How to Become a Notary Public: Requirements, Salary, Career Opportunities and Complete Guide

How Do You Become a Notary Public?

To become a Notary Public in the United States, you must qualify for and receive a commission from the state or jurisdiction where you will serve.

Although requirements vary substantially by state, the process generally includes:

1. meeting your state's eligibility requirements;
2. completing an application;
3. paying the required application or filing fees;
4. completing state-required education, if applicable;
5. passing an examination, if required;
6. completing fingerprinting or a background check where required;
7. obtaining a surety bond where required;
8. filing your commission and oath where applicable;
9. purchasing required notary supplies; and
10. learning the laws governing notarial acts in your jurisdiction.

The National Notary Association reports that becoming a Notary can cost anywhere from less than $100 to $600 or more, depending on state requirements, education, examination fees, bonding, background checks, supplies and filing costs. Processing generally takes approximately two to 10 weeks, although the timeline varies by jurisdiction.

Unlike becoming a lawyer, accountant or real estate broker, becoming a Notary usually does not require a college degree.

But that does not mean the responsibility is insignificant.

A Notary serves as an impartial public official whose role is designed in part to deter fraud, verify identity, administer oaths and acknowledgments, and help establish the authenticity of important transactions. The National Association of Secretaries of State describes Notaries as an important defense against identity fraud and emphasizes the role of state commissioning authorities in establishing standards for notarization.

Before pursuing a commission, however, there is another question worth asking:

Would you actually enjoy the work?

Notary work can appeal to people who are careful, trustworthy, organized, independent and comfortable working with documents and strangers.

For other people, the precision, legal responsibility, repetitive documentation and need to follow strict procedures may be frustrating.

Find out how this career fits you.

Take the Free MAPP Assessment and use your 10 Free Career Matches to explore how occupations involving legal documents, customer service, administration, financial services and independent work align with your motivations and preferred way of working.

See:

• what you may enjoy about the work;
• what you may dislike;
• careers that fit you better;
• education and training requirements;
• salary information;
• related occupations; and
• available jobs.

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Notary Public Career Snapshot

One of the most important things to understand about becoming a Notary is that Notary Public is not one standardized national occupation with one salary, one training program or one job description.

A Notary commission is a state-issued credential.

Some people become Notaries because their employer needs someone to notarize documents.

Others operate independent mobile Notary businesses.

Others add remote online notarization.

Still others become Notary Signing Agents and work with mortgage and real estate documents.

Your income and career path can therefore vary dramatically.

What Is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is an individual commissioned by a state government to perform authorized notarial acts.

The purpose is generally to help deter fraud and establish confidence that certain formalities surrounding a document or signature were properly completed.

Depending on state law, a Notary may perform acts such as:

• acknowledgments;
• jurats;
• administering oaths or affirmations;
• witnessing signatures;
• certifying certain copies;
• performing protests;
• verifying identities; and
• completing other authorized notarial certificates.

A Notary is expected to act as an impartial witness.

The role is not the same as being an attorney.

Unless separately licensed to practice law, a Notary generally cannot provide legal advice, select legal documents for a customer or tell someone what legal document they should use.

Exact rules depend upon state law.

What Does a Notary Actually Do?

The work often begins with a document and a person who needs a signature or statement formally notarized.

The Notary may need to:

• determine what type of notarial act is being requested;
• confirm that the requested act is legally permitted;
• identify the signer;
• examine identification documents;
• establish that the signer is appearing voluntarily;
• confirm required signatures;
• administer an oath or affirmation when appropriate;
• complete the correct notarial certificate;
• sign and affix the Notary seal or stamp;
• record the transaction in a journal when required or advisable;
• collect authorized fees; and
• securely maintain required records.

The Notary's responsibility is not simply to place a stamp on a document.

Proper notarization requires following the law and completing the correct procedure.

A Day in the Life of a Notary Public

There is no universal Notary workday.

An employee Notary working in a bank may perform several notarizations during normal office hours.

A Mobile Notary may drive to hospitals, homes, law offices and businesses.

A Notary Signing Agent may spend an evening handling mortgage closing packages.

A Remote Online Notary may perform sessions from a computer using approved identity-verification and audiovisual technology.

Here is what a day might look like for an independent Mobile Notary who also performs signing assignments.

8:00 AM: Review Appointments

The Notary begins by reviewing scheduled appointments.

