Becoming a notary public means that state governments authorize you to serve as an impartial, official third-party witness to the signing of important documents. That gives you an edge over competitors, as it shows you have integrity. It also opens doors to many lucrative opportunities because you provide essential services to individuals, companies and organizations in almost every industry. Here are some ways to use your credentials to earn big.
1. Work as a Loan Signing Agent
Loan agreements in some high-stakes industries require notarization to proceed. Mortgage and real estate loans often involve paperwork that must be notarized to be legally valid and enforceable. These documents include closing disclosures, deeds of trust, affidavits of occupancy and transfer of ownership documents.
Large personal loans sometimes require notarization to add a layer of security for the lender and borrower. Notaries public are also essential for business loans, loan modifications and refinances, subordination agreements and loans with power of attorney.
2. Become a Part-Time Mobile Notary
Not everyone can visit a notary public, from busy professionals to those with limited mobility. Working as a mobile notary means coming to the client's location, be it their home, workplace or public area, to provide the services they need.
You can charge a travel fee, but be sure to research your state’s rules about it. Some states have set fees, while others only have general guidelines. Separate them from notarial fees and explain them to your clients in advance to avoid problems down the line.
3. Offer Remote Online Notarization
Remote online notarization is a popular option for people who live in remote places, urgently need notarization outside working hours or would rather not have in-person meetings. It happens over a two-way audiovisual meeting and requires multifactor identification processes. Documents are digital and often require electronic seals and signatures.
Research remote e-notarizations in your area before jumping into this venture. Understand that not all states allow online notarizations, and those that do often have state-specific rules and regulations.
4. Provide Apostille Services
Only an authorized government official can issue an apostille, which confirms the validity of a notarization so it can be accepted by a foreign country’s receiving agency. However, notaries public can provide services to help clients obtain the authentication, such as:
- Contacting the issuing agency on the client’s behalf
- Finding out if the agency requires the original notarized document or just a certified copy
- Acting as a courier and delivering notarized documents to the appropriate agency on the client’s behalf
The process might vary depending on the destination country, so ask questions throughout the process. Apostille services are not notary duties, so states don’t have set fees for them. Record these charges separately from your notarial services.
How Much to Charge for Notary Services
States dictate how much you can charge for notarizing transfer of ownership documents or closing disclosures. They set the maximum fee allowed per notarial service, or whether none is required. States categorize them based on four kinds:
- Acknowledgment: Verifies the identity of the signer and ensures the document is voluntarily signed
- Jurat: Signers affirm that the document and its contents are real
- Verbal oath or affirmation: A verbal pledge made by individuals that the information they are providing is true, which could be part of a jurat
- Remote online notary: Notarizations performed online
Several states allow notaries to set their own fees. Some have unique rules, like New Jersey, which has specific notarization fees for grantors and mortgagors. When setting your prices, research your state’s laws on fee information as well. Some require notaries to display their fees or inform clients of them ahead of appointments.
Loan Signing Courses to Diversify Your Income Stream
It takes time to build your income stream as a notary public. You need to develop connections to bring yourself closer to potential clients. Providing general notarial services is a good start, but what if your client needs specialized services? If you can’t offer them, you risk limiting your market.
Diversifying your notary know-how will open more money-making opportunities. One of the best ways to do that is to enroll in loan signing courses that will teach you how to make money as a notary public. Here are three course providers that can help you stay busy in every industry.
| Providers | Key Features |
| ● America’s No. 1 notary public loan signing agent training course and certification ● LSS certification ● Expert mentorship ● Three notary signing agent courses ● A+ accredited by Better Business Bureau ● Rated five stars by thousands of students ● Money-back guarantee | |
| ● Two loan signing agent certification courses ● One-, two- and four-year membership packages ● Complete how-to guides for all notaries ● Get listed to be more accessible to clients ● Networking opportunities ● Knowledge center and support hotlines ● New law alert updates | |
| ● California-approved notary classes ● Six-hour course for new notaries ● Three-hour course for seasoned notaries ● Self-paced online training classes ● Instant proof of completion ● Money-back guarantee ● Notary supplies available |
Explore Lucrative Notary Ventures
How to make big money as a notary public is all about staying ahead of your competition with varied and up-to-date services. The more you offer, the more industries you can cater to and the more income streams you’ll have. Make the most of the opportunities in your area.
