Can I Make Money as a Notary? A Guide to Building a Profitable Notary Business

 

Introduction

Most people don't consider notary public as a serious stream of income in the sea of side hustles and entrepreneurship. Many are going to be surprised to find how this venture can pay really well, if one knows his or her way around marketing his or her skill.

Don’t wait another day to start building your real estate empire!

Becoming a notary public means being able to earn money in a part-time side gig, as well as in full-time career opportunities, or other means to diversify one's income streams. In this article, we'll show you just how notaries make money, share actionable advice for expanding your notary business, and give valuable insight into just why this profession can be so rewarding financially.

What Does a Notary Do?

Before getting into how one can make money as a notary, the core responsibility of a notary public needs to be explained. A notary public is an individual commissioned by a state to serve in the capacity of an impartial witness during critical document signings. The primary responsibility of a notary public includes verifying the identity of signers, making sure both parties are willingly signing, then certifying the document by affixing a notarized seal.

Documents commonly requiring notarization include but are not limited to:

Real estate transactions - including mortgage documents

Legal affidavits and sworn statements

Powers of attorney

Wills and trusts

Loan agreements

Business contracts

Once the notary public has verified that the signer is indeed who they say they are, and this signing is done of their own free will, they affix their official stamp or seal, making the document legally complete.

How Do Notaries Make Money?

Notaries may earn income based on how they structure their business and the services they offer. The following are some common, primary income streams for notaries:

1. Traditional Notary Services

In most states, notaries have a fixed fee for each notarization performed. These are regulated by the state and generally range between $2 and $15 for each signature notarized, depending on the state statutes. Even though the commission per transaction may be small, a notary may increase their revenue with multiple documents signed at one time, or to customers needing large volumes, like real estate agents or law firms.

Example: A notary charging $10 per notarization, if they can do 10 notarizations in an hour, will make $100 for that hours' work.

2. Mobile Notary Services

One of the lucrative ways to make money as a notary includes mobile notary services. A mobile notary goes to the house, office, or other location of an individual needing them to notarize their documents. Since it is so much more convenient, mobile notaries charge higher fees and often add in travel charges to the overall cost of notarization.

Example: A mobile notary might charge a fee of $50 for a local appointment, with additional fees based on longer travel distances. In this way, the flexibility allows notaries to set competitive rates based on convenience and availability.

3. Loan Signing Agent

One of the most lucrative ways to expand your notary business is by becoming a loan signing agent. Loan signing agents are specially trained in the notarization of loan documents in real estate transactions, including mortgage agreements, refinance paperwork, and home equity loans. Since such documents are complex and highly important, these notaries can charge much higher fees, ranging from $75 to $200 per signing.

For example, a loan signing agent can do a single mortgage signing in an hour and charge $150 for it; if a few signings are undertaken in one day, earnings of a few hundred dollars can be achieved from these signings.

4. Value-Added Services

Other services that could complement their notary services include fingerprinting, document delivery, and even courier services of legal and real estate documents. Many businesses, especially attorneys and title companies, would love the convenience of a one-stop-shop notary who could offer complementary services to extend their income opportunities.

Example: A notary may provide such services as fingerprinting or delivering legal documents following a signing for an extra charge of $25 to $50.

How Much Can You Really Make as a Notary?

How much money you can make will depend on your location, the services offered, and how many hours you put into your notary business. Some income estimates are below for different types of notaries.

Traditional Notary: Those notaries who work in an office environment or conduct general notary services may charge anything from $20 to $50 per hour depending on the flow of customers.

Mobile Notary: For those who are mobile, notaries can make from $50 to $100 per visit, and you could do multiple visits in one day. You are now talking about making $500 to $1,000, or even more in a week, depending on whether you are in a busy urban city area.

Loan Signing Agent: The loan signing agents have a high earning potential, with an earning of $75 to $200 per signing. Full-time loan signing agents may earn from $3,000 to $7,000 every month, depending on their volume and experience.

Actionable Tips for Building a Profitable Notary Business

If one is ready to start making money as a notary, here are actionable steps that will help one grow into a successful and highly rewarding notary business:

1. Get Certified as a Loan Signing Agent

Adding certification as a loan-signing agent is one of the best ways to maximize your earning potential as a notary. This will take some additional training to learn the specifics of handling real estate loan documents, but it pays off quite well. Many notaries say that loan signing services are their most consistent and high-paying source of income.

Tip: Take loan signing agent courses that have been accredited by high-regarded bodies such as the National Notary Association, so you know you are receiving quality training.

2. Be a Mobile Notary

Adding mobile notary services to your business is a very easy way to expand your clientele and offer higher fees for your services. Many individuals, whether busy professionals or elderly citizens, appreciate the convenience of a notary coming to them. Be sure to factor in your travel expenses and time when setting your rates.

Google My Business: This is where you want to advertise your mobile notary services locally. Make sure your contact information and service area are clear so potential clients can get a hold of you.

3. Build Alliances with Local Businesses

Grow your notary business by developing relationships with local professionals who often require notarization services, including real estate agents, lawyers, and financial planners. Offer them dependable, consistent services for repeat business and referrals.

Tip: Attend local business networking events or join your local chamber of commerce to meet prospective clients in person and build relationships.

4. Leverage Online Platforms

In today's digitally engaged world, many notaries enjoy great success in facilitating services via online platforms like NotaryCam or DocuSign. These kinds of platforms help the notary offer RON for clients in any location.

Tip: Check your state's remote online notarization policy-if it allows for it in your state, become certified so you are poised and prepared to offer RON services and capture part of the growing market.

5. Promote Your Services Online

Establish an online presence to attract clients in today's digital marketplace. A nice website, active social media, and good client reviews will go a long way toward establishing credibility for your business and attracting more clients.

Tip: Enhance your website's SEO by embedding relevant keywords, such as "mobile notary services," "loan signing agent," or "notary near me," in order to appear among the top searches of search engines.

Conclusion: Is Becoming a Notary a Worthwhile Business?

Can I make money as a notary? The answer is a straightforward yes, because with the right approach, becoming a notary can be one of the most lucrative and flexible ways to generate income. With options from traditional services, to becoming a mobile notary, to specializations such as loan signing agent, the ways notarizing can generate money are seriously wide-ranging and varied.

By paying attention to the right niche, offering value-added services, and building good business relationships, you will have a very reliable source of income. Due to the low start-up costs, flexible working hours, and earning potentiality at a high rate, notary business is one of the unique businesses for entrepreneurs and professionals who look for alternative means to earning extra money.

Don’t wait another day to start building your real estate empire!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the costs involved in becoming a Notary?

The cost of becoming a notary varies by state, ranging from $50 to $200 for application fees, training, and the cost of your notary seal.

2. Can I perform notary services remotely online?

Most states have what's called remote online notarization-RON-that enables notaries to provide services remotely using digital platforms. Check with your commission on notaries to determine if RON is legal in your state.

3. Do I need any special training to become a loan signing agent?

Most loan signing agents pursue further training and certification to understand the intricacies associated with real estate loan documents. These certifications are typically made available through organizations like the National Notary Association.

4. How do I find clients for a notary business?

Advertise your services through local networking, online directories, social media, and relationship-building with businesses that commonly require notarizations, like real estate agencies and law firms.

5. Is being a notary a good side hustle?

Notarization can be an extremely good sideline because of its flexibility, relatively low start-up costs, and a very consistent flow of income, especially if a mobile notary or loan signing services are included.