About This Side Hustle
A notary public is a state-appointed official who witnesses the signing of important documents and verifies the identity of signers. With the rise of remote online notarization (RON), notaries can now serve clients virtually in many states. Real estate closings, loan signings, and legal documents all require notarization, creating steady demand for this low-effort, high-value service.
Earning Potential
General notarizations charge $10-25 per signature. Mobile notary fees add $50-150 for travel. Loan signing agents earn $75-200 per signing. With 2-3 signings per week, monthly income of $600-2,400+ is achievable. Full-time signing agents earn $4,000-10,000+/month.
Pros
- Very low startup cost
- Flexible schedule around your main job
- High per-signing income for loan closings
- Can operate remotely with RON platforms
- Straightforward certification process
Cons
- Income varies by state and demand
- Must follow strict legal procedures
- Commission renewal required every few years
- Travel required for mobile notary work
30-Day Launch Plan
Get Commissioned
Complete the notary application process
- Check your state's notary requirements and fees
- Complete required training course (if your state requires one)
- Submit your notary application to your state's secretary of state
- Purchase your notary supplies (stamp, seal, journal)
Get Certified as a Signing Agent
Specialize in lucrative loan signings
- Complete a loan signing agent course (NNA or Notary2Pro)
- Pass the NNA certification exam
- Register with signing services and title companies
- Get E&O (errors and omissions) insurance
Build Your Business
Market your notary services
- Create a Google Business profile for local visibility
- List on Notary.com, SigningAgent.com, and 123Notary
- Sign up with Snapdocs and other signing platforms
- Network with title companies and real estate agents
Start Earning
Accept assignments and build your reputation
- Accept your first signing assignments through platforms
- Double-check every document for accuracy before submitting
- Build a system for tracking assignments and income
- Explore remote online notarization for additional revenue
Tips for Success
- Become a certified loan signing agent for the highest per-job income ($75-200 per signing)
- Remote online notarization (RON) lets you notarize from home in approved states
- Always be professional, punctual, and thorough with every signing
- Build relationships with local title companies for direct assignments
- Keep your notary journal meticulously - it is a legal document
Skills Required
Tools Needed
- Notary stamp and seal
- Notary journal
- Reliable transportation
- Remote notarization platform (optional)