Today's calendar might include:

• a power of attorney at a retirement community;
• an affidavit at a law office;
• a title document at a business;
• a loan-signing assignment;
• an evening customer who needs several documents notarized.

Before leaving, the Notary confirms:

• appointment time;
• location;
• document type;
• number of signers;
• identification requirements;
• expected fees; and
• whether witnesses are required.

A professional Notary avoids giving legal advice about the document itself.

9:30 AM: Hospital or Assisted Living Appointment

The first customer needs a document notarized at an assisted living facility.

The Notary confirms the signer's identity and willingness to sign.

Depending upon the circumstances and state law, the Notary may need to determine whether the signer appears aware of what is taking place.

The Notary must remain impartial.

If the required conditions for notarization are not met, the Notary may need to refuse the notarization.

Accuracy matters more than completing every appointment.

11:00 AM: General Notary Appointment

A customer needs an affidavit notarized.

The Notary:

1. examines acceptable identification;
2. confirms the correct notarial act;
3. administers the oath or affirmation if required;
4. observes the signature where required;
5. completes the notarial certificate;
6. applies the official seal;
7. records the transaction in the journal where required or appropriate; and
8. collects the authorized fee.

The actual notarization may take only a few minutes.

Travel, scheduling and administrative work can take considerably longer.

12:00 PM: Business Administration

Independent Notaries are also running small businesses.

That means time may be spent on:

• responding to inquiries;
• updating a website;
• invoicing;
• confirming appointments;
• tracking expenses;
• updating online listings;
• communicating with title companies;
• marketing;
• reviewing state law updates; and
• maintaining records.

1:30 PM: Mobile Business Appointment

A business client needs multiple documents notarized.

The Notary travels to the location and completes the authorized acts.

Mobile service can add another source of income where state law permits travel fees.

The National Notary Association notes that the ability to charge travel fees varies significantly by state. Some states establish travel rates, some provide guidelines, and others allow Notaries to establish their own travel fees.

3:00 PM: Prepare for a Mortgage Signing

The Notary receives a loan-document package.

A Notary Signing Agent's role can include presenting loan documents for signing, identifying notarized documents, ensuring signatures and initials are completed where required, notarizing the appropriate documents and returning the package according to instructions.

The Signing Agent must avoid crossing the line into unauthorized legal or financial advice.

5:00 PM: Mortgage Closing Appointment

The Notary meets borrowers at their home.

A loan package may contain many documents.

The appointment can require careful attention to:

• names;
• dates;
• signatures;
• initials;
• acknowledgments;
• jurats;
• notarized certificates; and
• lender instructions.

A missed signature may cause delays or require a return visit.

Precision matters.

7:00 PM: Return Documents

The Notary reviews the package before shipping or returning it.

Documents may need to be scanned, uploaded or shipped using a prepaid label.

Deadlines can be strict.

8:00 PM: Update Records

The Notary completes journal entries, records expenses, responds to new inquiries and confirms tomorrow's appointments.

An independent Notary's schedule can offer flexibility.

It can also involve evenings, driving and unpredictable demand.

Step by Step: How to Become a Notary Public

Because Notaries are regulated primarily at the state level, there is no single national application.

The National Notary Association identifies a general 10-step process.

Step 1: Determine Your State's Eligibility Requirements

Most states require applicants to be at least 18 years old.

Other eligibility requirements can include:

• state residency;
• employment within the state;
• ability to read and write English;
• absence of certain criminal convictions;
• legal residency requirements; and
• compliance with other state-specific qualifications.

Some states allow residents of neighboring states to qualify if they work or conduct business in the commissioning state.

Always check the official state commissioning authority.

Step 2: Complete the Notary Application

Applications are generally submitted through:

• the Secretary of State;
• Lieutenant Governor;
• county authority; or
• another designated government agency.

The application may request:

• legal name;
• home address;
• employment information;
• criminal-history disclosures;
• prior Notary history; and
• other eligibility information.

Complete it accurately.

False statements can result in denial or later disciplinary action.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

State fees vary.

You may also encounter costs for:

• education;
• examination;
• fingerprints;
• background check;
• bond;
• filing;
• stamp;
• seal;
• journal; and
• insurance.

The NNA estimates total startup costs can range from under $100 to more than $600, depending on jurisdiction.

