Notary fees vary by state and task, from $5 to $25 per signature in most places

A notary's pay depends on where they work and what they notarize. Most states set a maximum fee — typically between $5 and $15 per signature — though some allow higher rates for travel or mobile notary work. A notary who handles five documents a day at $10 per signature makes $50, but that same notary might earn $75 if they travel to a client's home. The actual amount you earn hinges on your state's fee schedule, how many clients you serve, and whether you work full-time or part-time.

Payment comes directly from clients, title companies, lenders, or employers — not from a government agency or central employer. You set your own schedule and build your own client base, which means income is variable and depends heavily on local demand for notary services.

Key Takeaways

  • State law sets the maximum fee a notary can charge per signature, ranging from $5 to $25 depending on location.
  • Mobile notaries (who travel to clients) typically charge more than notaries working from a fixed location, often adding $10 to $50 per trip.
  • Most notaries work part-time and earn between $500 and $3,000 per year as a side income, not a primary job.
  • Full-time notaries who also offer related services like document preparation or loan signing can earn $30,000 to $60,000 annually.
  • Payment comes directly from clients or from title companies and lenders, not from a central employer.

State fee schedules set the ceiling for what you can charge

Each state publishes a maximum notary fee, and you cannot legally charge more. California allows up to $15 per signature; New York allows $2 for most notarizations but $10 for oaths; Texas sets $6 per signature. Some states like Florida and Georgia permit $10 per signature, while others like Illinois cap it at $5. A few states, including New Hampshire and South Carolina, allow $25 or higher for certain services.

The fee schedule also specifies what you can charge for related tasks. Many states allow separate fees for administering an oath, certifying a copy, or witnessing a signature. You might charge $10 for notarizing a signature and an additional $5 for administering an oath on the same document. Understanding your state's exact schedule is essential because charging above the legal maximum can result in fines or loss of your notary commission.

Mobile notaries earn more per job but have higher costs

A notary who stays in one location — a bank, law office, or UPS store — charges the state maximum per signature. A mobile notary who travels to clients' homes or offices typically charges the state maximum plus a travel fee. That travel fee ranges from $10 to $50 depending on distance and local demand. A mobile notary in a rural area might charge $15 per signature plus $25 for travel; one in a dense urban area might charge $10 per signature plus $10 for travel because clients are closer together.

The trade-off is that mobile notaries have expenses: gas, vehicle wear, insurance, and time spent driving. A notary who charges $25 per trip (signature plus travel) but spends 45 minutes driving and 10 minutes notarizing has earned roughly $25 for nearly an hour of work. A notary with multiple clients in one building or neighborhood can spread travel costs across several jobs and earn more per hour.

Part-time notaries typically earn $500 to $3,000 per year

Most notaries work part-time — they hold another job and notarize documents on the side. A notary who handles two to five documents per week at $10 per signature earns between $1,000 and $2,500 annually. A notary who works weekends or evenings and takes on 10 to 15 documents per week might earn $5,000 to $7,500 per year. These figures assume steady work, which is not may provide; some weeks bring no clients, and others bring several.

Part-time notaries often work from their employer's location — a bank teller who is also a notary, a paralegal who notarizes for the law firm's clients — or they build a small client base through word of mouth. The income is supplemental, not a living wage, but it requires minimal additional effort beyond the notary commission itself. Many part-time notaries find that the work fits naturally into their existing job without demanding extra hours.

Full-time notaries earn $30,000 to $60,000 by combining services

A notary who works full-time as a notary alone — with no other job — typically earns less than a part-time notary with a steady employer, because they must find and schedule all their own clients. However, full-time notaries usually offer additional services to increase income. These include loan signing (preparing and notarizing mortgage documents for title companies), document preparation (drafting or reviewing documents for clients), apostille services (certifying documents for international use), and fingerprinting.

A full-time notary who handles 20 to 30 loan signings per month at $75 to $150 per signing earns $18,000 to $54,000 from that service alone. Add $5,000 to $10,000 from general notarizations and other services, and annual income reaches $30,000 to $60,000. This income is not may provide and depends on local demand, competition, and the notary's ability to market themselves to title companies and lenders. Building relationships with title companies and real estate offices is often the key to steady full-time work.

Who pays the notary: clients, title companies, and lenders

Payment comes directly from the person requesting the notarization. If you notarize a signature on a personal document, the client pays you. If a title company hires you to notarize mortgage documents, the title company pays you. If a lender needs documents notarized, the lender or their agent pays you. You are not employed by any of these parties; you are an independent contractor or self-employed.

Payment methods vary. Some clients pay cash on the spot. Others write a check. Title companies and lenders typically pay by check or direct deposit after you submit an invoice. Payment timing can range from when ready (cash at the time of notarization) to 30 days after the work is completed (for title company jobs). As self-employed, you are responsible for tracking income and paying taxes on what you earn.

Income varies widely based on location and demand

A notary in a busy urban area with high real estate activity and many loan signings has more potential clients than a notary in a small town. A notary in a state with high maximum fees (like California or Texas) earns more per signature than a notary in a state with low caps (like Illinois). A notary near a courthouse or in a commercial district sees more walk-in business than one in a residential area.

Seasonal variation also affects income. Real estate activity often peaks in spring and summer, bringing more loan signings. Tax season (January through April) may bring more document notarizations. A notary's income can fluctuate significantly from month to month, which is why most notaries do not rely on notary work as their sole income source. Building a steady client base or securing regular work with a title company or employer stabilizes income more than waiting for walk-in clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary charge per signature?

The amount depends on your state's maximum fee schedule, which ranges from $2 to $25 per signature. Most states allow $5 to $15. You can charge less than the maximum but not more. Mobile notaries typically add a travel fee on top of the per-signature charge.

Can a notary charge different amounts for different types of documents?

Yes. Your state's fee schedule usually lists separate fees for notarizing a signature, administering an oath, certifying a copy, and other services. You might charge $10 for a signature notarization and $5 for an oath on the same document. Check your state's notary handbook for the exact breakdown.

Do notaries get paid by the government?

No. Notaries are paid directly by the clients or organizations requesting the notarization — individuals, title companies, lenders, or employers. The government does not pay notaries. You keep all fees you charge, minus any business expenses.

Is notary work a full-time job?

For most notaries, no. Part-time notaries earn $500 to $3,000 per year as supplemental income. Full-time notaries exist but usually combine notary work with related services like loan signing or document preparation to reach $30,000 to $60,000 annually. Full-time notary work requires building your own client base and marketing yourself to title companies and lenders.

What is a loan signing, and how much do notaries earn from it?

A loan signing is the notarization of mortgage documents for a title company or lender. Notaries typically earn $75 to $150 per loan signing, which takes 30 minutes to an hour. This is higher-paying work than general notarizations and is a primary income source for many full-time notaries.