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Becoming a notary public is a great way to earn extra income, whether as a side hustle or a full-time business. Notaries provide essential services by verifying signatures on legal documents, ensuring that the signers are who they claim to be, and acting as an impartial witness. While the duties of a notary may seem simple, there is significant earning potential in this profession, particularly for those who choose to specialize or expand their offerings into mobile notary or loan signing services.

In this article, we’ll explore how you can make money as a notary, the steps to becoming one, and how you can increase your earning potential in this field.

What Is a Notary Public?

A notary public is a state-appointed official whose primary role is to act as an impartial witness during the signing of important legal documents. Notaries verify the identity of the signer, ensure that the person is signing voluntarily, and administer oaths when necessary. Common documents that require notarization include real estate contracts, powers of attorney, wills, affidavits, and loan documents.

The role of a notary is crucial in preventing fraud and ensuring the validity of legal transactions. While the services a notary provides are often straightforward, the demand for notarial services can create excellent income opportunities.

Steps to Become a Notary Public

Before you can start making money as a notary, you’ll need to go through the proper steps to become licensed. Each state has its own specific requirements for notaries, but the general process is similar across the U.S.

1. Check State Requirements

Each state has different rules for becoming a notary. You’ll need to research your state’s specific requirements, which might include:

• Being at least 18 years old.
• Being a resident of the state.
• Having no criminal convictions or felonies.
• Meeting any other eligibility requirements your state imposes.

2. Complete a Notary Training Course

Some states require aspiring notaries to complete a training course before becoming licensed. These courses teach the basic duties of a notary, including how to verify identity, administer oaths, and handle specific documents. Even if your state doesn’t require training, it can be helpful in building your confidence and ensuring that you fully understand your responsibilities.

3. Pass the Notary Exam (if required)

Certain states also require you to pass a notary exam. The exam typically tests your knowledge of state laws and regulations, as well as your understanding of notarial duties.

4. Submit a Notary Application

Once you’ve completed any necessary training and passed the exam (if required), you’ll need to submit an application to your state’s notary commissioning office. This often includes paying a small application fee, submitting to a background check, and purchasing a notary bond (if required by your state).

5. Receive Your Notary Commission

If your application is approved, you’ll receive your notary commission certificate, officially making you a licensed notary public. Once commissioned, you can purchase your notary supplies, including a notary seal and record book, and begin offering your services.

How to Make Money as a Notary

Once you’re licensed, the next step is to start offering your services and earning money. Here are several ways notaries can make money, with strategies to help you maximize your income.

1. General Notary Work

One of the simplest ways to make money as a notary is by offering general notary services. General notary work involves notarizing common legal documents like affidavits, power of attorney forms, and contracts. People in your local community may need these documents notarized, and you can charge a fee for your services.

The fees notaries can charge for general notary work are usually regulated by the state. Most states cap the amount notaries can charge per signature, typically between $5 and $15 per signature. While this may seem small, notaries can handle multiple signatures in a single appointment, and providing prompt and reliable service can lead to repeat clients.

How to Find General Notary Work:

• Market Locally: Advertise your services in your local community through flyers, business cards, or online directories like Yelp, Google My Business, or social media platforms.
• Partner with Local Businesses: Many local businesses, such as law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies, often need notarial services. Forming partnerships with these businesses can provide you with a steady stream of clients.
• Offer Mobile Services: Consider offering mobile notary services where you travel to clients’ homes, offices, or other locations to perform notarizations. You can charge a convenience fee in addition to the state-regulated fee for each notarization.

2. Loan Signing Agent

One of the most lucrative ways to make money as a notary is by becoming a loan signing agent. Loan signing agents specialize in notarizing mortgage documents for home loans, refinances, and other real estate transactions. Due to the complexity of these transactions, loan signing agents can earn significantly higher fees than general notaries.

Loan signing agents typically earn between $75 and $200 per signing, making it a high-income opportunity for notaries. Real estate transactions often involve several documents that need to be notarized, including loan agreements, deeds, and affidavits. As a loan signing agent, you can assist in this process and ensure all the required signatures are properly notarized.