Step 4: Complete Required Notary Training

Some states require formal training.

As of 2026, the National Notary Association reports that numerous states and the District of Columbia require applicants to complete Notary education.

Required courses often cover:

• Notary law;
• acceptable identification;
• acknowledgments;
• jurats;
• oaths;
• prohibited practices;
• recordkeeping;
• certificate completion;
• advertising restrictions;
• misconduct;
• fees; and
• penalties.

Even where education is not legally required, training is highly advisable.

A Notary can potentially create significant problems by improperly notarizing an important document.

Step 5: Pass the Notary Exam if Required

Some states require applicants to pass an examination.

The NNA reports that more than two dozen states have some form of testing requirement or recommended assessment as of 2026.

Exam content can include:

• state Notary law;
• permitted acts;
• identification;
• proper certificates;
• prohibited acts;
• fees;
• recordkeeping; and
• professional responsibilities.

For example, New York requires applicants to pass a written examination unless an applicable exemption applies.

Step 6: Complete Fingerprinting or a Background Check if Required

Background requirements vary.

The NNA reports that a number of states require a background check for Notary applicants.

Notary Signing Agents frequently undergo additional background screening because they may enter consumers' homes and handle sensitive financial information.

Step 7: Obtain a Surety Bond if Required

Many states require Notaries to obtain a surety bond.

A Notary bond is primarily designed to protect the public, not the Notary.

If someone suffers financial loss because of covered misconduct or negligence, a valid claim may be made against the bond.

The Notary may ultimately be responsible for reimbursing the bonding company.

The NNA reports that required bond amounts commonly range from $5,000 to $10,000, although state requirements vary from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.

Step 8: Receive and File Your Commission

After approval, the state may issue:

• commission certificate;
• identification number;
• commission expiration date; and
• instructions regarding filing.

Some states require the Notary to file the commission, bond or oath with a county clerk or other local official before beginning work.

Step 9: Purchase Required Notary Supplies

Typical supplies may include:

• Notary stamp;
• embosser where applicable;
• official journal;
• acknowledgment certificates;
• jurat certificates;
• recordkeeping supplies;
• secure storage; and
• identification reference materials.

State requirements differ.

Step 10: Learn Your State's Law Before Performing Notarizations

Being commissioned does not mean you should immediately begin notarizing unfamiliar documents.

You need to understand:

• what acts you may perform;
• what identification is acceptable;
• what records must be kept;
• maximum fees;
• prohibited acts;
• advertising restrictions;
• conflicts of interest;
• required certificate wording; and
• renewal rules.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Notary?

The National Notary Association estimates that after completing state requirements and submitting an application, it can take approximately two to 10 weeks to receive a commission, depending upon the jurisdiction and processing volume.

Your actual timeline can depend on:

• training;
• exam scheduling;
• fingerprints;
• background processing;
• state processing time;
• bond filing; and
• local filing procedures.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary?

According to the NNA, the total cost can range from less than $100 to $600 or more.

Possible expenses include:

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Do You Need a College Degree to Become a Notary?

Generally, no.

A college degree is not normally required to receive a Notary commission.

That makes notarization one of the more accessible professional credentials available to adults seeking:

• additional workplace responsibility;
• part-time income;
• self-employment;
• mobile service income;
• remote service opportunities; or
• a complementary credential for another profession.

However, Notaries working in industries such as law, finance, real estate, title services or banking may have additional education because of their primary occupation.

How Much Does a Notary Public Make?

This question requires careful explanation.

There is no single authoritative federal Notary Public salary figure comparable to occupations tracked separately by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Why?

Because being a Notary is frequently a credential attached to another occupation.

A Notary might primarily work as:

• administrative assistant;
• banker;
• paralegal;
• legal assistant;
• title professional;
• real estate professional;
• government employee;
• office manager;
• mortgage professional;
• independent Mobile Notary; or
• Notary Signing Agent.

Therefore, online salary figures labeled simply "Notary Public salary" can mix fundamentally different types of employment.

ZipRecruiter's September 2026 job-posting data estimates average annual compensation associated with jobs labeled Notary Public at approximately $64,777, with a median around $69,000. These figures should be interpreted cautiously because they are based on job postings and may include positions where notarization is only one part of a larger role.

