Yes, becoming a Notary can indeed be an excellent side hustle, offering a pathway to supplemental income, professional growth, and flexible work opportunities. It's a role built on trust and integrity, providing a unique advantage in various freelance endeavors.
Why a Notary is a Strong Side Hustle Candidate
A Notary Public commission offers several compelling benefits that make it a highly viable side hustle:
- Flexibility and Autonomy: Notary work often allows you to set your own hours, making it ideal for fitting around a full-time job or other commitments. You control your availability and the number of assignments you take, providing a strong sense of work-life balance.
- Diverse Income Streams: A Notary commission opens the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities beyond basic notarizations. This diversification can significantly boost your earning potential and reduce reliance on a single type of service.
- Enhanced Credibility and Trust: Being a Notary Public signifies integrity and responsibility, as Notaries are public officials. This inherent trust can give you a significant leg up on your competition in various freelance roles, even those not directly related to notarization. Clients often prefer working with individuals who demonstrate a high level of trustworthiness and professionalism.
- Relatively Low Barrier to Entry: While there are state-specific requirements, the path to becoming a Notary Public is generally accessible without extensive prior education or specialized degrees, making it an achievable goal for many.
Opportunities and Earning Potential
Beyond the standard per-signature fees, a Notary commission can be leveraged for a range of specialized and often higher-paying services:
- Loan Signing Agent (NSA): This is one of the most lucrative avenues for Notaries, involving guiding clients through complex loan documents for mortgage refinances, purchases, and sales.
- Remote Online Notarization (RON): With the rise of digital transactions, RON allows Notaries to perform notarizations virtually, expanding their reach and convenience.
- Field Inspections: Notaries can be hired to verify property conditions, business existence, or other on-site data for various industries.
- Wedding Officiant: In many states, Notaries can also legally perform marriage ceremonies, adding another service to their portfolio.
- I-9 Employment Verification: Assisting employers with verifying the identity and employment authorization of new hires.
- Process Serving & Document Delivery: Leveraging your mobile capabilities for secure and timely handling of legal documents.
To illustrate the potential, consider this approximate breakdown of common Notary services:
| Service Type | Description | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| General Notarization | Basic signature acknowledgment, jurats, affidavits | $5 - $15 per signature (state-regulated cap) |
| Loan Signing Agent (NSA) | Guiding borrowers through mortgage documents | $75 - $200+ per signing |
| Remote Online Notarization (RON) | Virtual notarization services (requires special training/tech) | Similar to in-person, plus convenience/tech fees |
| Field Inspections | Verifying property/business details on-site | $25 - $75 per inspection |
| Wedding Officiant | Performing marriage ceremonies | $100 - $500+ per ceremony |
Note: Fees vary significantly by state, experience, and the specific services offered.
Considerations Before Starting
While a Notary side hustle offers significant advantages, it's important to be aware of the initial requirements and ongoing responsibilities:
- Initial Investment: This typically includes application fees, required training, supplies (such as a Notary journal and seal), bonding, and potentially Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance.
- State-Specific Requirements: Each state has its own unique process for commissioning Notaries, including age, residency, and background check requirements. It's crucial to research your state's specific guidelines through your Secretary of State's office or a reputable Notary organization.
- Marketing and Client Acquisition: To succeed, you'll need to actively market your services, build a professional network, and potentially list yourself on Notary directories to attract clients.
- Liability: Notaries hold a public trust and are responsible for the legality and accuracy of their notarizations. Errors can lead to significant liabilities, making robust E&O insurance highly recommended for protection.
Resources for Aspiring Notaries
For detailed information on becoming a Notary Public in your state, or to explore training and support, consider visiting reputable organizations like the National Notary Association or your state's Secretary of State website (search for your specific state's website for localized information).
Conclusion
A Notary commission can indeed be a strategic and rewarding side hustle, providing not only direct income opportunities but also enhancing your professional standing and opening doors to other freelance ventures.
