Why Becoming a Notary Public Is a Great Side Hustle
Published August 21, 2024 · Updated May 20, 2026
A notary public commission costs $100–$400 to obtain, takes a few weeks, and lets you earn money on your own schedule. For anyone looking for a practical side hustle, here is why becoming a notary makes sense.
Low Startup Cost
Compared to other side hustles, becoming a notary is cheap to start:
- Application fee: $10–$120 depending on your state
- Notary stamp runs $15–$30
- A notary journal costs $15–$25
- Surety bond: $50–$100 (not required in all states)
- Training courses range from free to $120 depending on state requirements
Total: typically under $200. Some states cost more (California: ~$300 with exam and Live Scan), others less (Texas: ~$90).
You Set Your Own Hours
As a notary, you are not locked into a shift schedule. You choose when to accept appointments. Many notaries handle signings on evenings and weekends while working a full-time job during the week. Others are stay-at-home parents who notarize during school hours. You can do one signing a week or ten. It is up to you.
Real Earning Potential
- General notarizations: $5–$15 per signature (set by your state), plus travel fees if you go to the client ($25–$75)
- Loan signings pay $75–$200 per appointment (requires signing agent certification)
- Most part-time notaries earn $500–$2,000/month doing 5–15 signings per week
It is not going to replace a full-time salary right away, but as a side income stream it adds up quickly, especially if you focus on loan signings.
Steady Demand
People always need notarizations: real estate transactions, powers of attorney, affidavits, medical directives, loan documents, adoption papers, immigration forms. The demand does not fluctuate much with the economy. Even in downturns, people still buy houses, get married, and handle legal matters that require notarized documents.
No Office Required
You can work from home, meet clients at coffee shops, or travel to them. No lease, no commercial space. Your “office” is wherever your clients are. This keeps overhead near zero.
A Realistic Month
Here is what a typical part-time month might look like for a notary who started six months ago:
- 8 general notarizations at $10 each plus $40 travel fee = $400
- 6 loan signings at $125 each = $750
- 2 reverse mortgage signings at $175 each = $350
That is $1,500 for roughly 20 hours of work in a month, not counting drive time. Your first few months will be slower while you build up reviews and get listed on platforms. After six months to a year, those numbers are realistic for someone treating it as a serious side hustle.
Tax Considerations
As a notary, you are an independent contractor. No one withholds taxes from your signing fees. You will receive 1099 forms from signing services and title companies that pay you $600 or more during the year.
Keep track of every expense related to your notary work: mileage ($0.67/mile in 2025), stamps, journals, E&O insurance, phone bills, internet, and training courses. These deductions reduce your taxable income. Most notaries use a mileage tracking app and save receipts in a dedicated folder.
Set aside 25-30% of your notary income for quarterly estimated tax payments if you expect to owe more than $1,000 in self-employment tax for the year. Talk to an accountant if you are unsure. This is not complicated, but ignoring it leads to a surprise bill in April.
Building a Steady Client Base
Signing platforms like Snapdocs and NotaryDash are the easiest way to get your first assignments. But the real money comes from direct relationships with title companies, escrow officers, and loan officers who call you directly instead of going through a platform.
To get there: show up on time, return documents promptly, and do not make mistakes. Title companies remember notaries who are reliable. After you complete a few signings for a company, reach out to the escrow officer directly. Let them know you are available and ask to be added to their preferred list. One good relationship with a busy title company can keep you booked every week.
Also list yourself on Google Business Profile with your mobile notary service area. People searching “notary near me” will find you, and general notarizations pay travel fees on top of the per-signature charge.
Quick to Start
In states with no training or exam requirement, you can go from application to commissioned notary in 2–4 weeks. Even in states with training and exams (like California), the process takes 6–12 weeks total. Once you have your commission, you can start earning immediately.
How to Get Started
- Check your state’s requirements and apply for a commission
- Complete any required training and exams
- Get your stamp, journal, and bond
- Sign up on notary platforms (Snapdocs, NotaryDash, 123Notary) to start getting appointments
- Consider signing agent training for higher-paying loan signings
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is becoming a notary a good side hustle?
Yes. Low startup costs, flexible hours, and consistent demand make notary work one of the more practical side hustles. You can realistically earn $500–$2,000/month part-time.
How much does it cost to become a notary?
Typically $100–$400 depending on your state. This covers the application fee, stamp, journal, bond, and any required training.
Can I be a notary with a full-time job?
Yes. Most notaries start this way. You accept appointments on your own schedule — evenings, weekends, lunch breaks. Many signing assignments happen outside traditional business hours.
How long does it take to become a notary?
2–4 weeks in states with no training requirement. 6–12 weeks in states that require training, exams, and background checks (like California).
Do I need to quit my job to be a notary?
No. Most notaries work part-time. You can start as a side hustle and scale up if you want to go full-time later.
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