Salary.com estimates average compensation for jobs identified as Notary Signing Agent at approximately $40,052 annually as of September 2026, with reported compensation generally ranging from approximately $30,500 to $51,800.

Neither statistic should be interpreted as a guaranteed income for becoming commissioned.

How Much Can a Self-Employed Notary Make?

Independent Notary income depends on:

• state fee limits;
• local demand;
• number of appointments;
• travel fees;
• remote notarization rules;
• signing-agent assignments;
• marketing;
• reputation;
• business relationships;
• geography;
• competition; and
• expenses.

The National Notary Association's 2023 survey found that 51.1% of respondents were self-employed Mobile Notaries or Notary Signing Agents, demonstrating how common the independent-business model has become.

But being self-employed does not guarantee substantial income.

A person performing only occasional $5 or $10 notarizations will have completely different economics from a professional Mobile Notary performing multiple appointments each day.

How Much Can a Notary Charge?

This depends entirely on state law.

Many states set maximum fees.

Others allow Notaries greater discretion.

According to the National Notary Association's September 2026 state fee survey:

• California allows up to $15 for many traditional acts;
• Florida allows up to $10 for many traditional acts and $25 for remote notarization;
• Texas generally allows $10 for the first signature for specified acts;
• New York generally limits many traditional notarizations to $2 per person, while remote notarization may carry a higher fee;
• Rhode Island permits up to $25 for several common acts;
• some states have no fixed statutory maximum for certain traditional acts.

Travel fees are subject to separate rules and disclosure requirements depending on the state.

This is one reason location matters enormously when evaluating a Notary business.

What Is a Mobile Notary?

A Mobile Notary travels to the customer instead of requiring the signer to visit an office.

Appointments might occur at:

• homes;
• hospitals;
• assisted living facilities;
• law firms;
• businesses;
• title companies;
• real estate offices;
• hotels;
• correctional facilities; or
• other agreed locations.

Mobile service can provide convenience and create additional business opportunities.

Where permitted, Mobile Notaries may charge travel or convenience fees in addition to authorized notarization fees.

Rules differ significantly by state.

How to Become a Mobile Notary

There is usually no separate "Mobile Notary license."

Generally, you:

1. become a properly commissioned Notary;
2. understand your state's fee and travel rules;
3. obtain appropriate supplies;
4. establish business processes;
5. obtain insurance where appropriate;
6. develop transportation and scheduling systems;
7. market your services; and
8. travel to customers who need authorized notarizations.

What Is a Remote Online Notary?

Remote Online Notarization, often called RON, allows the signer and Notary to meet using approved audiovisual technology rather than being physically together.

RON typically involves:

• live audio and video;
• identity verification;
• credential analysis;
• electronic documents;
• electronic signatures;
• electronic Notary seal;
• recording of the session; and
• secure record retention.

The National Association of Secretaries of State reports that 47 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws allowing some form of remote electronic notarization, although implementation rules and operational availability vary.

This distinction is important.

A state may have passed legislation but not yet permit commissioned Notaries to begin performing RON because regulations, systems or approved platforms are not ready.

For example, the NNA reported in August 2026 that California had enacted RON legislation but implementation had not yet begun.

Always verify the current rule with your state's commissioning authority.

How Much Can a Remote Online Notary Charge?

State laws vary.

The NNA reports that $25 is a common maximum RON fee among states that cap remote notarization charges, although actual limits differ significantly.

Remote Notaries may also be subject to:

• platform fees;
• technology charges;
• digital certificate expenses;
• electronic seal costs;
• additional bonds;
• insurance requirements; and
• record-storage requirements.

What Is a Notary Signing Agent?

A Notary Signing Agent, sometimes called an NSA or Loan Signing Agent, is a commissioned Notary who has specialized knowledge relating to mortgage and loan-signing documents.

Signing Agents may work with:

• purchases;
• refinances;
• home equity loans;
• reverse mortgages;
• seller packages; and
• other real estate transactions.

They may be hired by:

• title companies;
• escrow companies;
• signing services;
• mortgage companies;
• attorneys; and
• lenders.

How to Become a Notary Signing Agent

The National Notary Association recommends the following process:

1. verify whether your state permits the activity;
2. obtain an active Notary commission;
3. complete appropriate loan-signing training;
4. pass a certification examination;
5. complete a background screening;
6. obtain signing-agent supplies;
7. purchase appropriate E&O insurance; and
8. begin seeking assignments.

