Being a mobile notary can be a lucrative side hustle that can easily work into your daily life. While many people want remote jobs from home, others want to get out of the house and travel a bit.
With the rise of remote work and digital documents, the need for mobile notary publics is greater than ever. You can travel to people’s homes or offices as a mobile notary and provide notarization services.
In this blog post, we put together some information on how to become a mobile notary:
How To Become A Mobile Notary
Mobile notaries travel to meet clients at their homes or workplaces for convenience for those who need document notarization but can’t visit a physical location.
They witness the signing of documents, ensure that signatures are validly authorized, verify identities, maintain records of all transactions (including copies of documents), and affix their official stamp or seal to each document.
It’s the same as any notary public, but with no office where people drop in for signatures.
Requirements to become a notary may include the following:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to read and write English
- No prior criminal convictions or civil judgments against you/pass a background check (in some states)
Steps to Become a Mobile Notary
The requirements to become a mobile notary vary depending on where you live and could take a few weeks.
Here are the general steps to becoming a mobile notary:
- Research the requirements in your state. Each state has different requirements to become a notary signing agent, so check your local laws and regulations first.
- Mobile notaries need to live in the state where they are certified. You must prove that you are a resident of the state where you intend to apply and offer services.
- Apply for a notary public commission. The online application process for notaries typically involves submitting an application fee, proof of identification and residence, background check results, taking an exam (in some states), and submitting a bond.
- Purchase the necessary supplies. Once approved, you must purchase supplies such as an official seal and a notary journal.
- Complete any required training course. Some states require mobile notaries to complete a course or certification program before becoming a notary.
- Get bonded. Many states require mobile notaries to obtain a notary bond to protect clients against any loss or damage caused by their actions.
- Maintain your status. Once you become a notary, keeping up-to-date with all these requirements is essential to maintain your status. It includes continuing education classes and renewing your commission every few years.
Startup Costs
Starting a mobile notary business comes with its startup costs and expenses. According to the National Notary Association, these costs include equipment, training, certifications, and more.
Once you have the necessary supplies, certifications, and insurance coverage, you can start your mobile notary business. Still, you’ve got to afford those things before getting clients lined up.
Notary Commission
Each state has different requirements and costs for the notary commission. The fee can be anywhere from $15 to $200.
Most states also require that you get a notary bond. The surety bond cost can range from $25 to $125, depending on the state.
Supplies
Once you receive your notary commission certificate, you must purchase the necessary supplies. The supplies you need depend on what documents you’ll notarize.
Notary Stamp – The Notary Stamp is the official seal to validate documents. A stamp can range from $20 to $50.
Notary Journals – Notary journals are required in some states to track notarial acts. A notary journal can range from $5 to $25.
Notary Signing Agent Certification – Some states may require you to obtain a Notary Signing Agent certification to perform loan document signings.
The cost for the loan signing agent certification can range from $50-$150, depending on the provider and type of program.
Continuing Education
Some states require you to complete continuing education courses to maintain your notary commission. The cost of the courses varies depending on the provider and type of program but can range anywhere from $50 to $200.
Renewal Fee
You will also need to pay a renewal fee every few years before the expiration date to maintain your notary commission. The renewal fee can range from $15 to $75, depending on the state.
Travel Expenses
As a mobile notary, you may incur travel expenses for reliable transportation when traveling to and from appointments. These expenses can include gas, tolls, parking fees, and other costs related to transportation.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
Errors and Omissions Insurance coverage protects against mistakes when notarizing documents or notarizing loan signing for title companies. The insurance usually costs a few hundred dollars a year.
How Much You’ll Earn
The average hourly rate for a mobile notary signing service is $51 – $100 per hour.
Some experienced professionals make up to $100 per hour in specialized areas of expertise or higher-demand locations such as courtrooms or hospitals.
Some states don’t allow mobile notaries to charge a travel fee for signing services. Be sure to factor this in when deciding how much to charge, as you’ll want to cover your trip costs- or not accept clients on the other side of the state!
Mobile Notary Examples
Here are a few examples of how much you could earn in a month as a successful mobile notary if you charge by the hour.
You’re a mobile notary loan signing agent that charges $50 an hour. In one month, you have four appointments for mobile notary services to notarize mortgage transactions.
Each appointment lasts two hours to explain the notarizing documents, identify the signers, and complete the paperwork. In this scenario, you would make $400 monthly (4 x 2 hours x $50 = $400) for the signing service.
You could, however, charge a flat fee per signing service appointment instead of an hourly rate.
For the same four signing service appointments, you would make $600 if you charged $150 per appointment (4 x $150 = $600).
Most Popular Notary: Loan Signing Agent
One well-paid and busy notary type is a loan signing agent- they make about the same as any notary, but the job demand is higher in the specialty.
The notary loan signing agent is essential to the loan signing system for real estate companies and other various agencies.
The primary duty of a notary loan signing agent is to attend the loan signings, verify the signer’s identity, and witness that the person signing the real estate transaction is legally able to sign the loan documents and property deeds.
Additionally, the notary loan signing agents ensure that all documents are correctly filled out and that any required signatures are present before returning them to the real estate companies or escrow companies.
Pros & Cons Of Notary Work
Pros
- Opportunity to travel
- A flexible job that can adapt to your schedule
- A versatile side hustle that you can work remotely
- Notaries have the potential to earn good money
- Startup costs are low compared to other remote business
Cons
- Must keep up with continuing education requirements
- You may need to travel long distances between appointments
- The work can be stressful and time-consuming
- You are responsible for paying your taxes
Other Mobile Jobs
If you’re looking for a way to make money from home or on the go, here are a few mobile job ideas to explore:
Proofreading
Becoming a proofreader is an appealing choice for many looking for flexible work.
As a proofreader, you check the written content for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. This job requires excellent attention to detail and the ability to spot mistakes quickly and accurately.
Proofread Anywhere offers a FREE workshop that shows you all the ins and outs of becoming a proofreader and making $20+ an hour from home.
Blogging
Blogging is an increasingly popular remote job that allows you to work from anywhere.
It is our favorite way to work remotely and has given our family the freedom and flexibility to travel and live the life we choose- we even quit our full-time jobs to blog from home!
You create content on various topics relevant to your industry or niche as a blogger. The blog can be monetized with affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and advertisements.
If you’re interested in blogging, check out our free Start Your Blog Boot Camp!
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a great remote job option for those looking to make money on their terms. Like a blogger, as a freelance writer, you can choose which projects to take on and when to work.
You may be asked to write blog posts, website content, press releases, copywriting, and more. Many sites offer freelance writing opportunities, and you can find job postings specific to your expertise or niche.
You can find freelance writing jobs and more when you create a profile on FlexJobs. You can apply for jobs directly or have potential clients contact you through your profile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to make extra money, becoming a mobile notary is a great option.
Not only do you have the potential to make a good income, but the startup costs are relatively low compared to other travel businesses.
And, as with any business, the more work you put in, the more money you earn. But if a notary makes $50 an hour on average, that just can’t be beat!
So what are you waiting for? Start your journey to becoming a mobile notary today!
Learn How to Become a Proofreader and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.
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