Have you ever thought about becoming a notary? It’s a home business or a side job that many people who need flexible or remote work consider starting.
If this interests you, keep reading. Working as a notary could provide you with an additional source of income and help you serve your community.
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What is a notary?
Most of us have needed a notarized document from time to time. A notary public or “notary” is an official appointed by the state government to act as an impartial witness in the performance of various functions in non-contentious matters generally associated with contracts, international affairs, estates, deeds, wills, etc.
The goal is to deter fraud and identity theft when it comes to signing important documents. A notarized document is also recognized as a legal document by that state’s court system.
Many industries need notaries to notarize both their employees and their clients. These industries include financial institutions, medical clinics, hospitals, law firms, county governments, insurance agencies and technology companies.
Who does the notary generally work for?
Unless you’re doing it for a business, a lot virtual assistants Or virtual accountants also offer notary services in addition to their other services.
These are most often mobile or itinerant notary services. Rather than meeting complete strangers at home, you can offer to meet them at a business, at their office, at their home, at the hospital or elsewhere.
I found a website, At your service Mobile notarywhich is run by a notary coach in California who not only has a mobile notary service, but also coaches others on how to start their practice.
If you are on a budget and can’t afford a course, you can also check out this cheap e-book available on Amazon that teaches you what you need to know to become a great notary.
What equipment do you need to become a notary?
The two most common items of notary equipment are the notary’s seal and the transaction stamp. The notary seal is the raised lettering used to indicate the notary’s name, state, commission expiration date, and commission number.
Many states no longer require the seal, but just the notary stamp. There is also the transaction stamp, which the notary stamps and signs with his or her name and writes in the county, state and names of the parties involved and at the end of the commission.
Some notaries may also use a notary journal to record all of their notarial transactions. This is generally not a requirement in all states.
You will also receive a booklet of guidelines for your state from the county where you plan to become a notary.
How to become a notary
The exact steps to take vary from state to state. That said, the information below explains how it usually works:
- Understand your state’s requirements and certifications. Some states do not require training, and you can go to either a county courthouse or a local community college. Also, the National Association of Notaries is a great state-by-state resource as well as your local county courthouse.
- Find out your state’s requirements and submit a request.
- Pay the state filing fee.
- Get whatever training is offered, then take the exam. The NNA can help you take all training and exams online for your state. However, please check with your local authorities first. Some states will only offer a manual for “training” purposes.
- Complete background checks and fingerprinting, if applicable.
- Receive your state commission certification.
- Obtain a bond if applicable. Not all states require it.
- Submit all your documents to your official notary.
- Buy your notary supplies which are usually just the seal/stamp and then the transaction stamp.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
The amount you pay to become a notary will ultimately depend on where you reside, as requirements and fees differ from state to state.
However, it seems that in most cases you would pay no more than $200 (often less). Filing fees, examination fees, and supply prices vary widely.
To find out exactly what you would pay in your state, a quick Google search for “How to become a notary in (your state)” should give you results that include information specific to your state.
How can you offer your services as a notary?
Many work from home experts say that offering mobile notary services is the ultimate solution. side gig for several reasons. They are:
- It gets you out of the house. You need to go out and meet the people actually involved in the transaction and do it in person, unless you can get them to come to you instead.
- It is something that complements other services, like virtual assistance, transcriptionAnd translation services which you may already be doing from home.
- It’s a way of giving back to the community. Sometimes those who need a notary the most are the homeless or those who need college transcripts notarized.
- It’s easy to adapt it to other ways of making money.
Can you work as a notary entirely from home?
Yes, and this is an exciting development for people specifically looking for work from home. Remote online notarization, commonly referred to as RON, allows commissioned notaries to notarize documents entirely online via a secure audio-video connection, with no travel required.
With RON, the signer connects with you via webcam, verifies their identity through an online identity verification process, and signs electronically. You then apply your digital notarial seal. Everything happens from your personal computer.
Not all states have yet authorized RON, and those that have may require additional training, a separate RON commission, and use of an approved technology platform.
THE The National Notary Association has a comprehensive online notary resource center where you can check the status of your state and know what is needed to get started.
If your goal is to do notary work without leaving home, RON is worth studying as part of your journey.
What are the other benefits of offering mobile notary services?
With mobile notary services, the current IRS standard mileage rate is 72.5 cents per mile for 2026, which may be billed to the client for travel.
Then there are also the per-transaction notarization fees to be charged, which vary by state but generally amount to around $10 per signature in many states, although some states cap them lower and others have none. Always check your state’s specific rules before setting your rates.
Some notaries also become NSAs or Notary Signing Agents, specializing in the legalization of loans intended for the real estate sector. These notaries ensure the liaison between the bank and the borrower.
NSAs typically earn between $75 and $200 per signature appointment as independent contractors, which is significantly more than the standard fee per signature, making it one of the most lucrative paths for notaries.
Do you need to specialize in your mobile notary services?
Although you are welcome to notarize anyone who needs your services, most notaries will agree that having a specialty helps you and allows you to continue serving in that industry.
By specializing, you show that you truly know and serve an industry. For example, you can offer your services to several immigration lawyers and offer translation services as well as transcription services to this sector.
What to charge for your notary services?
This will really vary from state to state. A common starting point is around $10 per transaction, but this is not a universal figure because some states cap fees downward and others allow notaries to set their own rates.
Check your state’s notary handbook or the National Notary Association’s fee guide to find out exactly what applies where you live.
However, if you factor in the IRS mileage rate for travel and offer a range of other services, your mobile notary business could become very lucrative and open the door to your other services.
The advantage of becoming a notary is to show that you are a person of integrity. You are even recognized as such by the courts. This adds credibility to some or all of your other services.
Where to advertise or find work as a notary?
Most mobile notary services advertise through their local chambers of commerce or INB groups. These are excellent places to offer all types of services.
However, don’t stop there. You can form partnerships with local law firms, banks, financial institutions, etc. Creating a LinkedIn profile as well as having your own website listing your services are other ways to find work.
If you are looking for remote online notarization, registering on RON platforms and directories is also a good way to attract clients that you can serve entirely from home.
In conclusion
Becoming a mobile notary service can certainly add integrity to your current services and help you develop a specialty or sub-specialty. It can also allow you to get out of your home and serve those in your community who truly need your services.
And if you opt for remote online notarization, it can be done entirely from the comfort of your home!
Notaries are found in almost every sector or business, and you could be one of them.
Leisa Good has worked in the corporate world and has also managed and operated a full-time virtual assistant business since 2006.. She wrote the eBook on this one! She is also a PFYP certified career coach and owner of the blog, Powerfully designed for success. It allows people aged 50 and over to find fun, flexible and financially rewarding work, now and in retirement. However, this time it will be work/life on their terms.
