How to Become a Notary Public: The Fastest and Cheapest License in 2026

Notary public is the #1 best ROI professional license in the United States. With total costs as low as $58 and a timeline of 1–4 weeks, it is also the fastest license you can earn. Whether you want a profitable side hustle or a full-time mobile notary business, here is everything you need to know.

What Does a Notary Public Do?

A notary public is a state-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness for the signing of important documents. Core duties include:

• Acknowledgments — Verify that a signer is who they claim to be and signed willingly
• Jurats — Administer oaths and witness sworn statements
• Copy certifications — Certify that a copy matches the original document
• Loan signings — Guide borrowers through mortgage closing documents (the biggest income opportunity)

Notaries do not provide legal advice or prepare documents. Their role is to verify identity, witness signatures, and deter fraud.

Requirements by State

Requirements vary significantly by state. Here is a snapshot of the most common states:

State	Education	Exam	Total Cost	Term Length
California	6 hours	Yes	$120–$200	4 years
Texas	6 hours	No	$80–$130	4 years
Florida	3 hours	No	$90–$150	4 years
New York	None	Yes	$58–$100	4 years
Ohio	3 hours	No	$70–$110	5 years
Georgia	None	No	$60–$100	4 years

Most states require you to be at least 18, a legal resident, and pass a background check. Some states have no education or exam requirements at all — you simply apply, pay the fee, and receive your commission.

See all 50 states: notary public requirements by state

Step-by-Step Process

1. Check your state's requirements — Visit our state guide for exact education, exam, and application details.
2. Complete pre-license education (if required) — Online courses take 3–6 hours. Cost: $20–$100.
3. Pass the state exam (if required) — Multiple-choice, typically 30–40 questions. Study time: 1–3 days.
4. Submit your application — File with your state's Secretary of State or commissioning authority. Fee: $20–$60.
5. Get your bond — Most states require a surety bond ($5,000–$25,000 face value). Your cost: $30–$100 for a 4-year term.
6. Purchase your supplies — Notary stamp/seal ($15–$40), journal ($10–$20), and ID verification guide.
7. File your oath of office and bond (if required) — With your county clerk. Fee: $0–$30.

Total timeline: 1–4 weeks from start to commissioned notary.

Earning Potential

Basic Notary Services

Standard notarizations (acknowledgments, jurats, oaths) pay modest per-signature fees set by state law:

• Most states: $2–$15 per notarial act
• Exceptions: Colorado ($5), New York ($2), California ($15)
• Mobile notary travel fee: $25–$75 per trip (not regulated in most states)

Basic notary work alone is not lucrative. The real money is in loan signings.

Notary Signing Agent (Loan Closings)

This is where notary income gets serious. Notary Signing Agents (NSAs) handle mortgage closings — guiding borrowers through 100–150 pages of loan documents. Earnings:

Source	Fee Per Signing	Notes
Signing services (SnapDocs, NotaryGadget)	$75–$125	High volume, lower pay per signing
Direct title company relationships	$125–$200	Better pay, requires relationship building
Reverse mortgage or commercial	$200–$350	Larger document packages, more complexity

Income Scenarios

Level	Signings/Week	Avg Fee	Annual Income
Part-time side hustle	3–5	$125	$19,500–$32,500
Full-time mobile notary	8–12	$150	$62,400–$93,600
Top performer (direct relationships)	12–18	$175	$109,200–$163,800

Getting Started as a Signing Agent

After you have your notary commission, take these steps to start earning from loan signings:

1. Complete a signing agent course — The NNA (National Notary Association) and Loan Signing System are the most recognized. Cost: $100–$300. Takes 4–8 hours.
2. Get certified — NNA's NSA certification or LSS certification gives you credibility with title companies and signing services.
3. Get E&O insurance — Errors & Omissions insurance ($25,000–$100,000 coverage). Cost: $100–$200/year. Required by most signing services.
4. Create profiles on signing platforms — SnapDocs, SigningOrder, NotaryCafe, and Notary.com are the major platforms. Fill out your profile completely, including your availability and coverage area.
5. Market to local title companies — Walk in with a professional packet (business card, E&O certificate, certification). Direct relationships pay 30–50% more than platforms.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

Remote Online Notarization allows notaries to perform notarizations via video call. As of 2026, most states have authorized RON. This opens up nationwide business without travel. RON platforms like Notarize, Nexsys, and SignNow connect you with signers across the country. Fees range from $25–$75 per session, but the volume can be much higher since there is no travel time.

To perform RON, you typically need:

• An active notary commission in a RON-authorized state
• RON-specific training (2–4 hours, required in most states)
• Registration with your state as a RON provider
• A computer with webcam, reliable internet, and a RON platform subscription

Growing Your Notary Business

• Build direct relationships — Title companies, escrow offices, real estate attorneys, and lenders who send you work directly pay 30–50% more than signing services
• Specialize — Reverse mortgages, commercial closings, and HELOC signings pay premium fees
• Add RON — Remote notarization lets you earn without driving. Great for filling schedule gaps
• Offer mobile general notary services — Hospitals, nursing homes, jails, and law offices need mobile notaries. Charge $50–$100 travel fees
• Tax prep integration — Bundle notary services with tax preparation during tax season for year-round income

For more side hustle options, see our best licensed careers for side hustles. To compare notary with other fast-track licenses, check fastest licenses to earn and easiest licenses in 2026.