Yes, you can earn money as a notary, but income depends on your state's fee limits and how many clients you find
Notaries charge per signature or per document, not by the hour. Your state sets the maximum fee you can charge—most states allow $5 to $15 per signature, though a few permit higher amounts. A notary working from home might earn $50 to $200 per week handling a handful of documents. A notary in a busy location—near a courthouse, in a real estate office, or at a UPS Store—can earn $500 to $2,000 per month. The difference is not the work itself; it is finding enough clients who need notarization.
Income as a notary is highly variable. Some notaries treat it as side income earning a few hundred dollars monthly, while others in high-traffic locations earn enough to support themselves. The key factor is client volume—you could charge the maximum allowed in your state, but without steady demand for notarizations, your earnings will stay low.
Key Takeaways
- Your state sets the maximum fee per signature or document, typically between $5 and $15, so you cannot charge more no matter how busy you are.
- Income depends almost entirely on client volume—a notary handling 10 documents per week earns far less than one handling 50.
- The most reliable income comes from working in a location where people already gather: a real estate office, bank, UPS Store, or courthouse.
- Starting costs are low—usually $50 to $300 for the commission, bond, and seal—but you must renew every four to five years.
- Side income from notary work rarely replaces a full-time job unless you combine it with another service like loan signing or document preparation.
What your state allows you to charge
Each state publishes a fee schedule that sets the maximum you can charge per notarization. Most states allow $5 to $10 per signature. Some permit $10 to $15. A few states—including California, New York, and Texas—allow higher fees for certain document types. You can charge less than the maximum, but you cannot charge more, even if a client offers to pay extra.
The fee structure varies by state. Some charge per signature (so a document with three signatures means three fees). Others charge per document regardless of how many signatures it contains. A few charge differently for different document types—for example, $5 for an acknowledgment but $10 for a jurat. Look up your state's notary fee schedule on your state's Secretary of State website to know exactly what you can charge.
Where notaries earn the most money
Location determines client volume more than anything else. A notary sitting at home waiting for clients will earn far less than one working in a place where people already come for other reasons. Real estate offices, title companies, and mortgage lenders generate dozens of notarizations per week. Banks and credit unions see steady demand. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and similar shipping centers often hire notaries because customers are already there for other services.
Courthouse areas also draw notary business—people filing documents, handling estates, or dealing with legal matters often need notarization on the spot. Some notaries work for signing services that send them to clients' homes or offices to notarize loan documents, which pays $50 to $200 per signing but requires travel time and a separate certification. Working from home and advertising online generates some business, but it is slower and depends on your ability to attract clients through word-of-mouth or local search results.
How much you actually earn per month
Income varies widely based on location and how you market yourself. A notary handling 5 to 10 documents per week at $10 per signature earns roughly $200 to $400 per month. Someone handling 20 to 30 documents per week earns $800 to $1,200 per month. A notary in a high-traffic location or working for a title company might handle 50 to 100 documents per week, earning $2,000 to $4,000 per month.
These numbers assume you are charging the maximum allowed in your state and working consistently. Many notaries see uneven income—busy weeks followed by slow weeks. If you work part-time from home, expect $100 to $300 per month. If you work full-time in a busy office, expect $2,000 to $3,500 per month. Few notaries earn a full-time living from notarization alone; most combine it with another job or service.
Starting costs and renewal fees
The upfront cost to become a notary is low. You will need to pay for your commission (usually $50 to $150), a notary bond ($50 to $200, depending on your state), and a notary seal or stamp ($20 to $100). Some states require an errors and omissions insurance policy, which costs $100 to $300 per year. Total startup cost is typically $150 to $500.
You must renew your commission every four to five years, depending on your state. Renewal costs roughly the same as the initial commission and bond. If you are earning $200 to $500 per month, the renewal fee is manageable. If you are earning $50 per month, renewal becomes a larger percentage of your income. Budget for renewal costs even during slow months so you do not lose your commission.
Combining notary work with other services
Many notaries increase their income by offering related services. Loan signing agents notarize mortgage documents and earn $50 to $200 per signing—higher per-job income than standard notarization, but it requires additional training and certification. Document preparation services help people fill out forms correctly before notarization, which you can charge for separately. Some notaries offer apostille services (a special certification for international documents) or certified copy services, both of which command higher fees.
Real estate agents, title companies, and mortgage brokers often hire notaries specifically because they bring in other business. A notary working in a real estate office might earn base income from notarizations plus commission on referrals or document services. This bundling approach turns notarization from a standalone service into part of a larger income stream.
How to find clients and build a client base
The easiest path is to work in a location where clients come to you. explore to be a notary at a bank, UPS Store, real estate office, or title company. These employers handle the marketing and send clients your way. You earn the standard per-signature fee, and the employer may take a small cut or pay you hourly instead.
If you work independently, build your client base through word-of-mouth, a straightforward website or social media presence, and local business directories. List yourself on Google Business, Yelp, and your state's notary directory if one exists. Tell friends, family, and local professionals (lawyers, accountants, real estate agents) that you are a notary. Many notaries find that 80 percent of their business comes from repeat clients or referrals, not from advertising.
When notary income is not enough
Notarization alone rarely generates a full-time income unless you work in a high-traffic location or combine it with loan signing or document services. If you are earning less than $500 per month after six months, consider whether your location or marketing strategy needs to change. Moving from home-based work to a location with foot traffic can double or triple your income. Adding loan signing certification or document preparation services can increase your per-job earnings.
Some notaries treat it as supplemental income—earning $200 to $400 per month while working another job. Others use it as a stepping stone to a related career in real estate, title work, or legal services. The notary commission itself is valuable because it signals trustworthiness and attention to detail, which employers in these fields value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge whatever I want as a notary?
No. Your state sets a maximum fee per signature or document, and you cannot charge more than that limit. You can charge less if you choose. Check your state's Secretary of State website for the exact fee schedule.
Do I need to work in an office to make good money as a notary?
Working in a location with steady foot traffic—a real estate office, bank, or UPS Store—makes it much easier to find clients and earn consistent income. Home-based notaries can earn money, but they depend on marketing and referrals, which takes longer to build.
How much does it cost to renew my notary commission?
Renewal costs vary by state but typically run $50 to $200 for the commission and bond combined. You renew every four to five years. Budget for this cost even during slow months so you do not lose your commission.
Can I make a full-time living as a notary?
It is possible if you work in a high-traffic location, add loan signing or document services, or combine notary work with another related job. Most notaries earn notary income as a supplement to another income source rather than as their sole job.
What is the difference between a notary and a loan signing agent?
A loan signing agent specializes in notarizing mortgage and loan documents and typically earns $50 to $200 per signing. This requires additional training beyond the basic notary commission. Standard notaries charge per signature and handle a wider variety of documents.