Benefits of Becoming a Notary

Benefits of Becoming a Notary – So, you’ve been thinking about stepping into the world of notaries. Maybe you’ve heard your friend talk about it, maybe it popped up in a TikTok video, or maybe you’re just looking for a career move that offers flexibility, stability, and a chance to serve your community. Whatever brought you here, you’re in the right place.

Let’s talk, in simple terms, about the benefits of becoming a notary—what it really means, how it can change your professional life, and why more and more people are getting into this line of work. And don’t worry, we’re not going to throw stiff definitions at you or make this feel like a lecture. This is going to be more like a casual but insightful conversation over coffee.

Whether you’re looking to boost your income, start a new side hustle, or simply make yourself more valuable in your current job, becoming a notary public might just be the golden ticket you’ve been looking for.

What Is a Notary, Anyway?

Before we jump into the juicy part—the benefits—it’s good to have a basic understanding of what a notary actually does.

A notary public is a certified official appointed by a state government (or in some cases, local authority) to act as an impartial witness during the signing of important documents. Their main role is to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of signers and ensuring everyone involved is signing willingly and knowingly. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But the impact of that simple role can be huge.

Notaries are often involved in real estate transactions, legal paperwork, powers of attorney, loan documents, and even immigration forms. So basically, wherever important legal documents are involved, a notary is probably in the picture.

Now let’s get into the good stuff—the benefits of becoming a notary that make it such an appealing option for so many people.

A Boost to Your Resume and Career

One of the biggest perks of becoming a notary is how it instantly adds value to your professional profile. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in—being a notary is a useful skill that employers appreciate.

If you work in banking, real estate, insurance, legal services, or even healthcare, having notary credentials can make you stand out. Employers often need documents notarized as part of their daily operations. Having someone in-house who can handle that saves time and money. That someone could be you.

And let’s be real—anything that gives you an edge on a job application or makes you more useful to your boss is a win.

Additional Source of Income

Here’s one of the biggest draws for a lot of people: money.

Becoming a notary opens the door to a reliable and often lucrative side hustle. You can charge fees for each notarization you perform. Depending on your state, this could range from $5 to $25 per signature—or more if you’re a mobile notary who travels to clients.

Let’s say you notarize just 10 documents in a week, and you charge $10 each. That’s an extra $100 a week. Multiply that by 52 weeks in a year, and you’re looking at $5,200 in supplemental income—just for a few hours of work. And that’s being conservative.

Mobile notaries or notary signing agents (who work on mortgage closings) can earn significantly more—sometimes $75 to $200 per appointment. Not bad, right?

Flexibility and Independence

This is another major perk, especially for those who value freedom in their work life.

When you become a notary, you have the flexibility to work when and where you want. Want to notarize documents in the evening after your 9-to-5? You can do that. Prefer working weekends only? That’s totally up to you.

This makes being a notary a perfect side gig for students, stay-at-home parents, retirees, or anyone looking to earn extra income without being locked into a rigid schedule. Plus, you can set your own rates within state limits and build a client base that fits your lifestyle.

Low Startup Costs

Most businesses or side hustles come with a long list of expenses—think equipment, rent, licenses, inventory, advertising. But becoming a notary? The startup costs are surprisingly low.

In most states, you’re looking at somewhere between $100 and $300 to get started. That includes your application fee, required training or exam, a notary seal, journal, and maybe a bond (which some states require). Compare that to the cost of starting almost any other business, and it’s clear why so many people choose this path.

It’s one of the few gigs where you can break even or even turn a profit in your first month if you hustle a little.

Opportunity to Help Others

Let’s not forget the human side of this job.

As a notary, you’re helping people with important moments in their lives—buying a home, preparing a will, granting power of attorney, starting a business. These aren’t just pieces of paper; they’re major milestones. And you get to be part of that.

You’re not just stamping and signing—you’re making things official, and that matters.

For some, this is the most rewarding part of being a notary. Especially in underserved communities where access to notarial services might be limited, being available and affordable can truly make a difference.

Gateway to Becoming a Notary Signing Agent

Once you’re a notary, you can level up and become a Notary Signing Agent (NSA). This is a specialist role that involves handling loan closings for the real estate and mortgage industries.

NSAs are in high demand, especially with the continued growth in real estate transactions and refinancing. The pay is also higher—many signing agents report earning anywhere from $75 to $200 per appointment. And some full-time agents are pulling in over $50,000 a year.

It does require additional training and certification, usually from organizations like the National Notary Association, but the investment is minimal compared to the potential return.

You’re Always in Demand

Notarizations aren’t going away. In fact, in a world where identity theft and fraud are growing concerns, the role of a notary is more relevant than ever.

From banks and hospitals to law firms and real estate offices, notaries are needed in practically every sector. Even individuals frequently need documents notarized for things like affidavits, travel forms for minors, or financial agreements.

That kind of consistent demand gives you job security and a steady stream of opportunities.

According to a 2023 report by IBISWorld, the notary industry in the U.S. has remained stable with slow but steady growth, and there are more than 4.4 million notaries across the country. That means it’s a big space, but also a thriving one with room for more professionals who bring reliability and a good reputation to the table.

Builds Community Connections

If you enjoy meeting people and being involved in your community, being a notary can be surprisingly social.

You’ll often interact with local business owners, families, legal professionals, and neighbors. People start recognizing you and referring you to others. Over time, you build relationships and trust—which not only feels good but also grows your client base.

Whether you’re volunteering notary services at community centers or attending networking events as a mobile notary, you become part of the fabric of your local area.

It’s a Credential That Carries Weight

Being a notary shows that you’re trustworthy, responsible, and detailed-oriented. It’s a position of public trust—and it can say a lot about your character to employers, clients, and peers.

That kind of credibility can open doors in other areas of your professional life. It might lead to new business ventures, job promotions, or collaborations. People respect notaries, and when you carry yourself with professionalism, it reflects well on everything else you do.

Continuing Education Keeps You Sharp

This one might sound a little nerdy, but stick with me.

To maintain your commission, some states require continuing education or periodic renewals. This keeps you updated on laws, best practices, and industry trends. In other words, it keeps your brain active and your skills relevant.

You’re not just sitting stagnant—you’re staying engaged and improving your knowledge. And that’s always a plus, no matter what career path you’re on.

Notarization Is Going Digital

Here’s where it gets exciting for the tech-savvy crowd.

Thanks to new legislation and secure platforms, Remote Online Notarization (RON) is becoming more widespread. This allows notaries to perform their duties online through video calls and digital signatures.

It opens up even more flexibility—you could be notarizing documents for clients across the state while sitting in your pajamas at home. States like Florida, Texas, and Virginia have already adopted this, and others are following suit.

If you’re an early adopter, now is a great time to jump in and ride the wave of digital notarization. It’s the future of the industry, and getting involved now positions you as a forward-thinking professional.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, becoming a notary is one of those rare decisions that offers a whole mix of benefits—personal, professional, and financial. It’s affordable, accessible, and incredibly versatile.

You can use it to beef up your resume, launch a side hustle, grow your network, or even build a full-time business. You can do it in your spare time or turn it into a career. You can help people and earn money while doing it.

And in a world that’s always changing, that kind of flexibility and security is worth a lot.

If you’ve been on the fence, now might be the perfect time to take that step. The process is simpler than you might think, the investment is low, and the return can be pretty amazing. Whether you’re just curious or already half-decided, hopefully, this deep dive into the benefits of becoming a notary gives you the nudge you need.

Because honestly? It’s not just a job. It’s a powerful way to add value—to your life, your career, and your community.

And who wouldn’t want that?