Why Stay-at-Home Moms Should Consider Becoming Notaries

If you are a stay-at-home mom looking for flexible income, becoming a notary public is worth considering. You set your own schedule, the startup costs are low, and you can work around school drop-offs and nap times. Here is how it works.

Why Notary Work Fits a Mom’s Schedule

• Flexible hours: You take appointments when you are available. No shifts, no boss setting your schedule. Morning appointments while kids are at school, evening appointments when your partner is home.
• Work from home (mostly): Mobile notaries travel to clients, but you can also offer notarizations from your home office. Many notaries do a mix of both.
• Low startup cost: About $200 to $400 total for the course, exam, bond, and supplies. Compare that to a real estate license ($1,000+) or a college course. See our breakdown of how much it costs.
• Quick to get started: 6 to 12 weeks from course to commission. Our 6-hour course can be done in a single day from home.

What Notaries Do

A notary verifies identity, witnesses signatures, and administers oaths. Each notarization takes 5 to 15 minutes. You charge $15 per signature in California, the state maximum. If you do mobile notary work, you also charge a travel fee ($25 to $75). A single mobile appointment with 3 signatures and a travel fee earns you $70. See how much a notary costs for details.

Two Paths: General Notary or Signing Agent

General notary work means notarizing documents for individuals. Things like power of attorney forms, affidavits, and school permission slips. You can do this from home or as a mobile notary. Income is modest but steady: $15 to $70 per appointment.

Loan signing agent means handling real estate closings. This pays $75 to $200 per appointment and requires additional training. A signing agent who does 5 loan closings per week at $125 each earns about $2,500 per month. Notary Training School offers a signing agent course. This is the path most likely to generate serious income. Most signings happen during business hours, but refinances and some purchases can be scheduled for evenings.

Building Your Client Base

Getting your first few clients is the hardest part. Here is what works:

• Google Business Profile. Free to set up. When someone searches “notary near me” in your zip code, your listing shows up. Add your hours, services, and a photo of your seal.
• Nextdoor. Post in your neighborhood that you are a commissioned notary. People need notarizations for school forms, power of attorney, and vehicle title transfers. These are your neighbors. They will call you first.
• Local businesses. Drop flyers or business cards at shipping stores, insurance offices, and apartment complexes. These businesses regularly need notarizations and would rather call someone nearby than send clients to a bank.
• Signing agent platforms. Once you complete signing agent training, register with companies like NotaryCam, Snapdocs, or SigningOrder. They send you loan signing assignments based on your location.

Getting Started

1. Check eligibility. You must be 18, a California resident, and pass a background check.
2. Complete a state-approved 6-hour course. Ours is available online and can be done in one day.
3. Pass the state exam (45 questions, 30 correct to pass).
4. Complete Live Scan fingerprinting.
5. Purchase your $15,000 bond and supplies (seal and journal).
6. File with your county clerk.

See our full guide on how to become a notary in California.

Tips for Moms Starting Out

• Start with general notary work while you build confidence and get comfortable with the process.
• Set up a Google Business Profile so people searching “notary near me” in your area find you.
• Tell your mom group, school parents, and neighbors. Word of mouth works. School enrollment forms, travel consent letters, and healthcare directives come up regularly.
• Block off specific days for mobile appointments. Tuesday and Thursday mornings work well for many moms.
• Consider evenings and weekends when your partner can watch the kids.
• If you want higher income, take the signing agent course. Loan signings pay 5 to 10 times more per appointment than general notary work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be a notary with kids at home?

Yes. Notary work is flexible. You schedule appointments around your availability. Many notaries work evenings and weekends when a partner or family member can help with childcare.

How much does it cost to become a notary?

About $200 to $400 total for the course, exam, bond, and supplies.

How long does it take?

6 to 12 weeks from starting the course to receiving your commission. See our full timeline.

Do I need to quit my day job?

No. Most notaries start part time. You can keep your current schedule and take notary appointments when it works for you.

Can I work from home?

Yes. Clients can come to you, or you can go to them as a mobile notary. Either way works.

How much can I earn as a notary?

General notary work pays $15 per signature plus travel fees. As a signing agent doing 5 closings per week at $125 each, you can earn about $2,500 per month part time.