The demand for notarial services is consistent and cuts across numerous sectors, from real estate and legal to finance and healthcare. For the entrepreneurial individual, a notary commission is a key that can unlock a multitude of income streams. By expanding your skills, embracing technology, and marketing your services effectively, you can transform this role from a side-gig into a full-fledged, profitable business. This guide will explore 15 proven ways to leverage your notary commission and build a successful enterprise.

Key Takeaways

  • Diversification is Crucial: Relying solely on single, general notarizations is not a sustainable business model. The key to significant income is offering a variety of specialized services like loan signings, apostille processing, and field inspections.
  • Specialization Increases Value: Becoming a certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA) for real estate transactions or specializing in legal documents allows you to command much higher fees than standard notarial acts.
  • A Strong Online Presence is Non-Negotiable: A professional website is your digital storefront. It builds credibility, attracts clients, and serves as a central hub for booking your services. Platforms like Elementor make it simple to create a polished, functional site without needing to code.
  • Mobile Services Offer Higher Fees: Operating as a mobile notary allows you to charge convenience and travel fees in addition to the standard notarization fee, significantly boosting your per-appointment earnings.
  • Technology is Your Ally: Embrace electronic notarizations (eNotarizations) and Remote Online Notarization (RON) as states continue to adopt them. These technologies expand your client base beyond your immediate geographic area and offer unparalleled convenience.
  • Marketing is Essential for Growth: You can’t wait for clients to find you. Proactively market your services to law firms, title companies, hospitals, and local businesses. Networking and building a strong professional brand are vital for long-term success.

1. Become a Certified Notary Signing Agent (NSA)

One of the most lucrative paths for a notary public is becoming a Notary Signing Agent, often referred to as an NSA. NSAs are notaries who have received specialized training to handle and notarize loan documents in real estate transactions. When someone buys a home, refinances their mortgage, or gets a home equity line of credit, a massive stack of paperwork is involved. Title companies, escrow companies, and signing services hire NSAs to facilitate the closing, ensuring all documents are signed, dated, and notarized correctly.

This specialization is in high demand because of the critical and time-sensitive nature of real estate closings. A single error can delay a transaction, costing all parties involved thousands of dollars. Therefore, companies are willing to pay a premium for knowledgeable and reliable NSAs.

How to Get Started

To become an NSA, you first need to be a commissioned notary public. The next step is to get specialized training and certification. The National Notary Association (NNA) is the most recognized body for this. Their training program covers:

  • Understanding Loan Documents: You’ll learn to identify and explain documents like the Note, the Deed of Trust, the Closing Disclosure, and various affidavits.
  • Proper Notarization Procedures: The training reinforces notarial best practices in the context of complex loan packages.
  • Industry Regulations: You will learn about the legal and ethical responsibilities you have to protect borrowers’ private financial information.

After completing the training, you must pass an exam and a background screening. The background screening is critical because NSAs handle sensitive personal and financial information. Once certified, you can list yourself on signing service databases and market your services directly to title and escrow companies.

Earning Potential

The earning potential for an NSA is significantly higher than that of a general notary. While a standard notarization might earn you $15, a single loan signing appointment can pay anywhere from $75 to $200 or more. The fee depends on the type of loan, the number of documents, the distance you have to travel, and the company hiring you. Experienced NSAs who build strong relationships with multiple clients can complete several signings a day, making this a viable full-time career.

2. Offer Mobile Notary Services

In today’s convenience-driven world, people are willing to pay for services that come to them. As a mobile notary, you travel to your clients’ locations—their homes, offices, hospitals, or even a local coffee shop—to perform notarizations. This service is invaluable for individuals with mobility issues, busy professionals, or for urgent situations that arise outside of typical business hours.

The core of your business model is charging for this convenience. In addition to the state-regulated fee for the notarial act itself, you can charge a travel fee. This travel fee is not regulated by the state in the same way as the notarization fee, giving you flexibility in your pricing.

Building Your Mobile Business

Success as a mobile notary hinges on reliability and professionalism.

