Kept Secret for Income: Make $100+/Appt as a Notary | How to Charge More Than State Notary Fee

18 related questions found

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.

How much do you make working for notarize?

The average Notarize salary ranges from approximately $52,362 per year for Sales Representative to $149,209 per year for Senior Software Engineer. Average Notarize hourly pay ranges from approximately $18.00 per hour for Accounting Intern to $20.65 per hour for Customer Support Representative.

How do notary signing agents get paid?

Notary Signing Agents are paid after the assignment has been completed. The payment terms usually are stated in the agreement you signed with the contracting company. Each company you work for will have their own rules. You should follow any procedures and duties for receiving payment that are outlined in the contract.

Is notary a high risk business?

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.

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.

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.

Are there too many notaries?

Is the Notary market oversaturated? Notaries often ask me on my social media channels, “Is the Notary industry too overcrowded for me to start a business?” The answer is NO! Although there has been an increase in the number of people becoming Notaries in recent years, the market is far from oversaturated.

Do banks have notaries?

Most banks have notaries that provide the service for free for their customers and for a fee for non-customers. A document is notarized when a third party, known as a notary public, verifies your identity and witnesses you signing the document.

How much do notaries make per closing?

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)

How does notary go pay?

Primary agents get paid weekly. How is my payment sent? All checks are sent to the email we have on file as an e-check.

Is it easy to become a notary signing agent?

In most states, you can just go down to your county clerk's office and say, "I want the application to be a notary" — and it's pretty much as simple as that. In California, you have to take a course, pass an exam, and clear a background check to become a notary public.

What 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.

Is notarize worth it?

Trusted by thousands for life's most important transactions, our platform's notaries deliver exceptional service every day. With over 20,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.7/5 stars, here's what our satisfied customers have to say about their experiences. Rated 4.7 / 5 based on 20,418 reviews.

Is it hard to work as a notary?

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 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.

Does being a notary look good on a resume?

The second reason is that being a notary public looks good on your resume, particularly if you work in a field like real estate or banking where certain documents will need a notary's signature to be considered valid and binding.

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.

Who uses notaries the most?

What types of businesses benefit the most from having a Notary on staff?
  • Insurance companies.
  • Mortgage companies.
  • Title companies.
  • Corporations — of any type.
  • Real-estate companies.
  • Construction companies.
  • Schools — public or private of all levels.
  • Any other company that requires notarization on a regular basis.