Earnings Potential of Notary Services in 2024

About two years ago, I found myself exploring a new way to make money with flexibility and independence. After needing a business document notarized online, I realized how convenient and straightforward the process was. That experience with remote online notarization (RON) sparked an idea: Could this become a profitable side business for me? After digging into the world of notary services, I discovered that both mobile notary work and becoming a loan signing agent offered great potential. Today, I’m the proud owner of Capital City Virtual Notary, LLC, and I’m here to share my journey with you.

In this post, I’ll break down how I became a notary public in Maryland, what it takes to become a loan signing agent, the income potential for different notary services in 2024, and how much notaries in Maryland can legally charge for general notary work.

Starting with Research and Education

Once I decided to explore the notary business, I quickly learned that getting the proper education and certifications was key. That’s when I turned to the National Notary Association (NNA) and the American Association of Notaries (AAN)—two organizations that provide a wealth of resources, from notary basics to advanced certifications like loan signing.

I also wanted to understand the requirements to become a loan signing agent in Maryland. While Maryland doesn’t require a specific license for loan signing agents, getting certified is a smart way to stand out. I completed the NNA Loan Signing Certification, which gave me the knowledge and confidence to handle more complex loan documents like mortgages. Certification isn’t mandatory in Maryland, but it’s a great way to open doors to more lucrative jobs.

Becoming a Notary Public in Maryland: What You Need to Know

Getting your notary commission in Maryland is relatively easy, but there are some important steps you need to follow. If you’re at least 18 years old and either a resident of Maryland or employed there, you’re eligible to apply. Here’s the process:

Submit an Application: You’ll apply through the Maryland Secretary of State’s website. The fee is $9 for a four-year commission.
Approval by the State Senate: After your application is reviewed, it must be approved by the Maryland State Senate.
Take the Oath of Office: Once your application is approved, you’ll need to go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in your county to take the oath. There’s also an $11 fee for the commission certificate.
Get Your Notary Seal: After you’re commissioned, you’ll need to purchase a notary seal to use when performing notarizations.

The whole process usually takes about four to six weeks to complete, according to the NNA (National Notary Association, 2023).

General Notary Work: How Much Can You Charge in Maryland?

In Maryland, notaries are allowed to charge up to $4 per notarial act for standard notarizations like acknowledgments, jurats, and verifications. However, if you’re providing mobile notary services, you can charge additional fees for travel. Depending on how far you travel, mobile notaries in Maryland can charge an extra $25 to $50 per appointment, making mobile notarizations more profitable than standard ones done in your office or home (Maryland Secretary of State, 2023). These travel fees are negotiable, and clients often don’t mind paying a premium for the convenience of having a notary come to them.

Becoming a Loan Signing Agent in Maryland

If you want to take your notary business a step further, becoming a loan signing agent is a great option. Although Maryland doesn’t have strict licensing requirements, here’s how you can position yourself as a successful loan signing agent:

Become a Commissioned Notary: First, you’ll need to be a commissioned notary public.
Get Certified: The NNA Loan Signing Certification is highly recommended, even though it’s not mandatory. It gives you the knowledge needed to navigate complex real estate documents.
Secure E&O Insurance: Most loan signing agents have at least $25,000 in Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance to protect against potential mistakes.
Complete a Background Check: Many title companies require loan signing agents to pass a background check.
Market Your Services: To land loan signings, you’ll need to actively market yourself to title companies, real estate firms, and lenders. Networking and visibility are key to securing steady work.

Income Potential: As of 2024, loan signing agents in Maryland can earn between $75 and $200 per signing, depending on the complexity and location. With consistent work, experienced agents can bring in $5,000 to $7,000 per month, with some earning six figures annually if they handle multiple signings per day (National Notary Association, 2023).