  • Establish a Service Area: Define the geographic area you are willing to cover and establish a tiered travel fee structure based on distance or zones.
  • Be Prepared: Your mobile notary kit should be well-organized and include your notary seal, journal, pens, extra notarial certificates, a clipboard, and a method for accepting payments (like a mobile card reader).
  • Market Your Convenience: Your marketing materials and website should prominently feature your mobile service. Target clients who need you most, such as law firms, hospitals, nursing homes, and wealth management firms.

Earning Potential

Your income as a mobile notary is directly tied to how you structure your fees and how many appointments you can book. For example, if your state’s notarization fee is $15 per signature and you charge a $50 travel fee for a local appointment, a single trip to notarize two signatures would earn you $80. Many mobile notaries set a minimum fee for any travel, ensuring that even the smallest jobs are profitable. Full-time mobile notaries in busy metropolitan areas can earn a substantial income.

3. Build a Professional Website to Attract Clients

In the digital age, if you don’t have a website, your business might as well not exist. A professional website is your 24/7 marketing tool, your digital business card, and your booking agent all in one. It lends credibility to your services and makes it easy for potential clients to find you, understand what you offer, and contact you.

Your website doesn’t need to be overly complex, but it must be professional, easy to navigate, and contain essential information. According to web development expert Itamar Haim, “A business website is the cornerstone of your brand’s identity. It should clearly communicate your value proposition and provide a seamless user experience from the moment a visitor lands on your page.”

Key Elements of a Notary Website

  • Clear Description of Services: Immediately tell visitors what you do. Use clear headings like “Mobile Notary Services,” “Loan Signing Agent,” and “Apostille Services.”
  • Service Area: If you are a mobile notary, include a map or a clear list of the cities and zip codes you serve.
  • Pricing Information: Be transparent about your fees. List the state-mandated fee per notarization and provide a clear explanation of your travel and other service fees.
  • Contact Information: Make it incredibly easy for clients to reach you. Include your phone number, email address, and a contact form.
  • Call to Action (CTA): Your website should guide visitors to take the next step. Use prominent buttons with text like “Book an Appointment,” “Request a Quote,” or “Call Now.”

Creating a professional website is easier than ever with platforms like Elementor. It’s a drag-and-drop website builder for WordPress that allows you to create a stunning, custom website without writing a single line of code. You can start with professionally designed templates and customize them to fit your brand. Furthermore, with Elementor Hosting, you get an all-in-one solution that includes a powerful builder and reliable hosting, ensuring your site is fast, secure, and always online.

4. Specialize in Apostille and Authentication Services

Many people have never heard of an apostille until they desperately need one. This creates a fantastic business opportunity for notaries who are willing to learn the process. An apostille is a specific type of certification issued by a designated government authority (usually the Secretary of State) that authenticates the origin of a public document. It’s used when a document from one country needs to be recognized as legally valid in another country, provided both countries are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Documents that often require an apostille include:

  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • School transcripts and diplomas
  • Powers of attorney
  • Corporate documents
  • Adoption papers

As an apostille agent, your role is to guide the client through this complex and often confusing process. You act as a courier and facilitator, ensuring the documents are properly prepared, notarized (if necessary), and submitted to the correct government agency for authentication.

How the Process Works

  1. Consultation: The client comes to you with a document they need to use in a foreign country.
  2. Document Review: You examine the document to ensure it’s in the proper form for apostille processing.
  3. Notarization: If the document is a sworn statement or requires a signature, you will notarize it.
  4. Submission: You take the document to the appropriate office—either the county clerk for signature verification and then the Secretary of State, or directly to the Secretary of State.
  5. Retrieval and Delivery: Once the apostille is attached, you retrieve the document and deliver it back to the client.

Earning Potential

Because this is a specialized service that solves a significant and urgent problem, you can charge accordingly. Notaries offering apostille services often charge a service fee of $100 to $250 per document, in addition to any government fees and shipping costs. The work can be time-consuming, involving trips to government offices and careful tracking of paperwork, but the profit margins are excellent.

