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Why becoming a Notary is the ultimate side gig

Updated 1-13-22. Whether you’re looking for a way to work from home or a part-time job to get you out of the house, you should consider becoming a Notary first.

A Notary commission can open the door to more than a dozen additional money-making opportunities. Being a Notary shows that you have integrity and it establishes a level of trust that gives you a leg up on your competition — even if you’re not directly using your commission for every freelance job that comes your way.

Here’s a list of 14 side gigs where your Notary skills will help you succeed.

Work-from-home jobs for Notaries

Virtual Assistant: Offer virtual assistant services as an independent contractor or apply with a virtual assistant company for work-at-home jobs. Your clients may need administrative support, creative services or technical support and you’ll be able to provide it from the comfort of your couch. Virtual assistants take on a wide range of tasks from data entry, transcriptions and proofreading to event planning, online research and website maintenance projects.

Authorized Representative: Market yourself as a dependable resource for businesses that use authorized representatives to verify employment eligibility for their remote workers.

As an authorized representative, you’ll certify that the employee presented appropriate ID and complete the Form I-9 on behalf of their employer. Even U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services thinks Notaries are a good fit for the authorized representative role. (The California Secretary of State's office has said that California Notaries who are not qualified and bonded as immigration consultants may not complete or make the certification on Form I-9, even in a non-notarial capacity. The Secretary’s office considers Form I-9 to be an immigration form.) 

Fingerprinting Service Provider: Learn how to take fingerprints using Live Scan technology. For stay-at-home jobs like this one, you’ll need a computer, a device to capture fingerprints electronically, a digital camera and a signature pad. Most U.S. law enforcement agencies use Live Scan for background checks. Fingerprint submissions are also required by many licensed professions including teachers, doctors, nurses and caregivers.

Bookkeeping Clerk: Brush up on your basic math skills so you can provide a variety of freelance financial services to individuals and local businesses. Bookkeeping services include recording transactions such as billing clients and entering customer receipts, as well as updating statements, checking the accuracy of financial records and overseeing payroll. While a degree isn’t required, many businesses look for bookkeepers with professional certifications.

Part-time jobs away from home

Administrative Assistant: Tap into your communication, general office and organizational skills as an administrative assistant. Busy executives always seem to need another pair of hands to take care of their routine clerical tasks like scheduling meetings, filing, data entry, and possibly getting business documents notarized. In that case, your Notary commission would be a valuable asset on top of your detail-oriented approach to assigned tasks.

Personal Concierge: Expand your assistant work by offering personal concierge services. Those busy executives you’re helping around the office probably have a laundry list of personal errands you can handle for them, too. Whether it’s booking reservations and travel or picking up dry cleaning and groceries, you can turn these everyday errands into opportunities to make a few extra dollars.

Mystery Shopper: Double down on your everyday errands by becoming a mystery shopper. While you’re taking care of personal concierge tasks, you may be able to report back on certain shopping experiences with companies seeking customer feedback. Like Notaries, the demand is high for mystery shoppers who are punctual, observant and detail-oriented.

Rideshare Driver: Hop in your car and join the growing network of rideshare drivers. Because you set your own driving schedule, you can make some cash during the downtime between Notary assignments. Uber and Lyft are the two most common app-based ridesharing services. And new competitors roll-in regularly, like RideAustin, a non-profit service currently being tested in Austin, Texas.

Field Inspector: Sign up to work for national field service firms. Field inspectors are used in a variety of industries to take photos and verify information like accurate addresses or real estate occupancy or that a business has its license. You can create your own field inspector starter kit with a few simple items: A smartphone with a good camera and internet access, a tape measure, a clipboard and a pen or two.

Exam Proctor: Get a background check and register as a mobile exam proctor. Proctors meet up with students who need to take tests at a location outside of their home. As a proctor, you identify the student to make sure they are who they say they are, and supervise the exam to make sure the student doesn’t cheat. This process creates a level of trust in the test results similar to the kind of trust Notaries bring to the records they notarize.

Remote Testimony Witness: Put your Notary skills to work as a remote testimony witness. Some small claims courts allow phone testimony in certain cases where a witness cannot be present — for example, people who are suffering from an illness or disability or can’t take time off work to appear. Notaries are a great fit for the remote swearing-in process because they’re appointed by the state to properly identify people, serve as impartial witnesses and administer oaths.