How to Become a Loan Signing Agent:

• Complete Loan Signing Training: While training is not required by law, completing a loan signing agent course can help you understand the documents involved and improve your expertise. Several online courses are available, including those offered by the National Notary Association (NNA) and other organizations.
• Get Certified: Many loan signing agents choose to become certified through the NNA or other recognized bodies. Certification can make you more attractive to potential clients, as it signals that you have received specialized training.
• Network with Title Companies and Signing Services: Establish relationships with title companies, mortgage lenders, and signing services. These businesses regularly hire loan signing agents to facilitate real estate transactions.

3. Mobile Notary Services

Mobile notary services involve traveling to the client’s location to perform notarizations, offering convenience to people who cannot or prefer not to travel to a notary’s office. Many clients are willing to pay extra for this convenience, allowing mobile notaries to charge travel fees in addition to the standard notary fee.

Advantages of Mobile Notary Services:

• Higher Fees: In addition to the state-regulated fee for notarization, you can charge travel fees, which can range from $20 to $100 or more, depending on the distance and location.
• Convenience: By offering mobile services, you can tap into a broader market, including people who may need notarizations outside of normal business hours.

How to Start Offering Mobile Notary Services:

• Set Clear Travel Fees: Establish a clear and consistent pricing structure for your travel fees, and advertise these rates to potential clients.
• Offer After-Hours Services: Many people need notarial services outside regular business hours, such as evenings or weekends. Offering flexible scheduling can help you attract more clients.
• Market Your Services: Use online platforms, social media, and local directories to market your mobile notary services. Emphasize the convenience factor to attract busy professionals or those unable to travel.

4. Apostille Services

Apostilles are specialized certifications required for documents that are being used in foreign countries. If someone needs to use a legal document, such as a birth certificate or power of attorney, in another country, it often requires an apostille. Notaries can offer apostille facilitation services, helping clients navigate the process of getting their documents apostilled.

Earnings Potential: Apostille facilitation services typically command higher fees because the process is more complex and involves multiple steps. Depending on your location and services offered, you could charge between $100 and $250 per apostille request.

How to Offer Apostille Services:

• Learn the Apostille Process: Each state has specific requirements for apostille requests, so familiarize yourself with your state’s process. You’ll need to help clients obtain the necessary certifications from state authorities.
• Market Apostille Services: Advertise your apostille services to clients who may need their documents certified for international use. These clients could include people traveling abroad, adopting internationally, or doing business in foreign countries.

5. Notary Signing Services Business

As you gain experience and grow your client base, you may consider expanding your notary business by hiring other notaries and operating a notary signing services business. In this model, you act as a middleman, connecting clients with notaries and charging a service fee for facilitating the transaction.

Earnings Potential: By running a notary signing service, you can take a portion of the fees from each signing that your contracted notaries complete. This could significantly increase your overall earnings, especially if you manage a large network of notaries.

How to Start a Notary Signing Service Business:

• Build a Network of Notaries: Start by building relationships with other notaries in your area. Ensure they are reliable and professional, as their work will reflect on your business.
• Establish Contracts and Pricing: Set up clear contracts with your notaries and clients, establishing the fees you will charge for each signing.
• Market Your Business: Focus on attracting clients from industries that frequently require notarial services, such as real estate, law, and finance.

Maximizing Your Income as a Notary

While becoming a notary can be a lucrative side hustle or full-time business, here are some additional strategies to maximize your earnings:

• Offer Additional Services: In addition to standard notarizations, consider offering fingerprinting services, background checks, or document preparation services to increase your income.
• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Reliability, professionalism, and friendly service can lead to repeat clients and referrals. Building strong relationships with your clients can help you grow your notary business.
• Stay Organized: Keep accurate records of all notarizations and maintain a professional image. Organization and efficiency are essential, especially if you offer mobile services or manage multiple clients.

Conclusion

Becoming a notary public can be a highly profitable venture, whether you’re looking for a side income or aiming to build a full-time business. With opportunities ranging from general notary work to more specialized services like loan signings and apostilles, notaries can earn a steady income by offering services that are always in demand. By becoming a loan signing agent, offering mobile services, or even expanding into a signing service business, you can significantly increase your earning potential as a notary.

With the right training, marketing strategies, and dedication to providing quality service, you can build a successful notary business and take advantage of the many opportunities this profession offers.