Diversifying Your Notary Services

What’s great about being a notary public is that you can offer more than just general notarizations. Here are the key services I provide through Capital City Virtual Notary, LLC, along with their income potential in 2024:

Remote Online Notarizations (RON): RON allows you to notarize documents remotely via secure video technology. In 2024, notaries can earn between $25 and $75 per notarization with RON. With enough volume, it’s possible to generate $5,000 to $10,000 per month from RON services alone (Statista, 2023).
Mobile Notarizations: Mobile notaries travel to clients, providing the added convenience of in-person notarization at the client’s location. Mobile notaries can charge $75 to $150 per appointment, with monthly earnings ranging from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on travel distance and document complexity (Notary Rotary, 2023).
Wedding Officiating: Did you know notaries can officiate weddings in some states? As a wedding officiant, you can charge $150 to $500 per ceremony, depending on your level of involvement and location. It’s a fun way to diversify your services.
Mobile Ink Fingerprinting: Notaries can also offer mobile ink fingerprinting for background checks and professional licensing. This service typically earns notaries $50 to $100 per session, making it another reliable revenue stream.
Field Inspections: Field inspections involve visiting properties to verify conditions or take photos on behalf of clients, often for insurance or mortgage companies. As a 1099 contractor, you can earn $30 to $75 per inspection, and with regular contracts, notaries offering field inspections can make $4,000 to $8,000 per month (Society of Field Inspectors, 2023).

Building Your Notary Business: Networking and Marketing

Growing your notary business requires strong networking and marketing skills. After I became a notary, I built a website to market Capital City Virtual Notary, LLC and listed all the services I offer. I also joined directories like those provided by SOFI (Society of Field Inspectors) and the NNA, which made it easier for clients to find me.

Networking with local businesses—especially real estate agents, title companies, and law firms—has been key to landing repeat clients. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook also help spread the word about my services. The more visible you are, the more clients will come to you.

Why Notary Work is a Great Business in 2024

The world of notary services is evolving rapidly, and there’s never been a better time to jump in—especially with the rise of mobile notary and remote online notarization (RON) services. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or hoping to transition to a full-time, flexible career, a notary business in 2024 offers exciting opportunities. Here’s why this business model works so well in today’s landscape.

1. Flexibility and Independence

One of the most appealing aspects of running a mobile or remote notary business is the flexibility it provides. As a notary, you have control over your schedule and how much you work. Whether you want to take on a handful of clients per week or turn it into a full-time gig, the choice is yours. In 2024, more people are seeking careers that allow for work-life balance, and the notary business fits that bill perfectly.

With mobile notary services, you’re not tied to a desk—you travel to clients at their convenience, which can be especially appealing to those who need flexibility. As a remote notary, you can perform notarizations from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to offer services across broader geographic areas and even from the comfort of your own home. This is a huge advantage for anyone seeking a work-from-home business model.

2. Increased Demand for Notary Services

With the rise of remote work, the hopeful real estate boom, and increasing reliance on digital transactions, the demand for notary services has skyrocketed. Remote online notarization (RON), in particular, is seeing rapid growth as more industries and individuals embrace digital solutions. According to Statista, the global market for digital notarization is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% through 2027 (Statista, 2023).

This growth is largely driven by industries like real estate, finance, and legal services, which require notaries for important transactions such as closing real estate deals, executing mortgage documents, and notarizing legal contracts. As more businesses and individuals become comfortable with online platforms, the demand for RON services is expected to keep growing—making it a great business opportunity for notaries in 2024.

3. Low Startup Costs

Compared to many other businesses, starting a mobile or remote notary business requires minimal upfront investment. For a standard notary business, your initial expenses will include getting your notary commission, purchasing a notary seal, and possibly investing in a reliable printer and scanner. If you’re looking to offer remote online notarizations, you’ll need to invest in secure online platforms, such as DocuSign or Notarize, but these costs are generally reasonable and can be recouped quickly as your business grows.

In addition to low startup costs, the ongoing costs of running a notary business are also relatively low. You don’t need a storefront or expensive equipment, and many services (like remote notarizations) don’t require travel, which means fewer overhead expenses. With a high earning potential, this makes for a profitable and low-risk business opportunity.

