How To Get a Side Gig as a Notary Public
Are you looking for a side job to make more money? If you are like 44 million other Americans, the answer is yes. Having a quality side gig will reduce dependency on only one income source, and help you gain real-life skills than can be useful for a future career change. Gone are the days where you work for one company your entire life.
If you’re looking for a dependable opportunity, consider becoming a Notary Public, or a Notary Signing Agent.
What a Notary Public Does
A Notary Public witnesses the signing of legal documents, verifying people’s identities to prevent fraud. They work on wills, trusts, power of attorneys, and many other types of documents created every day. Attorneys, hospitals, and local governments all need documents notarized frequently.
Notary Signing Agents are Notaries. However, they have an extra certification that allows them to facilitate the signings of real estate loan closings. Typically they meet with signers only for real estate transactions such as home purchases, refinances, and when someone sells their home too. Other opportunities include doing the paperwork for home equity loans, applications, and reverse mortgages.
What You’ll Do On the Job
With either opportunity, a typical workday includes making phone calls, driving and meeting clients, then notarizing and filling out paperwork. It’s a flexible, light work job that can be done at any time, all within your driving distance from home or work, making it a great side gig.
You can be part-time or full-time with either job, making it a flexible go-to opportunity for many. An added bonus? Getting to know the community you live in, and being out on the open road.
The Requirements for Becoming a Notary
Most states allow you to work directly with your Secretary of State to become a Notary and get your commission. The basic requirements are being over the age of 18 years old, applying, and also paying a small fee. Keep in mind, you’ll need to be a resident of that state and not be a convicted felon. The base cost in Florida, for example, is just $39.
Only nine states need any training, and only 12 states have an exam. Thirty states require the Notary to have a surety bond, which protects the public in case of any negligence on behalf of the Notary.
How Much You Can Charge
As a Notary Public working on “general notary work,” be aware that States regulate how much you can charge for your services. Most allow between $0.25 to $15 per document or stamp.
As a Notary Signing Agent working on real estate documents, you are not regulated by your state with how much you can charge. The reason is you are paid a flat fee per loan signing you do, and that may include printing, and also dropping off documents after the closing. Fees for Signing Agents range from $75-$200 per loan closing.
How to Make Money as a Notary
What’s the best way to find notary jobs? Here’s a list of 22 ways you can make money as a notary. Also search Google, as well as job sites like Indeed.com and FlexJobs.com, using “notary” and “notary job” as search terms. In addition to part-time notary gigs, you’ll find full-time positions where being a notary is a job requirement.
Jon Snedeker is a Notary Signing Agent who has completed almost 10,000 loan closings for some of America’s best lenders, title companies, and signing service companies. He is the Director and founder of Notary Signing Agent Blueprint to help anyone get started and get more business as a Notary Signing Agent with Loan Signings.