Why would someone want to become a notary?

Asked by: Corene Greenholt  |  Last update: January 27, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (8 votes)

People become notaries for flexible income, low startup costs, and the ability to serve their community by preventing fraud, with options to work part-time, full-time, mobile, or online as a Notary Signing Agent for real estate, adding value to existing businesses or starting a new one. It offers a respected role with immediate income potential and high demand across industries like legal, banking, and healthcare.

Why would you want to become a notary?

If you are the type of person who enjoys giving back to your community, being a Notary is a great way to support that passion. Many types of people need notarization services but cannot afford them, like the elderly, homeless, disabled and college students.

Why would a notary be needed?

A notary ensures that both parties understand the documents they're signing and that the signatures are legitimate. In California, nearly all real estate closings involve notarized documents.

Do notaries make good money?

Nearly two-thirds of full-timers who have been in business for at least 3 years earn $4,000 or more a month, and 16 percent earn more than $7,500 a month. 43 percent of all part-time, self-employed Notaries earn more than $500 a month; nearly 30 percent earn more than $1,000 a month.

Who needs notaries the most?

What types of businesses benefit the most from having a Notary on staff?

  • New and used car dealerships.
  • Insurance companies.
  • Mortgage companies.
  • Title companies.
  • Corporations — of any type.
  • Real-estate companies.
  • Construction companies.
  • Schools — public or private of all levels.

What Is a Notary & Why Should You Care

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Is being a notary a good side hustle?

Yes, being a notary is often considered a great side hustle because it offers flexibility, low startup costs (compared to some businesses), high demand for essential services, and the potential for good hourly earnings, especially as a mobile notary or loan signing agent, with Remote Online Notarization (RON) adding work-from-home opportunities. 

How do you find clients as a notary?

  1. Advertise through word of mouth. Many Notaries agreed that getting the word out in your community is one of the best ways to find new customers. ...
  2. Referrals from current customers. ...
  3. Offer discounts to signers. ...
  4. Always answer phone requests for Notary services.

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. 

What skills are needed to be a notary?

Essential Skills for Notaries

Attention to Detail: Notaries must carefully review documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Missing a signature or a stamp can invalidate an entire document. Ethical Integrity: As a notary, you will handle sensitive information and must do so without bias.

What jobs can a notary do?

Career Paths for Notaries

  • Job Opportunities for Notaries. Real estate agencies, law offices, banks or credit unions and lending institutions are common places that hire commissioned notaries. ...
  • Notary Signing Agent. ...
  • Escrow Assistant. ...
  • Legal Assistant. ...
  • Field Inspector. ...
  • Bookkeeper. ...
  • Remote Online Notary.

What other things can a notary do?

Other Services Notaries Can Offer To Earn Extra Money

  • Courier services for documents.
  • Offering after-hours/holiday services for an additional fee.
  • Photocopying or faxing services.
  • Form I-9 services for employers (restricted in California to qualified and bonded immigration consultants).

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. 

Why do notaries still exist?

Real estate remains heavily notary-dependent, with deeds, mortgages, and title transfers requiring official notarization. As title fraud schemes become more sophisticated, robust notarization provides essential protection by creating multiple verification checkpoints fraudsters cannot easily bypass.

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.

What happens if a notary makes a mistake?

A mistake can trigger an immediate rejection and result in penalties and additional fees. In most severe cases, the notary public becomes highly vulnerable to civil litigation. Mostly, notaries are aware that there are many moving pieces in a notarization process.

Is getting a notary license worth it?

Yes, getting a notary license is often worth it for the flexibility, low startup costs, and career advantages, offering potential income as a side gig or full-time business, especially as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) for loan signings, though profitability depends heavily on your hustle and market saturation, as basic notarial work can be low-paying. It boosts resumes, adds value for employers in various industries, and opens doors to mobile services, but requires dedication to find profitable niches beyond basic, often free, bank services. 

Is notary training hard?

The state with the toughest application requirements is...

California not only requires an exam, it also requires mandatory training up to 6 hours, a background check and a minimum exam score of 70% in order to obtain a notary commission.

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). 

Is being a notary public a good side job?

Becoming a Notary Public is one of the most flexible and trusted side gigs available today. Whether you want a work-from-home opportunity, a part-time job outside the house, or a way to add credibility to your freelance services, a Notary commission can unlock multiple income streams.

Why do notaries get sued?

1- Notarizing for someone who isn't present at the time

Engaging in such practices exposes the notary to significant legal risks, including criminal charges for fraud, revocation of their notary commission, and civil liability for damages resulting from reliance on the notarized document.

Is notary a stressful job?

Yes, being a notary can be stressful due to high stakes, difficult clients, legal complexities, and the pressure of running a business, but it's manageable with proper skills, organization, and boundaries, offering rewards like flexibility and independence. Common stressors include handling illegal requests, dealing with angry or difficult signers, balancing work/life, building a client base, and navigating inconsistent income, especially in competitive markets.
 

Where are notaries needed the most?

Many businesses require notary services for essential tasks like loan signings, real estate closings, and legal document preparation. However, some businesses that need notaries, such as law firms, title companies, and banks, rely on them constantly.

How do you introduce yourself as a notary?

A friendly expression makes a difference. This is your chance to introduce yourself and highlight why companies should hire you. Keep it concise but informative (3-5 sentences). ✅ Start with experience: Mention how long you've been a notary and any relevant background.

How long does it take to become a notary?

Becoming a notary typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your state's requirements, involving a short training course (3-6 hours), passing a state exam, undergoing a background check (often with fingerprints), and completing the application with bond/oath filing, with commission processing taking another 1-6 weeks after submission. The initial steps (training, exam) can be done quickly, but waiting for the official commission to arrive from the state is the longest part.