Becoming a notary is one of the most accessible professional credentials you can earn — most states require no law degree, no prior legal experience, and the whole process takes a few weeks at most. If you're looking for a flexible side income, a way to add value at your current job, or the foundation of a new business, becoming a notary is worth a serious look.
The requirements vary by state, but the core path is the same everywhere: meet the eligibility criteria, complete any required training, pass an exam if your state requires one, and get commissioned. This guide walks through every step — including what it costs, how online notarization changes the picture, and how to turn your commission into a real income stream.
What Is a Notary?
A notary public is a state-appointed official authorized to witness signatures, administer oaths, and verify the identity of people signing important documents. The role exists to deter fraud — when a notary stamps a document, they're certifying that the signer appeared before them, showed valid ID, and signed willingly.
![A notary public
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notary_public) stamping an official document at a professional desk with a seal and commission certificate visible]
Notaries work across nearly every industry. Real estate closings, loan documents, powers of attorney, wills, affidavits, and business contracts all commonly require notarization. According to the National Notary Association, there are approximately 4.4 million commissioned notaries in the United States — making it one of the most widely held public appointments in the country.
The role isn't the same as a lawyer. A notary doesn't give legal advice, draft documents, or interpret contracts. They verify identity and witness signatures. That's the job — and it's a job that's always in demand.
Key Insight: A notary's authority is granted by the state, which means your commission is only valid within the state that issued it — unless you're commissioned as a Remote Online Notary (RON), which opens up a much broader reach.
Requirements to Become a Notary
Every state sets its own rules, but most share a common baseline. Here's what you'll typically need:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old in most states. A few states set the minimum at 19 or 21.
- Residency: Most states require you to be a legal resident of the state where you're applying. Some allow non-residents who work in the state to qualify.
- Clean record: A felony conviction disqualifies applicants in most states. Some states also disqualify misdemeanors involving dishonesty or fraud.
- Literacy: You must be able to read and write in English. Some states accept bilingual notaries but require English proficiency.
- Legal status: You must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
A few states add extra requirements — California, for example, requires a background check. Florida requires a four-hour education course. Texas requires a bond but no exam. Checking your specific state's Secretary of State website is the fastest way to get accurate, current requirements.
Steps to Become a Notary in Your State
The process varies slightly by state, but this sequence covers the standard path for how to become a notary across most of the U.S.
Check your state's eligibility requirements: Visit your state's Secretary of State website or notary regulatory office. Confirm age, residency, and background requirements before you invest time or money.
Complete required education: Some states mandate a notary training course before you can apply. Others make it optional but strongly recommended. Courses typically run two to six hours and cover notarial acts, proper procedures, and common mistakes.
Pass the notary exam: Several states — including California, New York, and Colorado — require a written exam. The exam tests your knowledge of notary law and proper procedures. Most are multiple-choice and can be taken in person or online.
Submit your application: Fill out the official notary application through your state's regulatory office. You'll typically pay a filing fee at this stage, which ranges from contact for a personalized quote depending on your state.
Get a surety bond (if required): Many states require notaries to purchase a surety bond before receiving their commission. This protects the public if you make an error. Bonds are available through insurance agencies and notary supply companies.
Receive your commission: Once approved, your state issues a commission certificate. This is your official authorization to act as a notary.
Purchase your supplies: You'll need a notary seal or stamp and a notary journal to record your acts. Some states mandate specific formats for both.
File your oath of office: Some states require you to file your oath with a county clerk before you can begin notarizing. This is often the final step before you're officially active.
The entire process — from application to active commission — typically takes two to six weeks, depending on your state's processing times.
Notary Exam and Training
Not every state requires an exam, but preparation matters regardless. States that require testing — California, New York, Colorado, and Montana among them — typically offer the exam through approved testing centers or online proctored platforms.
What the Exam Covers
Most notary exams test the same core areas:
- Proper identification of signers
- Types of notarial acts (acknowledgments, jurats, copy certifications)
- Prohibited acts (notarizing for family members, signing documents with a financial interest)
- Journal requirements
- Handling incomplete documents
- Refusing notarization and when it's required
Training Options
Training is available through several channels:
- National Notary Association (NNA): Offers state-specific courses, exam prep, and ongoing education. Widely recognized across the industry.
- State-approved providers: Many states publish a list of approved course providers. These are the safest choice for meeting mandatory education requirements.
- Online self-study: For states without mandatory training, self-study using your state's notary handbook is often sufficient.
Pass rates vary by state. California's exam has historically had a pass rate around 60–70%, which means preparation genuinely matters. Don't skip the practice tests.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary?
Becoming a notary is relatively affordable compared to most professional licenses. Here's a breakdown of typical costs:
Typical Notary Startup Costs
| Expense | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Varies by state | Paid to state regulatory office |
| Training course | Varies | Required in some states; optional in others |
| Exam fee | Varies | Only in states that require an exam |
| Surety bond | Varies by state and term | Required in most states |
| Notary seal/stamp | Varies | Rubber stamp or embosser |
| Notary journal | Varies | Required in most states |
| E&O insurance | Optional | Errors and omissions coverage; highly recommended |
Contact your state's Secretary of State office or a notary supply company for current pricing in your state, as fees change regularly.
The return on that investment can be significant. Notaries typically charge per signature or per notarial act. Many states cap the fee notaries can charge per act — California sets it at $15 per signature, for example — but volume adds up quickly. Mobile notaries who travel to clients can charge travel fees on top of per-act fees.
