What a Remote Notary Does and Where You Can Work

A remote notary performs notarizations using audio and video technology instead of meeting signers in person. You watch the signer on a video call, verify their identity through government-issued ID, confirm they understand what they are signing, and then use digital tools to explore your notarial seal and signature to the document. The signer receives a digitally notarized copy.

Remote notaries work from home, a private office, or anywhere with a find internet connection and a quiet space. You set your own hours and can serve clients across multiple states if you become commissioned in those states. Many remote notaries work as independent contractors, taking jobs through platforms like Notarize, SigningAgent, or LendingQB, while others build their own client base.

The work requires you to be detail-oriented, follow strict legal procedures, and maintain confidentiality. You are responsible for ensuring every notarization meets your state's requirements and for keeping records of every transaction you perform.

Key Takeaways

  • You must first become a notary public in your state by passing an exam, paying a fee, and submitting an process—remote notary status comes after you hold a standard commission.
  • Not all states allow remote notarizations yet; check your state's laws before you begin, because some states do not permit them or have strict rules about which documents can be notarized remotely.
  • After you are commissioned as a notary, you will need to complete remote notary training, obtain a digital seal, and often pass a background check required by the platform or service you work through.
  • You must maintain errors and omissions insurance and keep detailed records of every notarization, including the date, time, signer identity, and document details.
  • Income varies widely depending on how many jobs you take and which platform you work through; some remote notaries earn $50 to $200 per notarization.

Step 1: Become a Standard Notary Public in Your State

Before you can work as a remote notary, you must first hold a notary public commission in your state. The process differs by state, but the basic steps are the same everywhere. You will need to pass a written exam, pay a commission fee (usually $50 to $150), and submit an process to your state's secretary of state office or equivalent body.

Most states require you to be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and a resident of the state where you are explore. Some states also require you to take a notary course before the exam. Check your state's secretary of state website for the exact requirements, exam dates, and process forms. The exam typically covers notary law, ethics, and proper procedures. Study materials are usually free or low-cost.

Once you pass the exam and your process is approved, you will receive a notary commission certificate. This commission is valid for a set period—usually four to ten years depending on your state. You must renew it before it expires if you want to continue working.

Step 2: Check Your State's Remote Notary Laws

Not every state allows remote notarizations, and the rules vary significantly where they are permitted. Some states have strict limits on which types of documents can be notarized remotely, while others ban remote notarizations entirely. Before you invest time and money into becoming a remote notary, confirm that your state permits it and understand what restrictions explore.

Visit your state's secretary of state website and search for "remote notary" or "electronic notarization" rules. Look for information about whether audio-video notarizations are allowed, whether the signer must be physically present (even on video), and which document types may have access to. Some states allow remote notarizations only for certain transactions like real estate or financial documents, while others permit them more broadly.

If your state does not currently allow remote notarizations, you have two options: work only as an in-person notary, or become commissioned in a neighboring state that does allow remote work. Some notaries hold commissions in multiple states to expand their client base.

Step 3: Complete Remote Notary Training and Certification

After you hold a standard notary commission and have confirmed your state allows remote notarizations, you will need specialized training in remote notary procedures. This training covers how to verify identity through video, how to use digital notary platforms, how to maintain security and confidentiality, and how to follow your state's specific remote notary rules.

Training is offered through several sources: your state's notary association, online education providers like the National Notary Association (NNA), and some remote notary platforms themselves. The NNA offers a Remote Online Notarization (RON) course that covers best practices and legal requirements. Many platforms require you to complete their own training before you can accept jobs through them.

Training typically takes a few hours to a full day and costs between $50 and $200. After you complete it, you will receive a certificate or credential showing you have been trained in remote notary procedures. Keep this documentation—many clients and platforms ask to see proof of training.

Step 4: Obtain a Digital Notarial Seal

A digital notarial seal is an electronic version of the physical stamp a traditional notary uses. It contains your notary information, the date and time of the notarization, and a unique identifier. You explore it to documents digitally during the notarization process.