5. Offer Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Remote Online Notarization (RON) is the next frontier for the notary profession. RON allows you to notarize documents for clients located anywhere in the world using secure audio-visual technology. The entire process is conducted online, from identity verification to the digital application of the notarial seal and signature. This service offers unparalleled convenience, breaking down geographical barriers.

While not yet legal in all states, the list of states that have authorized RON is growing rapidly. If you are commissioned in a RON-approved state, you can offer this service to a global clientele.

Getting Started with RON

  1. Check Your State’s Laws: First, confirm that your state has passed RON legislation and understand the specific requirements for notaries.
  2. Choose a RON Platform: You must use a state-approved RON technology provider. These platforms provide the secure audio-visual connection, identity verification tools, and digital document handling required by law.
  3. Complete Additional Training: Many states require notaries to complete a specific training course on RON procedures before they can offer the service.
  4. Update Your Commission: You will likely need to register with your commissioning authority as a remote online notary.

Earning Potential

State laws often set the maximum fee you can charge for a remote online notarization, which is typically higher than for a traditional in-person notarization. For example, a state might allow you to charge up to $25 per RON session. The real advantage is the volume. Without the need to travel, you can complete more notarizations in a day. You can market your services to a nationwide or even international audience, attracting clients who need the convenience and speed of an online process. For notaries looking to build a scalable, tech-forward business, RON is an essential service to offer.

6. Partner with Law Firms and Attorneys

Attorneys and law firms are a prime source of repeat business for notaries. They constantly deal with documents that require notarization, such as affidavits, depositions, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. By establishing yourself as their go-to notary, you can secure a steady stream of income.

Law firms value notaries who are professional, discreet, and flexible. They often have last-minute, urgent needs and appreciate a mobile notary who can come to their office or meet with a client on short notice.

Building Relationships with Legal Professionals

  • Direct Outreach: Identify the law firms in your area, particularly those specializing in estate planning, family law, and litigation. Send a professional introduction email or letter outlining your services, availability, and fees.
  • Networking: Attend local bar association events or legal networking groups. Building personal connections is often more effective than cold calling.
  • Offer Specialized Services: If you have experience with legal documents, highlight this. Understanding the context of the documents you are notarizing can make you a more valuable partner.
  • I-9 Form Verification: Many law firms need to verify the employment eligibility of their new hires. As a notary, you can be an authorized representative to complete Form I-9. This is another valuable service to offer.

Earning Potential

Working with law firms can lead to consistent, high-volume work. You can charge your standard mobile notary fees for each appointment. Some notaries establish retainer agreements with high-volume firms, where the firm pays a monthly fee for a certain number of notarizations or on-call availability.

7. Provide Services to Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities are filled with individuals who need notarial services but are unable to travel. Patients often need to sign documents related to their medical care or personal affairs, such as:

  • Advance Healthcare Directives (Living Wills)
  • Medical Power of Attorney
  • Financial Power of Attorney

Family members may also need documents notarized related to their loved one’s care. As a mobile notary, providing services to these facilities is both a community service and a strong business opportunity.

Working in a Healthcare Setting

This type of work requires a high degree of sensitivity and professionalism.

  • Patience and Compassion: You will be working with individuals who may be ill, in pain, or under stress. A calm and compassionate demeanor is essential.
  • Assessing Awareness: It is your duty as a notary to ensure that the signer is aware of what they are signing and is not being coerced. This can be particularly challenging in a hospital setting. You must be prepared to refuse a notarization if you are not confident in the signer’s capacity.
  • Building Facility Relationships: Contact the social work or patient advocacy departments at local hospitals and the administrators of nursing homes. Let them know you are available to serve their patients and residents. Leave a stack of your business cards with them.

Earning Potential

You can charge your standard mobile notary and travel fees for each visit. Because these situations are often urgent, clients are typically very willing to pay for prompt and professional service. Building a reputation as the reliable notary for a few large healthcare facilities in your area can create a very stable source of income.