Notary vs. Online Notary: What's the Difference?
This is where becoming a notary gets more interesting — and more lucrative.
A traditional notary performs notarizations in person. The signer must physically appear before the notary, present ID, and sign in their presence. Your geographic reach is limited to wherever you can physically travel.
A Remote Online Notary (RON) performs notarizations entirely online using audio-video technology. The signer appears via webcam, verifies their identity through credential analysis and knowledge-based authentication, and signs electronically. The notary applies a digital seal. Everything is recorded and stored.
Traditional Notary vs. Remote Online Notary
| Factor | Traditional Notary | Remote Online Notary |
|---|---|---|
| Signer location | Must be physically present | Can be anywhere with internet access |
| Geographic reach | Local or regional | Nationwide (where RON is accepted) |
| Document type | Physical paper | Electronic documents |
| Identity verification | In-person ID check | Credential analysis + KBA + video |
| Session recording | Not required | Required and stored |
| Additional training | State commission only | RON-specific training and platform |
| Earning potential | Per-act fees + travel | Higher per-session fees; broader client base |
As of 2024, over 40 states have enacted RON legislation, and acceptance continues to grow. For anyone becoming a notary today, adding a RON commission is worth serious consideration. The demand for remote notarization has grown substantially since 2020, and platforms like BlueNotary make it straightforward to get set up and start accepting clients online.
For notaries handling document notarization after car accidents, estate planning documents, or real estate transactions, RON opens up a client base that simply isn't accessible through traditional in-person work.
How to Start a Notary Business
Getting your commission is step one. Building a business around it is a separate skill set — but not a complicated one.
Choose Your Business Model
Most notary businesses fall into one of three categories:
- Mobile notary: You travel to clients — hospitals, law offices, real estate closings, homes. You charge per act plus travel fees.
- Signing agent: A specialized mobile notary who handles loan document packages for title companies and lenders. Signing agents typically earn more per appointment because the work is more complex.
- Remote online notary: You work from home, serving clients via video. No travel, flexible hours, broader geographic reach.
Many successful notaries combine all three.
Set Up Your Business Infrastructure
- Register your business: A sole proprietorship works fine to start. An LLC adds liability protection and looks more professional to corporate clients.
- Get errors and omissions (E&O) insurance: Even careful notaries make mistakes. E&O insurance protects you if a client claims your error caused them financial harm.
- Build a signing agent profile: Platforms like Snapdocs, NotaryCafe, and SigningOrder connect signing agents with title companies and lenders looking for notaries.
- Market locally: Law offices, real estate agencies, mortgage brokers, and hospitals all need regular notary services. A simple one-page introduction and a few in-person visits can land steady clients.
- Set up your RON platform: If you're pursuing online notarization, choose a state-approved RON platform. BlueNotary offers a straightforward setup for notaries looking to start accepting remote sessions quickly — you can be operational in minutes after your RON commission is active.
What Notaries Earn
Earnings vary widely based on volume, specialization, and location. General notaries doing occasional work might earn a modest supplement to their income. Full-time signing agents in busy real estate markets can earn substantially more. RON-certified notaries with consistent marketing often command premium rates for the convenience they offer clients.
The notary public role has been a cornerstone of legal document verification for centuries, and demand isn't declining — it's expanding into digital formats.
Common Questions About Becoming a Notary
How long does it take to become a notary?
Most applicants complete the process in two to six weeks. States with mandatory exams or background checks take longer. If your state has a straightforward online application and no exam requirement, you could be commissioned in as little as two weeks.
Can I become a notary if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense and the state. Most states disqualify applicants with felony convictions. Some also disqualify certain misdemeanors, particularly those involving fraud, dishonesty, or crimes against persons. Check your specific state's disqualifying offenses before applying — many states publish this list on their Secretary of State website.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to become a notary?
No. Most states allow legal permanent residents (green card holders) to become notaries. Some states also allow certain visa holders. U.S. citizenship is not universally required, but legal presence in the U.S. is.
Is becoming a notary worth it?
For most people, yes — especially if you're willing to pursue a signing agent certification or RON commission. The startup cost is low, the credential is useful across industries, and the demand is consistent. The notaries who earn the most treat it as a business, not a passive credential.
What's the difference between a notary and a notary signing agent?
A notary public performs general notarial acts — witnessing signatures, administering oaths, certifying copies. A notary signing agent is a notary who has completed additional training to handle real estate loan document packages. Signing agents work with title companies and lenders and typically earn more per appointment. The National Notary Association offers a recognized signing agent certification.
How do I become a Remote Online Notary?
First, get your traditional notary commission. Then check whether your state has enacted RON legislation — most have. Complete any state-required RON training, apply for your RON authorization through your state, and choose an approved RON platform. Pennsylvania Opens Doors to E-notarization as part of its updated notary law, and similar expansions are happening across the country as states modernize their notary statutes.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a notary is a low-cost, high-utility credential that opens doors across real estate, legal services, finance, and healthcare. The process is straightforward, the demand is real, and adding a RON commission multiplies your reach significantly.
Complete your notary commission and start accepting remote sessions through BlueNotary — fast setup, legally compliant RON platform, and clients who need exactly what you offer. Ready to get started? Visit BlueNotary to learn more.
