How Much Does it Cost to Become a Notary?

Becoming a notary public, whether for in-person or online services, can be a financially rewarding career path, offering a vital service to communities and businesses. However, to determine if this career choice makes sense for you, it’s important to understand both the initial costs and potential earnings involved.

Key Costs of Becoming a Notary Public

Notary Education and Training:

Many states require completing a state-approved notary education course before applying for a commission. Courses can range from $30 to $200 depending on whether you attend in person or online. These courses typically cover essential topics like online notary laws, responsibilities, and procedures.

Application and Licensing Fees:

Most states require a non-refundable application fee to process your notary commission. This fee varies by state, typically between $30 to $150. Some states may require passing an exam before licensure.

Notary Supplies:

You’ll need essential tools like a notary seal or stamp, a journal for recording notarial acts, and other necessary materials like affirmation booklets. Expect to spend $50 to $200 on these supplies, depending on the quality and type of equipment required by your state.

Background Check:

A background check may be required by your state, which usually costs less than $50. Some states also require notaries to obtain a surety bond, which typically costs $50 to $100 per year.

Ongoing Renewal Costs:

Notary commissions generally last between four to six years, depending on the state. Renewal involves similar costs to the initial process, such as renewing your notary seal, application fees, and additional education requirements if necessary.

Overall, your initial investment to become a notary will range between $200 to $500, depending on your state’s requirements.

Equipment and Supply Expenses

To operate efficiently as a notary, you’ll need:

Notary Seal/Stamp: Typically costs $30 to $100.

Notary Journal: Required for documenting each notarization, priced between $20 to $50.

Certificate of Appointment: Some states issue this certificate for an additional fee, usually $10 to $30.

Miscellaneous Supplies: This includes ink pads, receipt books, and other supplies, adding up to $50 to $200.

Earning Potential as a Notary Public

In-Person Notary Fees:

States set maximum allowable fees notaries can charge per notarization, ranging between $5 to $25 for simple tasks like acknowledgments or jurats.

Some notaries increase their income by providing mobile services, for which they can charge additional travel fees. Real estate loan signings, for example, can fetch notaries between $75 to $200 per signing.

Online Notary Fees:

Online notaries have the potential to expand their market beyond local clients. They can charge for notarizing documents digitally, often with higher rates due to convenience and security features, though they also face platform fees for using remote online notarization services.

Many online notaries can earn between $10 to $25 per notarization, with some states allowing even higher fees for specialized documents.

Additional Revenue Opportunities

Travel Fees: Notaries providing mobile services can charge for travel time and mileage.

Copy/Shipping Fees: Offering document copying and mailing services can bring in extra revenue.

Administrative Fees: For more complex notarizations, such as loan documents or contracts, additional fees for time and preparation may apply.

Online Notary Tools

Incorporating tools like BlueNotary can elevate your notary services by enabling secure online notarizations and offering digital signature features. This can increase your accessibility and reach, thereby enhancing your earning potential.

General FAQs About Becoming a Notary

How long does it take to become a notary?

The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state's education, background check, and processing time.

Are there ongoing educational requirements?

Some states require notaries to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license, which may have associated costs. Renewal typically occurs every four to six years, involving reapplication fees and sometimes an exam.

How does the earning potential of an online notary compare to an in-person notary?

Online notaries often have higher earning potential due to their ability to serve a broader market, though platform fees and competition may impact profits. In-person notaries may benefit from offering personalized mobile services or handling high-value transactions like real estate signings.

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Conclusion

While becoming a notary public involves upfront costs ranging from $200 to $500, the potential for steady income can quickly outweigh the initial investment. Whether you opt for traditional notarization or expand your business through online platforms, careful planning and the use of modern tools can enhance both your service offerings and your earnings.

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