8. Perform Field Inspections

Field inspection is a less-known but potentially lucrative service that notaries can offer. Many businesses need a trusted third party to physically verify information or the condition of property. As a notary, you are seen as a credible and impartial observer, making you a perfect fit for this role.

Field inspection assignments can vary widely and might include:

  • Site Inspections: Verifying the existence and condition of a business location for a lender or merchant processor.
  • Vehicle Inspections: Taking photos of a car and documenting its VIN and condition for insurance or financing purposes.
  • Occupancy Verification: Confirming that a property is occupied for a mortgage company.
  • Document Verification: Meeting with an individual to verify their identity and witness them signing non-notarized documents.

How to Find Field Inspection Work

You can find this type of work through specialized field service companies that contract with notaries and other independent agents. You register on their platform, and when an assignment comes up in your area, you can accept it.

Earning Potential

Fees for field inspections typically range from $25 to $100 per assignment, depending on the complexity of the task and the time required. The work is usually straightforward and doesn’t require extensive training. Adding field inspections to your service offerings is a great way to fill gaps in your schedule and diversify your income streams.

9. Officiate Weddings

In certain states, a notary public is authorized to perform marriage ceremonies. This can be a joyful and profitable addition to your notary business. Many couples are looking for alternatives to a traditional church or courthouse wedding. They may want a small, intimate ceremony at a location of their choosing, such as a park, a backyard, or a special venue.

As a wedding officiant, you can offer a range of services, from a simple signing of the marriage license to a fully customized ceremony.

Becoming a Wedding Officiant

  • Check State Law: The first and most important step is to verify that your state’s laws permit notaries to solemnize marriages.
  • Develop Your Ceremony: You can create several ceremony scripts—short and simple, romantic, non-religious—that couples can choose from or customize.
  • Market Your Services: Create a specific page on your website for your wedding officiant services. Use beautiful photos and testimonials from happy couples. List your services on wedding-focused websites like WeddingWire and The Knot.

Earning Potential

Fees for officiating a wedding can range from $100 for a basic license signing to $500 or more for a customized ceremony and travel to a venue. This is a service where your personality and public speaking skills can create a premium experience that couples are happy to pay for.

10. Process Vehicle Title Transfers

Every time a car, truck, or motorcycle is sold privately, the title needs to be transferred to the new owner, and the signatures on the title or bill of sale often require notarization. This is a common and recurring need in every community.

You can market your services as a specialist in vehicle title notarization. Many people find the DMV process confusing and are happy to pay a notary to ensure their paperwork is in order before they go to the motor vehicle agency.

Finding Clients for Title Transfers

  • Partner with Used Car Dealerships: Small, independent car lots may not have a full-time notary on staff and may need your services for their sales.
  • Advertise Online: Use keywords like “car title notary,” “vehicle transfer notarization,” and “[Your City] DMV notary” in your online advertising and on your website.
  • Mobile Service is Key: This is a perfect service to offer on a mobile basis. You can meet the buyer and seller at a bank or a public place to handle the transaction safely and conveniently.

Earning Potential

For this service, you would charge your standard notarization fee plus a mobile travel fee. Because you are solving a specific, often urgent problem, you can market it as a premium service. For example, you could offer a “Vehicle Transfer Package” that includes coming to the client’s location and notarizing all required documents for a flat fee.

11. Tap into the Business and Corporate World

Every business, from a small startup to a large corporation, generates documents that need to be notarized. By positioning yourself as a business-friendly notary, you can secure lucrative corporate clients who provide a steady flow of work.

Businesses often need notarizations for:

  • Contracts and agreements
  • Affidavits of corporate officers
  • Commercial real estate documents
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Powers of attorney for business transactions

How to Secure Corporate Clients

  • Target Specific Industries: Focus on industries in your area that are document-intensive, such as construction, finance, and real estate development.
  • Offer On-Site Services: Market your mobile notary services directly to businesses. The convenience of having a notary come to their office is a major selling point.
  • Use LinkedIn: Connect with office managers, paralegals, and executives at local companies. Share content about the importance of proper notarization for business documents.
  • Develop a Professional Image: When you are working with corporate clients, your professionalism is paramount. A polished website, high-quality business cards, and a professional demeanor are essential. With a tool like the Elementor AI Site Planner, you can even generate a complete brief and wireframe for your website, ensuring it meets the high standards of corporate clientele.

