What an online notary does and where you can work
An online notary uses video conferencing to witness signatures and verify identities remotely, rather than meeting someone in person at an office or desk. You watch the signer on camera, confirm they are who they say they are, and then digitally stamp and sign the document. The notarized document is then sent back to the signer or their attorney.
Online notaries work for themselves as independent contractors, for title companies, law firms, real estate brokers, or signing services that assign you jobs through an app or website. Some notaries do both — they maintain a traditional in-person practice and take online jobs on the side. The work is flexible: you set your own hours and choose which jobs to accept, though signing services may have minimum availability requirements.
Not every state allows online notarization yet. As of now, most states permit it, but the rules about which documents can be notarized online vary widely. Some states allow all documents; others restrict it to certain types like real estate deeds or financial papers. A few states still do not permit it at all. You will need to check your state's specific rules before you start.
Key Takeaways
- You must first become a traditional notary in your state by passing an exam, paying a fee, and getting a commission from your Secretary of State — this usually takes two to four weeks.
- After you are commissioned, you can register with an online notary platform or signing service, which typically requires background checks and technology setup.
- Your state's laws determine which documents you can notarize online and what technology (like wet signatures or digital seals) you must use.
- You will need a reliable computer, high-speed internet, a camera and microphone, and software that meets your state's security and recording standards.
- Online notaries typically earn between $25 and $150 per document, depending on the document type, your location, and whether you work independently or through a signing service.
Step 1: Become a commissioned notary in your state
Before you can notarize anything online, you must first be a commissioned notary public in your state. This is a separate credential from being an online notary — it is the foundation. The process is the same in most states: study the notary handbook, pass a written exam, pay a commission fee, and receive your notary commission from your Secretary of State.
The exam covers your state's notary laws, what you can and cannot do, how to handle documents, and how to identify people. Most states require you to score 70 to 80 percent to pass. You can usually take the exam at your county clerk's office, a library, or through an approved testing vendor. The exam costs between $10 and $50 depending on your state.
After you pass, you pay a commission fee (typically $50 to $200) and your Secretary of State issues you a notary commission, usually valid for four to ten years depending on your state. Some states require you to post a bond — a small insurance policy that protects the public if you make a mistake — which costs $50 to $150. Once your commission arrives in the mail, you are a notary public and can legally notarize documents in your state.
Step 2: Check your state's online notarization rules
Not all states allow online notarization, and the ones that do have different rules about what you can notarize and how. Before you invest time and money in setting up an online practice, confirm that your state permits it and understand the specific requirements.
Your state's Secretary of State website will have a page on remote notarization or electronic notarization. Read the statute or administrative rules carefully — they will tell you which documents are allowed (some states exclude wills, powers of attorney, or real estate deeds), what technology you must use (some require a digital seal, others allow a wet signature scanned and uploaded), and whether you must record the video session. A few states require you to take an additional online notary course before you can perform remote notarizations, even after you are commissioned.
If your state does not yet permit online notarization, you have two options: wait for the law to change, or move your notary commission to a state that does allow it (some states permit this if you establish residency or have a business address there). Many states are adding online notarization rules each year, so check back periodically.
Step 3: Complete any required training or certification
Some states require you to take a course specifically on online notarization before you can perform remote notarizations. This is separate from the initial notary exam. The course covers technology security, identity verification over video, how to handle digital documents, and your state's specific rules for remote notarization.
If your state requires this training, you will find approved course providers listed on your Secretary of State's website. Courses typically cost $50 to $200 and take two to eight hours to complete. You will receive a certificate of completion, which you may need to submit to your Secretary of State or to the signing service you plan to work for.
Even if your state does not require it, taking a course is a good idea. It teaches you the technical and legal details of remote notarization and makes you more attractive to signing services and clients. Organizations like the National Notary Association offer online notary courses that are recognized across many states.
