When you first hear “notary public,” it kinda sounds like some old-school, courthouse-adjacent job, right? But it turns out, it’s one of those sleeper hustles with way more potential than you’d think—if you approach it the right way.
So, what even is a notary?
A notary public is basically someone who verifies people’s identities and watches them sign important documents. Wills, contracts, loans, you name it. You’re acting as a witness, making sure nobody’s being shady, and the document is legit. Every state has its own rules, but the general idea’s the same. You’re a legally recognized official, which sounds a little intense but really isn’t hard to pull off. If you want a deeper dive into the technical definition, here’s the Wikipedia breakdown.
Getting certified is way easier than you think
Most states keep it pretty chill. You fill out an application, pay a fee, maybe take a super simple training or test (if they even require it), and boom—you’re certified. You might need a background check, maybe a couple references, but it’s not this whole long thing like becoming a realtor or something. And what’s cool is there’s no quota. You don’t have to notarize 20 documents a month to keep your title. You could literally get certified, do nothing with it for a year, then suddenly start a side gig when the timing feels right.
People even become notaries just to have it on their resume or to be the “go-to person” in their family or office when someone needs something signed. It’s that flexible. But if you’re trying to make actual money with it, that’s where the real talk comes in.
The money’s not in the stamps—it’s in the hustle
Basic notary work? Usually low pay. Like, really low. We’re talking $5 to $15 per signature kind of low. And banks or credit unions? A lot of them do this for free as a courtesy to their customers. That means you’re not exactly in high demand if you’re just offering bare-bones services and waiting around for the phone to ring.
But once you throw in mobile notary services or level up to a loan signing agent, now we’re talking real income. This is where folks start pulling in $75, $150, sometimes $200 per appointment. Sounds better, right?
If that kind of flexibility and income potential gets your wheels turning, you’re probably the type who’d also appreciate this breakdown of how one guy made $21K with random side hustles. Same mindset, just a different path.
So what’s a mobile notary?
Instead of waiting around for someone to come to you, you take the show on the road. You drive to people’s homes, meet them at coffee shops, show up at hospitals—wherever they need something signed. People will pay for that kind of convenience, especially if they need it done at odd hours.
That’s the key, by the way. A lot of people need stuff notarized after work hours or on weekends. If you’re the one who says “yeah, I’m available,” when everyone else is closed? You’re getting that gig.
Now, loan signing agents take it even further. This is all about real estate—mortgage documents, refinancing, closings. It’s more paperwork, and you’ll definitely want extra training, maybe a course or two. Some states require certification; others just recommend it. And you’ll want Errors and Omissions insurance too (just in case you mess something up—because nobody wants to be sued over a signature).
But if you can handle the pressure, pay attention to detail, and show up professionally? You’re golden. These gigs can pay up to a couple hundred bucks a pop. And they’re usually more consistent if you connect with local escrow companies, title offices, or loan officers.
This isn’t just a gig—it’s a business
Here’s where a lot of people mess up. They treat it like a casual little errand job. But the folks who really make money? They’re running it like a business. That means creating a local Google Business profile, getting your name on notary platforms, printing business cards, telling your network, and maybe even getting your own site.
And if you’re someone who thrives when you’re organized and focused, you might like this piece on how checklists can seriously level up your side hustle game. Because this line of work has a lot of little steps that are easy to miss when you’re rushing.
Marketing yourself matters big time here. You can’t just exist—you have to be findable. Post in local Facebook groups. Tell your friends. Add “Notary Public” to your LinkedIn and social bios. People need to know you’re out there.
Specialize to stand out
Another smart move? Pick a niche. Maybe you’re in a city with lots of immigrants—you could become the go-to notary for Spanish-speaking clients. Maybe you live near a military base or a retirement community—tailor your services for those folks. Being “the one who does everything” is cool, but being “the one who’s amazing at this one thing”? That’s how you build a rep.
Some notaries also bundle in extra services—like fingerprinting, wedding officiating, courier stuff. Those all fall under the same general umbrella and can help you create multiple income streams. This idea of stacking little revenue tricks isn’t new—we’ve talked about it before in our post on turning your phone into a money machine. It’s all about plugging in extra value wherever you can.
And heads up: not all appointments are going to be cute and comfy. One notary in our research said they had to do a signing inside a psych ward. You read that right. That’s the kind of “anything can happen” vibe this side hustle brings, especially if you’re mobile.
Reality check: the market’s getting tighter
Since the real estate boom, a ton of people jumped into this hustle. Loan signings were everywhere, rates were good, and notaries were cashing in left and right. But things have cooled off a bit. Loan volume dropped. Rates dipped. There’s more competition now. So yeah, this isn’t the easy money parade it used to be.
But that doesn’t mean it’s a dead end. It just means you’ve got to work smarter, think creatively, and possibly diversify your services. And if you’re wondering how to juggle all this while building your confidence and staying consistent, this article on tiny habits for side hustlers might help you build momentum.
What makes you different?
Last thing to think about: what do you bring to the table? Got a background in real estate? Use it. Are you a natural at marketing? Great, now market yourself. Speak a second language? Boom—instant edge. Your personal skills and quirks can absolutely help shape your notary brand. That’s how you go from “just another mobile notary” to someone people actually remember, trust, and call again.
So yeah, this side hustle isn’t just about knowing where to sign and when to stamp. It’s about being creative, flexible, reliable—and turning a simple certification into something way bigger.
And who knows? If you really dig in, build your network, and start layering in some of your unique skills, this might just become more than a side hustle. It could be your thing.
Wanna give it a shot? Start with the requirements in your state. Take a basic course. Look into loan signing if you’re up for it. And start thinking like a business owner. You’ve got this.