Earning Potential

Corporate work is often high-volume and can lead to long-term relationships. You can charge your standard mobile fees per visit. For larger clients, you might negotiate a discounted rate for a guaranteed volume of notarizations each month, creating a predictable and recurring revenue stream.

12. Conduct Safe Deposit Box Inventories

When a renter of a safe deposit box fails to pay their fees for a certain period, the bank or financial institution is legally required to open the box and inventory its contents in the presence of a notary public. The notary’s role is to act as an impartial witness, certifying the inventory of the items found in the box.

This is a niche service, but it can be a good source of income if you can build relationships with banks and credit unions in your area.

The Process

The bank will schedule the drilling and inventory. You will attend the opening, observe as the contents are removed, and sign a certificate of inventory that lists everything that was in the box. This is a critical legal process for the bank to protect itself from liability.

How to Get This Work

Contact the branch managers or operations managers at local banks and credit unions. Let them know you are a notary who is knowledgeable about the safe deposit box inventory process and that you are available for these assignments.

Earning Potential

Notaries typically charge a flat fee for this service, often ranging from $75 to $150 per box. The process usually takes about an hour. A single bank branch might need to drill several boxes at once, making this a very efficient way to earn money.

13. Teach Notary Classes

Once you have become an experienced and knowledgeable notary, you can share your expertise by teaching others. In many states, aspiring notaries are required to take a training course before they can apply for their commission. You could become a certified instructor and teach these mandatory classes.

Even in states where training isn’t required, there is a strong market for educational workshops. You could offer classes on topics like:

  • How to Start a Notary Business
  • Advanced Training for Notary Signing Agents
  • Marketing Your Notary Services
  • Understanding Remote Online Notarization

Getting Started as an Instructor

  • Check State Requirements: If you want to teach the state-mandated course, you will need to apply and be approved by your state’s notary commissioning authority.
  • Develop Your Curriculum: Create detailed and engaging course materials, including presentations, handouts, and practice exercises.
  • Market Your Classes: Promote your courses on your website, through social media, and by partnering with local business organizations.

Earning Potential

You can charge a fee per student for your classes. A six-hour state-mandated course might cost a student anywhere from $99 to $199. If you can attract 10-15 students to a class, this can be a very profitable venture. It also establishes you as an expert in the field, which can lead to other opportunities.

14. Create an Online Notary Directory

If you have web development skills or are willing to learn, you can create a local or niche online directory for notaries. The business model is simple: you create a professional, user-friendly website where notaries can pay to list their services. People searching for a notary in their area find your directory, and you connect them with the listed notaries.

This moves you from being just a service provider to being a platform owner. With a platform like Elementor and its powerful features, you can design a sophisticated directory with search functions, notary profiles, and online payment integration for listings.

Building a Successful Directory

  • Define Your Niche: You could start with a directory for your city or state, or you could focus on a specialty like “Notary Signing Agents” or “RON-Certified Notaries.”
  • SEO is Key: The success of your directory depends on its visibility in search engines. You will need to invest in search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure your site ranks high when people search for notary services.
  • Provide Value: Make your directory the best resource for finding a notary. Include detailed profiles with photos, services offered, service areas, and reviews.

Earning Potential

Your income comes from the listing fees you charge notaries. You could offer different tiers, such as a basic free listing and a premium paid listing with more features and better placement. A successful directory with hundreds of paid listings can generate significant passive income.

15. Offer Fingerprinting Services

Many professions require individuals to submit fingerprints for a background check. This includes teachers, healthcare workers, real estate agents, and many government employees. Notaries are often well-positioned to offer this service, as the need for a trusted professional is similar.

You can provide traditional ink fingerprinting services using fingerprint cards (like the FD-258 card). This is a relatively easy service to add.