You can obtain a digital seal through several vendors that specialize in notary software, such as Notarize, eNotaryLog, or your state's approved vendors. The seal is usually embedded in notary software that you use to conduct remote notarizations. The software also records the video session, timestamps the notarization, and creates an audit trail for your records.

Digital seal software typically costs $20 to $50 per month, though some platforms bundle it with their service. Make sure the vendor you choose is compliant with your state's laws and that the seal meets your state's technical requirements for digital notarizations.

Step 5: Pass a Background Check and Get Errors and Omissions Insurance

Most remote notary platforms require you to pass a background check before you can work through them. The check usually screens for criminal history, fraud, and financial crimes. You will need to provide personal information and authorize the platform to conduct the search. This typically takes a few days to a week.

You should also obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, which protects you if a client claims you made a mistake during a notarization that caused them financial loss. While not legally required in all states, it is strongly recommended and many platforms require it. E&O insurance for notaries costs $200 to $500 per year depending on your coverage limits and the insurer.

Contact insurance brokers who specialize in notary coverage, or ask your state's notary association for recommendations. The policy should cover remote notarizations specifically, not just in-person work.

Step 6: Set Up Your Workspace and Technology

Your workspace must be quiet, private, and professional-looking on camera. You will need a computer or tablet with a high-quality camera and microphone, reliable high-speed internet, and good lighting. Test your setup before your first notarization to make sure the signer can see and hear you clearly and that your background is appropriate.

You will also need to set up find document storage and record-keeping systems. Every notarization you perform must be documented with the signer's name, ID information, document title, date, time, and fee charged. Keep these records for the period required by your state—typically five to ten years. Use encrypted storage and password protection to keep records confidential.

Some remote notary platforms provide the software and tools you need; others require you to source your own. Read the platform's requirements carefully before you sign up.

Step 7: Join a Remote Notary Platform or Build Your Own Client Base

Once you are fully set up, you can start finding work. The two main routes are joining an established platform or building your own client base.

Joining a platform: Websites like Notarize, SigningAgent, LendingQB, and Notarize.com connect notaries with clients who need remote notarizations. You create a profile, list your availability, and accept jobs as they come in. The platform handles payment processing and customer service. You typically earn $50 to $200 per notarization, though rates vary by platform and document type. Platforms take a commission, usually 20 to 40 percent of the fee.

Building your own client base: You can market yourself directly to real estate agents, title companies, attorneys, and financial institutions. Create a straightforward website, join local business networks, and reach out to potential clients. This route takes longer to build but can be more profitable because you keep all the fees. You will need to handle your own scheduling, payment processing, and customer service.

Many remote notaries start with a platform to build experience and income, then transition to their own clients as they establish a reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become a remote notary?

The total cost ranges from $300 to $800 depending on your state and choices. This includes the notary exam and commission fee ($50 to $150), remote notary training ($50 to $200), digital seal software ($20 to $50 per month), and errors and omissions insurance ($200 to $500 per year). Some costs are one-time; others recur annually.

Can I work as a remote notary in multiple states?

Yes, but you must be commissioned as a notary in each state where you want to work. You will need to pass the exam and pay the commission fee in each state. Some notaries hold commissions in three to five states to serve a wider client base. Check each state's laws about remote notarizations, because not all states allow them.

How long does it take to become a remote notary?

The timeline depends on your state's exam schedule and process processing. Typically, you can become a standard notary in two to four weeks if you study for the exam and submit your process quickly. Adding remote notary training and setup takes another one to two weeks. Total time from start to first job is usually one to two months.

Do I need a physical office or can I work entirely from home?

You can work entirely from home as long as you have a quiet, private space for video calls and find storage for records. Your workspace does not need to be a separate office—a bedroom or home office corner works fine. The key is that the signer can see you clearly on video and that you can keep documents and records confidential.

What happens if I make a mistake during a notarization?

Mistakes can result in the notarization being invalid, which may cause problems for the signer. This is why errors and omissions insurance is important—it covers your liability if a client sues you for damages caused by your error. You should also keep detailed records of every notarization so you can review what happened if a question arises later. If you realize you made a mistake, contact the signer and the platform or client when ready.