NNA Certified Signing Agents are also expected to carry at least $25,000 of Errors and Omissions insurance under its certification process.

Certification itself is generally an industry credential rather than a universal legal requirement, but companies assigning mortgage work may require certification and background screening.

How Much Do Notary Signing Agents Make?

Income varies substantially.

Salary.com's September 2026 job-posting analysis estimates an average annual Notary Signing Agent salary of approximately:

$40,052 per year

or approximately:

$19 per hour

with much of the reported market falling roughly between:

$35,071 and $46,220 annually.

Independent Signing Agents are often paid by assignment rather than by salary.

Actual earnings depend on:

• signing volume;
• assignment fee;
• driving distance;
• print costs;
• scanning requirements;
• cancellations;
• errors;
• local transaction volume;
• title-company relationships; and
• mortgage market conditions.

Available Notary Jobs and Career Paths

A Notary commission can be useful in many occupations.

Potential job titles include:

Notary Public

Provides general notarization services.

Mobile Notary

Travels to customers.

Remote Online Notary

Performs authorized notarizations online using approved technology.

Notary Signing Agent

Handles notarization portions of mortgage and loan-signing assignments.

Legal Assistant / Notary

Works in a law office or legal services environment.

Paralegal / Notary

Combines paralegal responsibilities with Notary services.

Bank Notary

Provides Notary services as part of banking or branch responsibilities.

Title Company Notary

Assists with real estate and title-related documents.

Escrow Assistant / Notary

Supports real estate settlements.

Administrative Assistant / Notary

Provides Notary services within a corporate office.

Office Manager / Notary

Performs administrative management while also serving as an internal Notary.

Government Notary

Some public agencies employ commissioned Notaries.

Independent Notary Business Owner

Operates a general, mobile or online Notary business.

Find Current Notary Jobs

Notary jobs are frequently advertised under broader job titles rather than simply "Notary Public."

When searching job boards, consider terms such as:

• Notary Public;
• Mobile Notary;
• Notary Signing Agent;
• Loan Signing Agent;
• Closing Agent;
• Escrow Assistant;
• Title Assistant;
• Legal Assistant Notary;
• Paralegal Notary;
• Administrative Assistant Notary;
• Banking Notary; and
• Remote Online Notary.

Want to see jobs connected to your career profile?

Use Assessment.com's Matching Jobs to explore available jobs connected to your career matches.

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Is There a Job Outlook for Notaries?

There is no single BLS occupational category that cleanly represents all Notaries.

That is important because many websites attempt to apply the growth rate of an unrelated administrative occupation directly to Notaries.

The Notary market is better understood as a combination of:

• employment credentials;
• independent local services;
• real estate transaction services;
• financial services;
• legal support;
• remote online notarization; and
• document authentication.

Several structural trends are influencing opportunities.

Trend 1: Remote Online Notarization

Remote electronic notarization has expanded substantially.

NASS reports that 47 states and the District of Columbia have laws permitting remote electronic notarization, although the practical rules vary.

This allows some Notaries to serve customers without driving to every appointment.

Trend 2: Real Estate and Mortgage Activity

Notary Signing Agent demand is heavily connected to:

• home sales;
• mortgage originations;
• refinances;
• home equity lending; and
• title activity.

When mortgage transactions decline, Signing Agent demand can decline.

When transaction volume rises, opportunities may increase.

Trend 3: Digital Identity Verification

Modern notarization increasingly involves:

• digital credentials;
• identity verification;
• credential analysis;
• electronic signatures;
• secure document platforms; and
• audiovisual records.

Notaries who understand both traditional and electronic procedures may have broader opportunities.

Trend 4: Fraud Prevention

Identity theft and document fraud continue to create demand for trusted verification procedures.

NASS identifies Notaries as a long-standing defense against identity fraud and emphasizes secure standards for electronic and remote notarization.

What Skills Make a Good Notary?

Successful Notaries often need strengths in several areas.

Attention to Detail

Names, dates, signatures and certificates must be correct.

Small errors can create major problems.

Integrity

A Notary occupies a position of public trust.

You may encounter sensitive personal, financial and legal information.

Rule Following

Notarization is governed by law.

You must be willing to follow procedures even when a customer wants you to make an exception.