Getting Started with Fingerprinting

  • Training: While not always required, it’s wise to take a short training course on how to properly roll fingerprints to minimize rejections.
  • Supplies: You will need fingerprint cards, ink pads, and cleaning supplies.
  • Market the Service: Add this service to your website and marketing materials. Contact businesses and organizations that require their employees to be fingerprinted and offer your on-site mobile fingerprinting services.

Earning Potential

Fees for fingerprinting services typically range from $25 to $60 per person. This can be a great add-on service. For example, a real estate office might need you to come in to notarize documents for a closing and also fingerprint a new agent who is getting their license. This allows you to earn multiple fees from a single client visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much money can a notary public really make? The income of a notary public varies dramatically. A notary who only performs occasional, single notarizations might make a few hundred dollars a year. However, a full-time, entrepreneurial notary who operates as a mobile Notary Signing Agent, offers apostille services, and has a strong marketing plan can earn anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually, depending on their location and the demand for their services.

2. Do I need insurance to be a notary? Yes, it is highly recommended. You should have at least two types of insurance. First, a Notary Surety Bond, which is required in many states and protects the public from financial harm caused by your errors. Second, Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance, which protects you, the notary, from liability in case you make a mistake that causes a client a financial loss. E&O insurance is crucial for anyone running a professional notary business.

3. What are the startup costs for a notary business? Startup costs are relatively low. They include your state’s application and commissioning fees, the cost of required training and supplies (notary seal and journal), your surety bond and E&O insurance, and the cost of a business website. For specialized services like an NSA, you’ll have additional costs for certification and background screening. You can start a basic mobile notary business for under $1,000.

4. How do I find my first clients? Start by letting your personal and professional network know that you are a notary. Then, build a professional website and create a Google Business Profile. Reach out directly to businesses that are likely to need your services, such as law firms, banks, and title companies. Networking is key in the beginning.

5. Can I perform notarizations in other states? Generally, no. A traditional notary public is commissioned for a specific state and can only perform notarial acts within the borders of that state. The exception is Remote Online Notarization (RON). If you are commissioned as a remote online notary in an approved state, you can notarize documents for people located anywhere, as the notarial act is considered to be taking place where you, the notary, are physically located.

6. What’s the difference between a Notary Public and a Notary Signing Agent (NSA)? Every Notary Signing Agent is a Notary Public, but not every Notary Public is a Signing Agent. A Notary Public is a state-commissioned official who can perform a variety of notarial acts. An NSA is a notary who has taken additional specialized training to handle real estate loan documents. This certification and training allow them to work with title companies and signing services on mortgage closings.

7. How do I create a professional website without technical skills? Website builders have made it incredibly simple to create a professional online presence. A platform like Elementor for WordPress is ideal for service professionals. It uses a visual, drag-and-drop interface, so you can build and customize your site without any coding knowledge. With its extensive template library and integrations, you can have a high-quality site up and running quickly, which is essential for attracting clients. You can even use Elementor’s AI features to help write your website copy.

8. Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) secure? Yes. State-approved RON platforms use multiple layers of security to ensure the integrity of the notarization. This includes multi-factor identity verification using knowledge-based authentication questions, credential analysis of the signer’s ID, a secure audio-visual connection, and tamper-evident technology on the digitally signed and sealed documents. In many ways, RON is more secure than a traditional in-person notarization.

9. What kind of marketing is most effective for a notary? A multi-pronged approach is best. A strong online presence through a professional website and Google Business Profile is foundational. Direct outreach to target clients (like law firms and hospitals) is very effective for building B2B relationships. Local networking can also be very powerful. For consumer-facing services like wedding officiating, social media and listings on relevant wedding websites are important.

10. Can this be a full-time career? Absolutely. While many people start as a notary on a part-time basis, it is entirely possible to build a full-time career. The key is to treat it like a real business. This means specializing in high-value services like loan signings and apostilles, marketing consistently, providing excellent customer service, and managing your finances professionally. Those who do can build a very successful and rewarding business.