About:
This is one of those where you are most likely not going to be rolling in money unless you strike The Mother Lode or go the Signing Agent route, but it can sure make you a nice side income if this is something that complements your lifestyle; and, if you live in a larger metropolitan area, I suppose one could do quite well as a full-time independent notary if you sold yourself right and the market in your area wasn't totally flooded.  This is also something that is relatively cheap and easy to get started in.  Stamp a few documents, sign your name and date, and collect a small fee.  Seems easy as pie, right?  Well, I've got news for you: the actual physical actions of the notary might be simple and straightforward enough, but the service of Notary Public itself requires a trustworthy person of moral character.  Essentially, a Notary Public in the U.S. is an agent of the State who is trusted as someone the State can believe in and trust for validating people's identities.  This is different than most of the rest of the world, where notaries are largely required to hold law degrees.  Also note, however, that the U.S. is based heavily on Common Law, where as much of the rest of the world (although not all, of course) is based on Civil Law.  A notary commissioned under in a jurisdiction that practices Civil Law has greater legal personal responsibilities in the his/her notarial acts.

In the U.S., the State that commissions the Notary Public is basically saying to him or her: "Dear Notary Public, we, the State of _____, believe that you have the ability to validate the identity of people.  For example, if you say 'I know this person personally or have been presented satisfactory evidence that has given me clear and valid reason to believe that this person is the Mary Jane Smith she professes to be', we, the State of _____ will believe you and stand behind your judgement on the matter."  An independent Notary usually charges a fee of US$10.00 or US$15.00 or less (this fee is capped by law in every case I am aware of) every time a notarial act, as it is called, is performed of validating someone's identity under a variety of circumstances and for an array of reasons.    If you go the Signing Agent route, things can be much more lucrative financially.

As a Notary Signing Agent, you act as the notary who performs the notarial acts related to mortgages and home sales closings.  In such a capacity, your stamp and signature are generally required numerous times (i.e. interpreted as individual notarial acts), chalking up some healthy fees.  You can also charge for your fuel in many jurisdictions, too, for traveling to a location to perform your notarial acts.  This is the same whether or not you are a signing agent or just a "regular" Notary Public.

Some jurisdictions require that you take a class or two to become a Notary Public, and sometimes an extra class or two to become a signing agent; but, all-in-all, the process of becoming a Notary Public is, for the most part, quite easy to do.  The basic requirements in most jurisdictions (at least in the U.S.) are generally that: 1) you be 18, 2) you are able to speak English, and 3) you live in or regularly work in the jurisdiction you are applying to be a Notary Public in.  If you meet those requirements, you can take your class (if required) and head on down to your local state licensing location (or do it online, if available) and fill out the application form for a Notary Commission.

Quick Thoughts on Becoming a Notary Public with the Intent of Actually Making Good Money:

Just being a Notary Public as your sole source of income is probably a bad idea in almost all except for the most unique/exceptional cases.  If you are thinking of becoming a Notary Public in order to make money, my advice is to link your notary services with another related service.  As one example, if you decide to rent physical office space to set up your Notary Public service, why not sell office supplies as well?  In fact, why not sell office supplies along with offering scanning, photocopying, photo printing, Passport/ID photo services, and key cutting as well?!  Turn your notary business into an all encompassing little office goods and services store - you are still offering your notarial services, but expanding your viable streams of revenue as well!  Are teaching and education more your thing?  Why not tutor as well as notarize?  Again, increasing your potential streams of revenue.  Want to keep the whole thing "virtual" with no physical office space (you travel to meet clients in this case)?  Why not compliment your Notary Public business with designing and selling business cards as well, which can be done through various online platforms (one of my personal favorites being Zazzle).


​External Links/Resources to get Started
(for a US-based audience):

National Notary Association (U.S.-Based)

​How to Make Money as a Notary - with some good background and "how to get started" information

22 Ways To Make Money As A Notary - if you are thinking this is a list of 22 unique acts or services a notary can perform to make money, it is not.  This article from the National Notary Association is actually more about "how to promote your notary business".

My Failed Quest to Get Rich by Being a Notary Public - and an interesting business idea/twist to the whole thing!

NotarySuccess.com - a great information-packed website about getting it right as a Notary Public!

How to Become a Notary & Start Your Own Notary Business

Startup Costs to Becoming a Notary Loan Signing Agent

3 Ways to Grow Your Notary Business

Tips for Getting General Notary Work

New to the Notary Business?  A Simple Plan to Start You Off

 

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