How to Earn as a Notary Public

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is someone who witnesses the signing of important documents, checks a person’s identification, “feels the vibes” of the room (to ensure someone isn’t being forced to sign against their will), then seals the document. They also ensure that both parties understand what they are signing. 

Most people who are notary publics have become certified due to their employment position. Many agencies require someone among the staff to have the authorization to notarize. Others choose to become notaries to work as a contractor. They often attend mortgage signings, help sign trust documents, and anything else that comes their way. 

Requirements for Becoming a Notary Public

The requirements for being a notary public are likely to vary from state to state. To find out exactly what is needed for your particular state, visit the National Notary Association. There are a few things that seem to overlap, including:

• Age

  You must be at least 18 years old.

• Resident

  You must be a legal resident of your current state. Some states will grant an exception if you practice in their state, but live in a neighboring state. 

• No criminal record

• English Literacy

  Most often, you will need to have the ability to read and write in the English language.

How Much Do Notary Publics Earn?

Notary fees will range from state to state and for the actual job you are doing. Many earn the equivalent of $13-20 per hour or between $5-$125 per signature depending on the type of documents. 

The Process of Becoming a Notary Public

Once you have met the qualifications laid down by your state, you will need to do the following: 

1. Step 1

   Download an application from your secretary of state’s office or website, then complete and submit it. You will need to pay a filing fee.

2. Step 2

   If needed (see states that require training below), complete the training to become a notary public as is laid out by your state. 

3. Step 3

   If needed (see stated that require testing below), pass an exam.

4. Step 4

   Complete a background check and be fingerprinted

   Once you have completed the first four steps, you will need to wait until your state sends you a commission certificate. When you have received it, do the following:

5. Step 5

   Obtain a surety bond.

6. Step 6

   Submit your commission paperwork and bond to the regulating official over notaries. 

7. Step 7

   Gather your supplies. 

States that Require Notary Public Training

While the following states do require training to become a notary public, the courses are relatively inexpensive and only last for a few hours. In fact, many people still take the classes even if their state doesn’t require them just for better clarity on the tasks before them. These are the states that require notary public training:

• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania

States that Require Notary Public Testing

The tests to become a notary public generally last for about an hour. If you live in one of the following 12 states, you will be required to take a notary public exam:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Utah

There are a couple of states where it may be required depending on your job or region. In Ohio, whether or not you take an exam will be up to your local judge. Additionally, if you live in Wyoming, you may be asked to take a test at home. 

What Items are Needed to be a Notary Public

There are a few items that you will need when you become a notary public. You should carry most of these with you when you go meet a client to do your job. You will need the following:

• Notary stamp

  A notary stamp (or seal) that is used as part of the notarization process. You will need to stamp the document to prove that you were there. To get your notary stamp, you will need to order one through one of the venders that are on an approved list in your public commission packet. 

• Notary journal

  While keeping a notary journal is required in every state, it is a good idea to keep track of what you have notarized. This way, you have documentation in the event that someone has questions later on or if you are accused of falsification. You can also keep track of the notary fees that you collect. Unlike the stamp, you can typically get any notary journal you wish to use, such as this one by Dome. 

• Notary insurance

  As part of your job description, you could be sued if someone accuses you of wrongdoing. Even if you know you are innocent, you will need to obtain a lawyer to argue on your behalf. The amount of insurance you should purchase will depend on the type of work you do. Speak with an agent for advice. 

• Notary bond (surety bond)

  This is to protect you in the event that you make an error while performing your work. While you should strongly consider insurance as well, this is generally the minimum requirement. 

• Inkless thumbprint pad

  If your state requires you to add a thumbprint on specific transactions, purchase an inkless thumbprint pad to use. This won’t dirty your fingers so that you can move on with the rest of your day without having to worry about washing up. 

• Jurats

  Always pack extra jurats with you in case there is a problem with the paperwork that you are presented with.

Difficulties of Being a Notary Public

There will occasionally be times where you don’t get a lot of work. Occasionally, it can seem as though you have a lot of commissioned work, whereas you may go weeks without a single client. For this reason, it is important to see being a notary republic as a side-gig, at least until you gather enough clients. 

If you are strictly looking for “at home” work, this may not be the job for you. While you will be able to manage a lot of the business from home, you will often have to travel to complete the actual job. 

There is the potential for you to come under scrutiny or legal issues if you make a mistake. You should be bonded and insured in case this happens.