Step 4: Set up your technology and workspace
To notarize online, you need a reliable setup: a computer (desktop or laptop), high-speed internet (at least 5 Mbps upload and read), a camera and microphone (built-in or external), and a quiet, professional-looking space. You will also need software that meets your state's requirements for recording, digital sealing, and document handling.
Most signing services and online notary platforms provide or recommend the software you should use. Common platforms include Notarize, Notaryo, and state-specific systems. These platforms handle the video call, document upload, digital seal process, and record-keeping. You will need to read the software, create an account, and test your camera and microphone before you take your first job.
Your workspace should be well-lit, with a neutral background, and free from distractions. You will be on camera with the signer, so dress professionally and make sure your background looks clean and professional. Some signing services have specific requirements about what should or should not be visible behind you.
Step 5: Register with an online notary platform or signing service
Once you are commissioned and your technology is set up, you can register with a platform that connects you to signers. The main options are independent platforms (where you set your own rates and clients find you), signing services (which assign you jobs and take a percentage of your fee), and working directly for a title company or law firm.
To register, you will typically submit your notary commission number, a copy of your commission certificate, proof of identity, and proof of address. Most platforms run a background check, which takes three to seven business days. Some also require you to pass a knowledge test about their specific platform and your state's rules.
Popular platforms include Notarize, Notaryo, and state-specific services. Signing services like LendingTree's signing service, Notary Cafe, and local title company networks also hire online notaries. Compare what each offers: some pay per document, others pay hourly, and some charge you a monthly subscription to access jobs. Read the terms carefully — some signing services take 20 to 40 percent of the fee you charge, while others take a flat fee per signing.
Step 6: Build your client base and manage your business
If you work through a signing service or platform, jobs come to you through the app. You will see the job details, the signer's name, the document type, and the fee. You can accept or decline. If you work independently, you will need to market yourself to attorneys, title companies, real estate agents, and the public.
Keep detailed records of every notarization you perform: the signer's name and ID number, the date and time, the document title, the fee charged, and any notes about the transaction. Your state requires you to maintain a notary journal for at least five years. Many online platforms do this automatically, but if you work independently, you will need to keep your own records in a spreadsheet or notary journal software.
As you gain experience, you can raise your rates, specialize in certain document types (like real estate closings or loan signings), or build relationships with repeat clients. Some notaries earn $500 to $1,000 per week doing online notarizations part-time, while others make it their full-time job. Your income depends on how many jobs you take, your rates, and your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a traditional notary first, or can I skip straight to online notarization?
You must be a commissioned notary public in your state before you can notarize anything online. There is no way to skip this step. You will need to pass the notary exam, pay the commission fee, and receive your commission from your Secretary of State. Only after that can you register for online notarization.
How much does it cost to become an online notary?
The total cost varies by state but typically ranges from $150 to $500. This includes the notary exam fee ($10 to $50), the commission fee ($50 to $200), a bond if required ($50 to $150), and an optional online notary course ($50 to $200). Some states are cheaper, others more expensive. Check your Secretary of State's website for exact fees in your state.
How long does it take to become an online notary?
The process usually takes four to eight weeks from start to finish. Studying for the exam takes one to three weeks, the exam itself is one day, and your commission arrives in the mail in two to four weeks. If your state requires an online notary course, add another one to two weeks. Registration with a platform adds another three to seven days for the background check.
Can I notarize documents for family members or people I know?
No. Notary laws in all states prohibit you from notarizing documents for family members, people you live with, or people you have a financial interest in. You must verify the signer's identity using government-issued ID and have no personal relationship to them. This rule applies to both in-person and online notarizations.
What happens if I make a mistake on a notarization?
Mistakes can have serious legal consequences. If you notarize a document incorrectly — for example, if you fail to verify the signer's identity or you notarize a document you are not allowed to notarize in your state — the document may be invalid and the person who relied on it could sue you. This is why your state requires you to carry a bond. If you are unsure about anything, ask the signer or their attorney before you proceed.