How Much Does a Notary Make? (2026 Salary Guide)

If you’re looking to become a California notary, our state-approved online course covers everything including exam prep and your certificate. Learn about the course 

Key Takeaways

• Average US notary salary: $46,800/year (W-2 roles like banks, law firms)
• California notaries average $63,928/year (ZipRecruiter)
• Loan signing agents earn $75 to $200 per appointment; some make $100K+ per year
• Self-employed mobile notaries average $60,000 to $85,000 gross revenue
• Income depends on employment type, location, hours worked, and specialization

Notaries public are part of the legal system, making sure documents are properly executed. But what does a notary actually earn? The answer depends heavily on how you work: as an employee, a side business, or a full-time signing agent. Here’s what the numbers look like.

What Affects Notary Income

• What type of work you do: witnessing signatures pays less than preparing documents, traveling to clients, and handling loan packages
• Where you work: notaries in major metro areas earn more than those in rural communities
• How many hours you put in: part-time notaries earn less than full-time, obviously
• Your experience level: experienced notaries charge more because they’ve built referral networks and know where to focus
• Employee vs. self-employed: employees have fees set by their employer; self-employed notaries set their own rates

Salary by Notary Type

The Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t break out notaries as a separate category. They get lumped in with broader administrative roles. But Indeed and ZipRecruiter both track notary-specific listings.

The median W-2 notary salary in the US runs around $46,800, according to current salary surveys. Keep in mind that number includes people whose notary commission is just one part of their job (bank tellers, loan officers, paralegals who also happen to be notaries.

In California specifically, ZipRecruiter reports the average notary salary at $63,928. This figure includes self-employed notaries and signing agents, which pulls the average above typical W-2 employee wages.

For W-2 roles where notarizing is part of a broader job (bank teller, paralegal, escrow assistant), Indeed reports salaries in the mid-$40,000 to mid-$50,000 range for California cities like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Riverside.

Loan signing agents make more

Notaries who work as loan signing agents operate on a completely different income model. Instead of a salary, they charge $75 to $200 per loan signing appointment. A signing agent who completes 5 to 10 signings per week generates serious income. See our breakdown of California notary fees for the per-signature math.

As an Employee

Many notaries work as employees where notarizing is one duty among many. Banks, law firms, title companies, and government agencies all employ notaries. The company typically reimburses you for supplies and collects the notary fees. You earn your regular salary; the notary commission is a credential that makes you more useful to the employer.

Storefront Notaries

These are the notaries at mailbox stores, tax offices, and sometimes grocery stores. The business offers notary services to draw in foot traffic. The employee doing the notarizing earns their regular wage. The notary fees go to the business. These locations typically charge the maximum allowed by state law.

As a Business Owner

If you own your own notary business, you set your own fees (within state limits). Full-time mobile notaries report gross revenue between $60,000 and $85,000, with experienced operators in dense real estate markets clearing six figures. You’ll need to purchase your own supplies and surety bond, and you should carry liability insurance. See the maximum California notary fees for the per-act caps.

Building a Notary Business

Starting a notary business takes hustle. The key is building a list of regular clients who use you consistently and treating it like a real job with set hours.

One way to get started: offer free notarizations to family and friends. Get experience, get comfortable with the process, and ask them to send referrals your way. You can also search online for companies that need mobile notaries.

The side hustle path

Many notaries don’t aim for full-time. Five-figure earnings from part-time notary work are common. Think of all the people driving for rideshare or delivery apps, becoming a notary can earn comparable money with more flexibility and less wear on your car.

Experience matters

Don’t expect big fees right away. Focus on doing good work, being reliable, and building referrals. After six to twelve months of consistent service, you should be getting referrals from previous clients on a regular basis. That’s when the income starts compounding.

Mobile notary earnings

Mobile notaries travel to clients at their home, office, or another location. They verify the signer’s identity, watch the signing, and apply their stamp. On top of the notarization fee, they charge for travel.

Common signing types include loans, refinances, HELOCs, reverse mortgages, and structured settlements.

Startup costs

Starting a mobile notary business costs less than most side hustles. You need:

• Training program: California requires a 6-hour state-approved course ($50 to $200)
• Commission application: $40 fee, plus background check and fingerprinting. See our guide on the full cost to become a notary
• Notary stamp: about $20
• Notary journal: about $20
• A bag or briefcase: for carrying supplies and documents
• Errors and Omissions insurance: optional but recommended, protects against claims
• A dual-tray laser printer and scanner: the biggest expense if you’re doing loan signings ($200 to $500)
• Paper: both letter and legal size, bought in bulk

As you can see, the total startup cost is relatively low compared to most businesses.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

This depends on your state. California currently does not allow remote online notarization (through Zoom or similar platforms). Some states do. Check with your state’s Secretary of State for current rules.

Loan Signing Agent Income

Loan signing agents are notaries with additional training in mortgage documents. They walk borrowers through the full loan package, making sure every signature, initial, and date is correct.

A signing agent typically charges $75 to $200 per transaction. Some charge less ($50), some charge more ($500+ for complex packages). The work comes from title companies, law firms, escrow officers, real estate agents, and signing services.

In California, signing agent training is not required by the state (beyond the standard notary course), but it’s necessary to actually do the work competently.

Be realistic about volume

Don’t expect 8 to 10 signings a day right away (or ever, for most agents). Account for drive time between appointments, the signing itself, scan-backs, shipping, marketing, billing, and record-keeping. All of that administrative work is real time that doesn’t earn direct income but has to happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary make in California?

The average California notary earns $63,928 per year according to ZipRecruiter. This includes W-2 employees. Self-employed signing agents can earn much more. $100K+ for agents who build strong referral networks.

Can a notary make $100,000 a year?

Yes, but not from per-signature fees alone. At $15 per notarization, you’d need to do over 6,600 notarizations a year. The path to six figures is through loan signings ($75 to $200 each) and building direct relationships with title companies.

What’s the difference between a notary and a signing agent?

A notary public performs general notarizations (affidavits, powers of attorney, etc.). A signing agent has additional training to handle mortgage and loan documents. Signing agents earn significantly more per appointment because the work is more specialized. Learn more: California Signing Agent Course.

Do mobile notaries earn more?

Generally yes, because they charge travel fees on top of the notarization fee. Travel fees aren’t regulated in California. You set your own. Most charge $25 to $75 depending on distance and time of day.

What are the cons of being a notary?

The main downsides: legal liability if you make mistakes, driving to appointments, working evenings and weekends, and having to market yourself to build a client base. Commission renewal every four years means ongoing costs and education requirements.

Related Reading

• How Much Is a Notary in California?
• How Much Does It Cost to Become a Notary?
• Is Being a Notary Worth It?
• How to Start a Notary Business
• How Notaries Get Paid in California

Updated May 2026. Salary data from ZipRecruiter and Indeed. California fee caps per Government Code § 8211.