Communication

You need to explain what you are doing without crossing into legal advice.

Dependability

Customers may be relying on you to complete time-sensitive documents.

Organization

Independent Notaries may manage:

• appointments;
• journal records;
• invoices;
• mileage;
• supplies;
• shipping;
• documents; and
• renewal deadlines.

Comfort With People

Mobile Notaries regularly meet strangers in homes, offices and other locations.

Technology Skills

RON and modern signing assignments can involve:

• computers;
• scanners;
• secure portals;
• digital certificates;
• electronic documents;
• video conferencing; and
• document-upload systems.

Would You Like Being a Notary?

You may enjoy being a Notary if you like:

• structured procedures;
• working independently;
• helping people complete important transactions;
• document-based work;
• attention to detail;
• flexible schedules;
• interacting with different people;
• operating a small business;
• working outside a traditional office;
• legal or financial documents; and
• responsibility.

You may dislike being a Notary if you dislike:

• paperwork;
• strict rules;
• repetitive procedures;
• checking identification;
• administrative recordkeeping;
• legal responsibility;
• driving between appointments;
• uncertain self-employment income;
• evening appointments;
• customers who are missing documents or identification;
• dealing with mistakes; or
• refusing customers when legal requirements are not satisfied.

Is Becoming a Notary a Good Career for You?

Becoming a Notary can be an attractive credential because the barrier to entry is usually lower than many licensed professions.

But the more important question is whether the nature of the work fits you.

Someone who enjoys:

• independence;
• procedures;
• documents;
• accuracy;
• helping customers; and
• building a local business

may enjoy Notary work.

Someone motivated primarily by creativity, constant novelty or large-team collaboration may prefer a different career.

Don't choose a career only because it is popular.

Take the Free MAPP Assessment and use your 10 Free Career Matches to compare Notary-related careers with occupations that more closely match your motivations and work preferences.

See:

• what you are naturally motivated to do;
• how you prefer to work;
• careers that fit your interests;
• potential likes and dislikes;
• education requirements;
• career outlook;
• salaries;
• educational pathways; and
• available jobs.

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Notary Public vs. Notary Signing Agent

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Notary Public vs. Remote Online Notary

A traditional Notary usually meets the signer in person.

A Remote Online Notary may meet the signer using authorized audiovisual technology.

RON rules can include:

• identity verification;
• credential analysis;
• electronic signatures;
• digital Notary certificates;
• recording requirements; and
• secure document retention.

A traditional Notary commission does not necessarily give you automatic authority to perform RON.

You may need separate registration, training, bonding, technology or approval.

Advantages of Becoming a Notary

Potential advantages include:

• no four-year degree generally required;
• relatively low startup costs;
• credential can complement another job;
• potential part-time income;
• potential self-employment;
• mobile business opportunities;
• remote work opportunities in participating states;
• flexible scheduling;
• signing-agent specialization;
• relatively fast entry compared with many licensed occupations;
• ability to provide an important public service; and
• potential to build recurring professional relationships.

Disadvantages of Becoming a Notary

Potential challenges include:

• earnings from ordinary notarizations can be low;
• state fee caps;
• strict regulatory requirements;
• personal liability for errors;
• potential fraud exposure;
• irregular business volume;
• driving and travel;
• marketing costs;
• insurance;
• commission renewals;
• continuing education in some jurisdictions;
• state-by-state regulatory differences;
• responsibility for protecting customer information; and
• inability to give legal advice unless separately licensed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Notary Public

How do I become a Notary Public?

Meet your state's eligibility requirements, submit an application, complete required education or examination, obtain required bonding and background screening, receive your commission, file required documents and purchase your Notary supplies. Exact rules vary by state.

How old do you have to be to become a Notary?

Most states require applicants to be at least 18 years old. Verify your state's exact rule.

Do you need a degree to become a Notary?

Usually not. Most Notary commissioning systems do not require a college degree.

How long does it take to become a Notary?

The NNA estimates that processing after completing requirements may take approximately two to 10 weeks, depending on the state.

How much does it cost to become a Notary?

Depending on the jurisdiction, the total cost can range from less than $100 to more than $600.

Do I have to take a Notary exam?

It depends on the state. Many states require an exam, while others do not.

Do Notaries need a background check?

Some states require one for obtaining a commission. Signing companies also commonly require background screening for Notary Signing Agents.