4. High Earning Potential

Mobile and remote notary services offer diverse income streams with high earning potential, depending on your location, the services you offer, and how much time you put in. Here’s a breakdown of potential earnings in 2024:

Mobile Notarizations: Depending on the type of documents notarized and your location, mobile notaries can charge between $75 and $150 per appointment, plus travel fees (Notary Rotary, 2023). With a few appointments per day, a mobile notary can easily earn $3,000 to $7,000 per month.
Remote Online Notarizations (RON): The convenience of RON allows you to handle multiple clients in a short period, often charging $25 to $75 per notarization. With the potential to serve clients nationwide, a notary could make $5,000 to $10,000 per month or more, depending on demand (Statista, 2023).
Loan Signings: Loan signing agents are in high demand due to the ongoing need for real estate transactions. These notaries can charge $75 to $200 per signing, with experienced agents often earning $5,000 to $7,000 per month (National Notary Association, 2023).

The earning potential is further boosted by the fact that many clients are willing to pay premium prices for the convenience of mobile and remote services. In some cases, a mobile notary can charge additional fees for travel, after-hours appointments, or rush services—further increasing the profitability of each appointment.

5. Diverse Service Offerings

Notary work isn’t limited to just notarizing documents. By expanding your service offerings, you can tap into multiple income streams. For example, you can offer:

Mobile Notarizations: Meet clients where they are, offering notarization services at homes, offices, hospitals, and more.
Remote Online Notarizations (RON): Perform notarizations entirely online using secure platforms, reaching clients across a broader region.
Loan Signing Services: Specialize in real estate transactions, helping borrowers execute mortgage and loan documents.
Wedding Officiating: In some states, notaries are authorized to officiate weddings. You can charge between $150 and $500 per ceremony, depending on your involvement.
Field Inspections: Visit properties to document conditions for insurance or mortgage companies. Field inspections can earn you $30 to $75 per inspection, with the potential to make $4,000 to $8,000 per month (Society of Field Inspectors, 2023).

This flexibility in service offerings allows you to tailor your business to your skills and interests while increasing your income potential.

6. Convenient, Tech-Driven Solutions

2024 is an exciting time for the notary industry because of how technology has made the process easier, faster, and more convenient for both notaries and their clients. The rise of remote online notarization has completely transformed how notaries do business. Instead of being confined to local, in-person appointments, notaries can now serve clients across the country.

Using secure, verified platforms, notaries can authenticate, sign, and notarize documents remotely. This tech-driven approach is not only convenient for clients but also allows notaries to handle a high volume of notarizations in a short period, maximizing earning potential. With more industries adopting these digital solutions, remote online notarization is set to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of the notary business in 2024.

7. Meeting an Ongoing Legal and Financial Need

Notaries serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important legal documents, making their services essential for a range of industries, including real estate, finance, healthcare, and legal services. This means the demand for notaries is consistent, regardless of economic trends. Even during economic downturns, people need notarizations for real estate transactions, wills, power of attorney documents, and more.

In fact, as legal and financial transactions increasingly move online, the need for trusted, certified notaries who can work in both a mobile and online capacity is only expected to rise. This makes it a recession-proof business that offers long-term stability and growth potential if you diversify your services.

Final Thoughts

Starting Capital City Virtual Notary, LLC has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and it’s a business that offers both flexibility and financial potential. If you’re thinking about starting your own notary business, I encourage you to do your research, get certified, and network relentlessly. The demand for notary services is only growing, and with a bit of effort, you can build a profitable and flexible business in 2024.

The mobile and remote notary business offers a unique combination of flexibility, low startup costs, high demand, and strong earning potential—making it a fantastic business opportunity in 2024. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or build a full-time career, the notary industry is evolving and ripe with opportunities for growth.

With technology expanding the reach of notary services and more clients seeking convenience, now is the perfect time to start or grow your mobile or remote notary business. By diversifying your offerings, staying on top of market trends, and leveraging the latest technologies, you can build a successful, profitable business in the year ahead.

Citations:

Maryland Secretary of State. (2023). Notary Public Fees. https://sos.maryland.gov/

National Notary Association. (2023). How much can a loan signing agent earn? National Notary Association. https://www.nationalnotary.org/

Society of Field Inspectors. (2023). Field inspection income guide. https://www.sofi.us/

Statista. (2023). Growth of remote online notarization services. https://www.statista.com/

Notary Rotary. (2023). Mobile Notary Earnings Guide. https://www.notaryrotary.com

Melanated Mogul