How Much Does a Notary Make? (2026 Salary Guide)
Published February 13, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026
Notaries play an important role in legal and financial transactions, from real estate closings to power of attorney documents. But the income potential varies wildly depending on what type of notary work you do and where you live. Some notaries earn a few hundred dollars a month as a side gig, while others build six-figure businesses. Here is a realistic breakdown of what notaries make in 2026.
How Much Does a Notary Make?
The average yearly salary for a full-time notary public in the United States is approximately $50,294, according to aggregated data from Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, and Glassdoor. But that single number does not tell the whole story. Notary income depends heavily on what type of notary services you provide, whether you work independently or for an employer, and how many hours you dedicate to the business.
Here is a breakdown by notary type:
- General notary public (employee): $25,000–$45,000/year as part of a salaried position
- Mobile notary: $30,000–$60,000/year (fees + travel charges)
- Notary signing agent: $40,000–$80,000/year ($75–$200 per signing)
- Remote online notary: $35,000–$70,000/year
- Full-time signing agent (top earners): $100,000+/year
How Notaries Make Money
Notaries earn money through several revenue streams, and the most successful ones combine multiple approaches.
Notarization fees
Every state sets its own rules on what notaries can charge per notarial act. These fees range from $2 per signature in states like New York to $20 per signature in states with no statutory cap. Some states allow notaries to set their own “reasonable” fees. In most cases, per-signature fees alone will not generate significant income . A notary doing 10 notarizations a day at $10 each earns about $100 before expenses.
Loan signing fees
This is where the real money is for most notaries. Notary signing agents (notaries who specialize in mortgage and loan document signings) typically earn $75 to $200 per appointment, according to ZipRecruiter data from May 2026 showing the national average at $61,077 per year. The fee depends on the complexity of the loan package, whether you work through a signing service (which takes a cut) or directly with title companies, and your experience level. A signing agent who completes 10–15 signings per week can earn $40,000–$80,000 annually.
Mobile notary travel fees
Mobile notaries charge for the convenience of coming to the client’s location. Travel fees typically range from $25 to $75 per trip, on top of the notarization fees. Some states regulate travel fees (Nebraska and Nevada, for example), while others let you charge whatever the market will bear. Mobile notaries who serve hospitals, nursing homes, and law firms can build a steady client base with consistent demand.
Remote online notarization
Online notaries perform notarizations over video calls using approved RON platforms. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for an online notary is about $49,062. The advantage is that you can serve clients in any state that allows RON, not just your local area. Online notaries typically charge $25–$50 per session, and since there is no travel time, you can fit more appointments into a day.
Highest-Paying Notary Roles
The highest-paying notary role is a notary signing agent who works directly with title companies and escrow officers. These notaries can earn $150–$250 per signing for complex loan packages, and experienced agents who handle 15–20 signings per week routinely exceed $100,000 per year.
The path to those higher fees involves moving away from signing services (which typically pay $75–$125 per signing) and building direct relationships with title companies, escrow officers, and mortgage brokers. This takes time and networking, but the payoff is significant. Signing agents who work directly with title companies report fees 50–100% higher than what signing services offer.
Notary Signing Agent Income by Type
| Notary Type | Per-Appointment Fee | Typical Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| General notary (employee) | N/A (salary) | $25,000–$45,000 |
| General notary (independent) | $2–$20/signature | $10,000–$30,000 (part-time) |
| Mobile notary | $25–$75 travel + fees | $30,000–$60,000 |
| Signing agent (via services) | $75–$125/signing | $30,000–$50,000 |
| Signing agent (direct title) | $150–$250/signing | $60,000–$100,000+ |
| Remote online notary | $25–$50/session | $35,000–$70,000 |
| Full-time signing agent (top) | $150–$250/signing | $100,000–$200,000 |
Startup Costs for Different Notary Business Models
Basic notary commission
Getting commissioned as a notary costs anywhere from $50 to $400 depending on your state’s requirements. States that require bonds, exams, and training courses (like California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio) are on the higher end. States with minimal requirements (like Georgia, New Jersey, and Iowa) are on the lower end. Your notary seal and journal will run another $50–$100.
Mobile notary startup
On top of your commission costs, you will need reliable transportation and marketing materials. Business cards, a basic website, and listing your services on Google and Yelp can run $50–$500. The low barrier to entry makes mobile notary work attractive. If you already have a car, you can start for under $200 in additional costs.
Signing agent startup
Signing agents need a reliable dual-tray laser printer (budget $200–$500 for a good one), a scanner, and typically a $100,000 errors and omissions insurance policy ($150–$300/year). Signing agent training courses run $199–$500. Background screenings through the NNA cost about $50–$75. Total startup investment for a signing agent business runs $500–$1,500 depending on what equipment you already own.
How to Maximize Your Notary Income
- Get certified as a signing agent: The NNA certification and background check open doors with signing services and title companies.
- Build direct relationships: Market yourself to title companies, escrow officers, and mortgage brokers instead of relying solely on signing services.
- Add remote online notarization: RON lets you serve clients nationwide and fills gaps between in-person appointments.
- Offer multiple services: Combine general notary work, mobile appointments, loan signings, and RON to create multiple revenue streams.
- Invest in marketing: A professional website, Google Business listing, and presence on notary directories drives organic leads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a notary make per signature?
Notary fees per signature range from $2 (New York) to $20 or more in states with no fee cap. Most states set a maximum between $5 and $15 per notarial act. These fees alone do not generate significant income, which is why most profitable notary businesses focus on signing agent work or mobile services that command higher per-appointment rates.
Can you make a living as a notary?
Yes, but it depends on your approach. A notary who only does general notarizations at the statutory fee will struggle to earn a full-time income. Notaries who combine signing agent work, mobile services, and remote online notarization can realistically earn $50,000–$100,000+ per year. The key is treating it as a business rather than a hobby.
How much does a notary signing agent make?
According to ZipRecruiter data from May 2026, the average notary signing agent earns about $61,077 per year. Signing agents working through signing services typically earn $75–$125 per signing, while those with direct title company relationships earn $150–$250 per signing. Full-time signing agents who handle 15–20 signings per week can exceed $100,000 annually.
How much does it cost to start a notary business?
A basic notary commission costs $50–$400 depending on your state. Adding signing agent capabilities (printer, E&O insurance, training, NNA certification) brings the total to $500–$1,500. RON capabilities add another $200–$400 for the first year. Most notaries can start earning money within 4–8 weeks of beginning the commissioning process.
What state pays notaries the most?
Notary income is less about the state and more about the business model. Signing agents in high-volume real estate markets like Texas, Florida, California, and New York tend to earn the most simply because there are more transactions. However, signing agents in less competitive attorney states often earn higher fees per signing because fewer notaries are competing for the available work.
Responses