Do Notaries need insurance?

Traditional Notaries are generally not universally required to carry E&O insurance, although it can help protect the Notary from qualifying claims. Signing-agent companies may expect insurance.

What is the difference between a Notary bond and E&O insurance?

A surety bond is designed primarily to protect the public. E&O insurance is designed to protect the Notary from certain claims arising from covered mistakes.

How much can a Notary charge?

It depends on state law. Many states establish maximum fees for notarial acts. Some permit travel or technology fees under specific rules.

Can a Notary charge travel fees?

Potentially. Rules vary significantly by state. Some states establish rates, some provide guidelines and some allow the Notary to set a travel fee.

Can I become a Notary as a side hustle?

Yes. Many Notaries provide services outside another full-time occupation. However, actual income depends on local demand, state fee rules and how actively you market your services.

Can a Notary work from home?

Potentially. Remote Online Notaries in states where RON is operational may perform authorized notarizations using approved technology from an appropriate location.

Can I notarize documents online?

Only if you are properly commissioned and authorized under the laws and procedures of your commissioning state. A traditional commission alone may not be sufficient.

How many states allow remote online notarization?

NASS reports that 47 states and the District of Columbia have laws permitting remote electronic notarization, although implementation status and procedures vary.

Can I notarize for someone in another state?

For traditional notarization, jurisdiction rules are controlled by your commission.

For remote notarization, the signer may sometimes be located outside the Notary's state, but the Notary generally must comply with the commissioning state's geographic and procedural requirements.

Always verify current state law.

Can a Notary give legal advice?

Generally not unless the Notary is separately licensed or otherwise authorized to practice law. Notaries should be especially careful not to select documents or explain legal rights beyond what the law permits.

Is a Notary the same as a lawyer?

No.

A U.S. Notary Public is generally not an attorney merely because the person holds a Notary commission.

This distinction is particularly important because the term "notario" can have a very different meaning in some other countries.

Can a Notary refuse to notarize?

A Notary may need to refuse when legal requirements are not met, such as inadequate identification, lack of required personal appearance, incomplete documents in circumstances prohibited by state law, concerns about willingness, or conflicts of interest.

The exact rules depend on the state.

What is a Mobile Notary?

A Mobile Notary travels to the customer rather than requiring the signer to visit an office.

What is a Loan Signing Agent?

A Loan Signing Agent is a commissioned Notary who specializes in presenting and notarizing documents associated with mortgage transactions.

Do Signing Agents need certification?

Certification is not a universal legal prerequisite, but mortgage, title and signing companies often prefer or require training, certification and background screening.

How much do Notary Signing Agents make?

Compensation varies dramatically by employment arrangement and assignment volume. Salary.com's September 2026 job-posting data estimates average annual Notary Signing Agent compensation of about $40,052, but independent contractor earnings may differ substantially.

Can becoming a Notary lead to other careers?

Yes.

Related occupations can include:

• paralegal;
• legal assistant;
• escrow assistant;
• title professional;
• mortgage closer;
• banking professional;
• office manager;
• administrative assistant;
• real estate professional; and
• independent professional services business owner.

The Bottom Line: Should You Become a Notary Public?

Becoming a Notary offers an unusually accessible way to obtain a state-recognized professional credential.

A four-year degree is generally unnecessary.

Startup costs can be relatively modest.

The commission can complement an existing career or become the foundation for an independent service business.

The greatest opportunities often come from combining the commission with another source of value.

That could mean becoming:

• a Mobile Notary;
• a Remote Online Notary;
• a Notary Signing Agent;
• a legal professional with a Notary commission;
• a title or escrow professional;
• a banking professional; or
• an independent document-services provider.

But becoming a Notary is not automatically a high-income career.

Ordinary notarial fees may be tightly regulated.

Income can depend heavily on appointment volume, travel services, specialization and the broader occupation in which the Notary credential is used.

The best question is therefore not simply:

Can I become a Notary?

It is:

Does this type of work fit who I am?

Take the Free MAPP Assessment and use your 10 Free Career Matches to compare Notary-related occupations with hundreds of other career possibilities.

Discover:

• how your motivations compare with the career;
• aspects of the work you may enjoy;
• aspects you may dislike;
• other careers that may fit you better;
• salary information;
• educational requirements;
• career pathways; and
• available jobs.

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