If you’re interested in becoming a notary, one of the first questions you might have is how much money you can make in this profession. The answer isn’t straightforward, as the amount you can earn as a notary depends on several factors, including your location, the type of documents you notarize, and whether you work part-time or full-time.
According to a survey by the National Notary Association, more than half of all full-time mobile notaries earn $2,000 or more per month. If you’ve been in business for at least three years, you can expect to earn even more, with nearly two-thirds of full-timers earning $4,000 or more per month. Some notaries even earn upwards of $7,500 per month.
However, it’s important to note that these figures are just averages, and your earnings as a notary may be higher or lower depending on your individual circumstances. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that can impact your notary income, as well as some tips for maximizing your earning potential in this field.
What is a Notary and What Do They Do?
If you’re looking to make some extra money, becoming a notary public might be a good option. Notaries are public officials who are appointed by the state government to witness and certify the signing of legal documents. They are responsible for verifying the identity of the signers and ensuring that they are signing the document of their own free will.
Notaries perform a variety of duties, including:
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Taking acknowledgements
- Witnessing signatures
- Certifying copies of documents
- Protesting commercial paper
These duties can vary depending on the state in which the notary is appointed. Notaries are required to follow strict guidelines to ensure that the documents they notarize are legal and binding.
One of the most important duties of a notary is to prevent fraud. By verifying the identity of the signers and ensuring that they are signing the document of their own free will, notaries help protect against identity theft and other types of fraud.
How Much Can You Make as a Notary?
If you are considering becoming a notary, one of the first questions you may have is how much money you can make. The answer is that it depends on several factors, including your location, who you work for, and what documents you notarize. However, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.
Factors That Affect Notary Fees
One of the biggest factors that affects how much you can make as a notary is the fees you charge. As a notary, you can set your own fees, but they must be reasonable and in line with what other notaries in your area are charging. Some of the factors that may influence your fees include:
- The complexity of the document being notarized
- The location where the notarization takes place
- The time of day or day of the week when the notarization takes place
- Whether you are required to travel to the client’s location
Average Notary Fees by State
Another factor that can affect how much you can make as a notary is the state where you are located. Notary fees are regulated by state law, and they can vary widely from one state to another. Here are some examples of average notary fees by state, according to the National Notary Association:
| State | Average Fee |
|---|---|
| California | $15 per signature |
| Florida | $10 per signature |
| New York | $2 per signature |
How to Increase Your Notary Income
If you want to increase your notary income, there are several things you can do:
- Market your services to potential clients, such as real estate agents, banks, and law firms
- Offer additional services, such as loan signing or fingerprinting
- Consider becoming an online notary, which can allow you to work with clients all over the country
- Join a professional organization, such as the National Notary Association, which can provide you with resources and networking opportunities
How to Become a Notary
Requirements to Become a Notary
To become a notary, you must meet certain requirements set by your state. The requirements may vary from state to state, but generally, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of the state where you want to become a notary
- Have no felony convictions
- Pass a background check
- Complete a notary education course (if required by your state)
Steps to Become a Notary
Once you have met the requirements to become a notary, you must follow these steps:
- Complete the application process with your state’s notary commission
- Pay the application fee (fees vary by state)
- Take an oath of office
- Get a notary bond (if required by your state)
- Get your notary supplies, such as a notary stamp and journal
How to Start Your Own Notary Business
If you want to start your own notary business, you can follow these steps:
- Get a business license from your state or local government
- Set up a business bank account
- Get liability insurance
- Market your notary services to potential clients, such as real estate agents, law firms, and banks
- Set your fees for notary services (within the limits set by your state)
Becoming a notary can be a great way to earn extra income or start your own business. By following the requirements and steps set by your state, you can become a notary and start providing valuable notary services to your community.
