There’s a new side hustle spreading across the nation. And it has our stamp of approval: a mobile notary business. A mobile notary is a super convenient spin on the traditional notary public. You can earn a lot of money by offering notarization services to your clients’ doorsteps.
How?
We’re glad you asked! We teach you everything you need to know about making money as a mobile notary.
What is a mobile notary?
Notaries act as a witness to the signing of legal documents like wills, mortgage agreements, or property deeds. You verify their identity and signature and make sure everyone is following the rules of the agreement.
Notaries used to be strictly in-house roles. You could find a job at your local post office or university. But, thankfully, times have changed. Now you can start your own mobile notary business, where you travel from place to place to perform notarization services.
A mobile notary works as an independent contractor. You’re the boss, which means you have more flexibility with your schedule and the freedom to set your rates as long as you abide by state regulations. Of course, you’re also stuck figuring out your taxes on your own, but it’s worth it!
Also, there’s a difference between a mobile notary and a remote notary. (But you can offer both services). Mobile notaries travel to perform their services, while remote notaries affirm documents online. Online notarization isn’t legal in every state, so check your local laws.
How much money can you make as a mobile notary?
Typically, a mobile notary business is a side hustle. More and more people are leveraging their notary public commission as a full-time gig. But can you build a liveable wage as a full-time mobile notary?
It may depend on where you live. Some states have price caps for both regular and mobile notaries. For example, in Florida, notaries can charge $10 at most for signatures, oaths, and other services. Or, $30 for weddings.
But, mobile notaries can make a premium from travel fees. Clients are busy. They don’t want to sit in traffic and stand in line just to sign a document. So, they’re willing to pay for the convenience of a notary at their doorstep. Some mobile notaries track their mileage and add a fee as a percentage.
Some mobile notaries report earning $75 – $200 per appointment. On average full-time mobile notaries earn $2000 a month. But a small group earns over $7500 a month.
Also, you can level up your skills and earn more business, as a loan signing agent. These are notaries with specific training to handle loan documents. However, some states require an attorney to handle loan closing documents, so check your local laws!
How To Make Money as a Mobile Notary
It’s easy to get started as a mobile notary. In general, you must fulfill the same state requirements as a regular notary. And, of course, you need reliable transportation.
Here’s how to become a high-earning mobile notary.
#1 Complete Training
Training is especially important for a mobile notary. Your services can create serious legal trouble for you and your clients if not performed correctly. You must be able to read legal documents, verify identities and sniff out fakes.
If you fail to perform your duties correctly, you could be fined and have your license or commission revoked. On top of fees, you can be held liable for negligence or fraud, potentially leading to criminal charges.
Your state might provide an online notary training course on its website. And there are likely courses or mentorship programs for aspiring mobile notaries in your area.
#2 Obtain a License or Commission
To get moving on your mobile notary business, you have to obtain a license or commission. License and commission requirements depend on where you live In general, to get your notary license, you must:
- Be a resident in or own a place of business in the state you operate
- Be at least 18
- Read and write in English
- Pass a background check
- Pass a state-approved exam
- Pay for application and other fees
#3 Bond and Insurance
As a mobile notary, you must have razor-sharp attention to detail. And you may be required to keep a notary journal as a record of your appointments. Even so, accidents happen.
That’s why you should also purchase errors and omissions insurance (E&O) for your mobile notary business. Errors and omissions insurance protects your business if a client claims you were negligent while performing your duties. It helps you pay for legal fees if they sue. It’s also known as professional liability insurance.
Also, most states require notaries to obtain a bond to revive their license or commission. A surety bond protects your clients from misconduct or negligence. E&O protects you. For example, in Florida, notaries are required to get a $7500 bond. And in Michigan, you’re required to get a $10,000 surety bond to become a notary public. Surety bonds usually cost $50-$100.
#4 Find Business Partners
Mobile notary services are typically one-and-done. So, you won’t get lots of repeat clients as a mobile notary. That’s why you might partner with other businesses that often need notary services for their clients, like escrow companies.
Network with real estate agents, mortgage companies, car dealerships, apartment complexes, or even community colleges that have a high demand for notarization services. They may not have the time or resources to hire an in-house notary. So they can send some referrals your way.
#5 Create a Marketing Plan
To attract clients as a mobile notary, you need a solid marketing strategy. Mobile notaries really took off during quarantine. Still, many people may not know they have this option. Your goal is to make potential clients aware of your services
It’s important to have an active online presence. It gets more eyes on your services and builds trust with potential clients. You can create a dedicated website and embed a booking link on the page.
Or, grow your business on social media. Mobile notaries are blowing up on sites like TikTok and Instagram. People are curious about this relatively new side hustle. With the right platform and creative content, you’re sure to attract some new clients.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered!
With proper training, a license, and a plan, you’re almost ready to hit the road as a mobile notary. But there’s one final step: Mobile notaries need booking software to manage appointments and track income.
PocketSuite can help with that! We’re an all-in-one app to run your service business. You can schedule clients, send contracts and collect payments in one app.
