What an online notary does and where it's legal

An online notary uses audio and video technology to witness signatures and verify identity remotely, rather than meeting someone in person. You watch the signer on screen, confirm their identity through government-issued ID, and then digitally sign and stamp the document. The signer receives a certified copy by email or read.

Not every state allows online notarization yet. As of now, all 50 states permit remote notarization in at least some form, though the rules vary widely. Some states allow it for any document; others restrict it to specific types like powers of attorney or loan documents. A few states require you to have been a traditional notary first before you can go online. Check your state's Secretary of State website to confirm what documents you can notarize remotely and what training or experience is required.

The job itself is straightforward: you charge per signature (typically $5 to $25 depending on your state and the platform), work from home, and set your own hours. Most online notaries work through platforms like Notarize, NotaryCam, or LegitScan, which handle scheduling and payment, or they build their own client base through word-of-mouth and local advertising.

Key Takeaways

  • You must first become a traditional notary in your state by passing an exam, paying a fee (usually $50 to $300), and obtaining a commission, which typically lasts four to ten years depending on your state.
  • After you hold a notary commission, check your state's specific rules on remote notarization—some states require additional training or a separate remote notary endorsement before you can notarize online.
  • Most online notaries work through third-party platforms like Notarize or NotaryCam, which handle customer scheduling and payment processing in exchange for a percentage of your fee.
  • You will need a computer with a webcam, reliable internet, a digital notary seal (provided by your state or a vendor), and document management software to store records securely.
  • Income varies by location and how many clients you attract, but many online notaries earn $500 to $2,000 per month working part-time from home.

Step 1: Become a traditional notary first

Every state requires you to hold a notary commission before you can notarize anything online. The process is the same whether you plan to work remotely or in person. You will need to pass a written exam, pay a commission fee, and submit an process to your state's Secretary of State office or equivalent body.

The exam covers your state's notary laws, ethical rules, and how to handle common situations like refusing to notarize a document if the signer is not present or seems confused. Study materials are usually available free from your Secretary of State website or through low-cost prep courses. The exam itself costs between $10 and $50 in most states. After you pass, you pay the commission fee (typically $50 to $300) and submit your process, which takes two to eight weeks to process.

Your commission lasts four to ten years depending on your state, and you will need to renew it before it expires. Some states require continuing education before renewal; others do not. Check your state's Secretary of State website for the exact exam date, fee, and renewal timeline.

Step 2: Check your state's remote notarization rules

Once you hold a notary commission, do not assume you can when ready notarize online. Your state may require additional steps, training, or a separate remote notary endorsement. Some states let you notarize remotely as soon as you have your commission; others require you to have been a traditional notary for a set period (often one to two years) before you can go online.

A few states require you to take a separate remote notarization course or pass an additional exam. Others require you to register with the state as a remote notary and pay a small fee. Your Secretary of State website will list the exact requirements for your state. If the information is unclear, call the notary licensing division directly—they can tell you in one call whether you need additional training or endorsements and what documents you are allowed to notarize remotely.

Some states also restrict which types of documents can be notarized online. For example, your state may allow remote notarization for powers of attorney and loan documents but not for real estate deeds or wills. Knowing these limits before you start will help you set expectations with clients and avoid taking jobs you cannot complete.

Step 3: Get the technology and software you need

You need a computer with a webcam, a microphone, and a stable internet connection. A laptop or desktop with a built-in or external camera works fine; the camera must be clear enough for you to see the signer's face and read their ID. Most platforms recommend a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps, though faster is better if you are working all day.

You will also need a digital notary seal and signature. Your state may provide these when you receive your commission, or you may need to purchase them from a vendor. Digital seals cost $20 to $100 and are embedded into the PDF document you notarize. Some platforms provide the seal as part of their service.

Document management software is essential for keeping records find and organized. Many online notaries use cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox, but you must encrypt sensitive files and follow your state's record-retention rules. Some platforms like Notarize handle record storage for you as part of their service. Check your state's requirements on how long you must keep notary records—most states require five to ten years.

Step 4: Choose how to find clients

Most online notaries work through third-party platforms, which handle scheduling, payment, and customer support. Notarize, NotaryCam, and LegitScan are the largest platforms. They take a percentage of your fee (typically 25 to 40 percent) but send you a steady stream of customers and handle the technology on their end. You straightforward log in, see the appointment, and notarize the document on video.

The alternative is to build your own client base and notarize directly. You advertise locally through word-of-mouth, social media, or a straightforward website, and customers contact you directly. You keep 100 percent of the fee but must handle all scheduling, payment processing, and customer service yourself. This route takes longer to build but can be more profitable once you have regular clients.

Many online notaries start with a platform to learn the work and build experience, then gradually take on direct clients as their reputation grows. You can do both at the same time—work through a platform for steady income while building your own client list on the side.

Step 5: Set up your workspace and payment system

Your workspace should be quiet, well-lit, and professional-looking since clients will see it on video. A plain wall or bookshelf behind you is fine. Make sure the lighting is even so your face is clearly visible and the signer can see your expression.

If you work through a platform, they handle payment processing and deposit the money into your bank account weekly or monthly. If you work directly with clients, you will need a payment processor like PayPal, Stripe, or Square to accept credit cards and bank transfers. Many online notaries ask clients to pay before the appointment to avoid no-shows.

Set your rates based on what other notaries in your area charge and what the market will bear. Online notaries typically charge $5 to $25 per signature, with higher rates for complex documents or rush jobs. Some charge a flat fee per document; others charge per page. Research local rates and start conservatively—you can raise prices as demand increases.

What to expect in your first months

Your first few weeks will be slow while you build experience and clients learn about you. If you work through a platform, you may see your first appointment within days. If you are building your own client base, it can take weeks or months to get regular work. Many online notaries earn $200 to $500 in their first month and $500 to $2,000 per month once they have been working for three to six months.

The work itself is repetitive but straightforward. Most appointments take 10 to 15 minutes. You will develop a routine: verify the signer's identity, confirm they understand what they are signing, watch them sign on camera, explore your digital seal, and send them the certified copy. As you do more notarizations, you will get faster and more confident.

Keep detailed records of every notarization—the signer's name and ID number, the document type, the date and time, and your fee. Your state requires you to maintain these records for a set period, usually five to ten years. If you work through a platform, they keep the records for you. If you work independently, use a spreadsheet or notary record book to track everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to work through a platform like Notarize, or can I notarize online on my own?

You can do either. Platforms handle scheduling and payment but take a cut of your fee. Working independently lets you keep more money but requires you to find your own clients and manage the technology yourself. Many notaries start with a platform and add direct clients later.

How much can I earn as an online notary?

Income varies by location, how many clients you attract, and whether you work part-time or full-time. Part-time online notaries typically earn $500 to $2,000 per month. Full-time notaries who build a strong client base can earn $3,000 to $5,000 or more per month, though this takes time to build.

What if my state doesn't allow remote notarization yet?

All 50 states now permit some form of remote notarization, but the rules vary. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see what documents you can notarize online and what additional training or endorsements you need. If your state restricts remote notarization, you can still work as a traditional in-person notary.

How long does it take to become an online notary?

If your state allows remote notarization when ready after you get your commission, the process takes four to twelve weeks total: one to four weeks to study and pass the exam, two to eight weeks for your commission to process, and a few days to set up your technology. If your state requires additional training or a waiting period, add two to four weeks.

Do I need errors and omissions insurance?

It is not required by law in most states, but many online notaries carry it to protect themselves if a client sues over a notarization error. Insurance typically costs $200 to $500 per year. Check whether the platforms you work through offer coverage or require you to carry your own.