DNA Witness: There’s no need for lab goggles or a science degree…just your stellar identification skills and ability to be an impartial witness. DNA collection and testing is necessary in situations ranging from routine paternity issues to establishing people are biological relatives in certain immigration cases. As a DNA witness, you verify the client’s identity, witness them swab their own mouth using a DNA collection kit and mail the sample to the contracting company.

Wedding Officiant: Keep something old, new, borrowed and blue on hand for your client’s special day. As a wedding officiant, you perform the ceremony, help complete the wedding documents and file them with the right vital records division afterward. You’ll need a separate license to perform marriages in most states, but some states list it as one of a Notary’s official duties. The requirements may also vary for religious, non-denominational and civil ceremonies.

Process Server: Stop watching Law & Order and help deliver justice in real life. As a process server, you’ll deliver documents, such as subpoenas, to people involved with court-related matters. You’ll need to do some research into your state’s current laws because you may need to get a background check, file a surety bond, take a test, pay an application fee or pay for a process server license.

As always, review your state’s laws. Don’t forget to check your state, county and city rules about business licenses and operating a business out of your home or working as a freelancer. You may also want to consult an accountant about your home office setup to make sure you’re following IRS guidelines.

If you’re still on the fence, there are more reasons why you should become a Notary. As a state-appointed public official, you protect consumers by witnessing and authenticating the signing of mortgages, adoption papers and several other crucial transactions. You may find the part-time work so rewarding that you want to transition into offering full-time Notary Public services. Watch the video below or check out our free, step-by-step guide to learn how to become a Notary in your state. 

View the steps to become a Notary Public as an infographic, or download the file if you'd like to print it out.


Kat Garcia is the Senior Content Strategy Manager with the National Notary Association.

56 Comments

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briggs.cynthia@ymail.com

23 Oct 2024

How are other Notaries setting up payment options? Are they going through PayPal online or alternate number for direct payment, I cannot seem to find this answer in writing, from platforms, or from personal responses anywhere as I am trying to set up a side business.

Gwendolyn Anderson

14 Sep 2023

Hello, I'm already a notary I just want to supplement my income while I'm in college. I can't find anything to give me direct information I keep getting the runaround. One site asks for my SSN online and $400 dollars.

National Notary Association

15 Sep 2023

Hello. You can find information on the steps to become a Notary Public here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/how-to-become-a-notary-public. If you need assistance, you can contact our Customer Care team at 1-800-876-6827 and one of our representatives can assist you with the process.

Cinthya Lopez

28 Aug 2023

I’m interested in becoming an immigration paperwork specialist

National Notary Association

28 Aug 2023

Hello. What state are you commissioned in, please?

Cecilia Bautista

21 Feb 2023

Do you hire notary public from those who complete course in Calnotary.com which is from the state of CA.

National Notary Association

22 Feb 2023

Hello. The NNA is a professional association that provides education and support to Notaries. We are not a signing service or other agency retaining Notaries for assignments.

Gloria H

31 Oct 2022

I have another suggestion for your list. Our small construction company is in frequent need of notary services for permits, notices of commencement, loan documents for clients, etc. as well as someone o help assemble permit packages, get copies, pick up plans, etc. as well as doing the leg work (permit running) to get documents signed and filed as required. We pay someone we now use about $30 an hour for the time plus expenses and mileage. In a crunch, he helps with other office tasks on his own schedule while also handling his own real estate business. He earns from $200 tp $500 a week under his established PA for the work he does for us. It's the 2nd time we have found a qualified person like this. It is a service that should be marketable, even if just selling the notary service at the outset. I know many of our subcontractors and contractor neighbors need similar help. Just a thought.

James M.

25 Sep 2022

Very informative information. Who says that you can’t make a living as a Notary Public?

t907 notary pro

06 Sep 2022

excellent info!!!!!!!!!

Allison Hester

01 Mar 2022

I have been a notary public and signing agent for over 17 years. When they brought in RON (it changed the game). I love doing remote notarizations. I'm hoping to expand my business and work with more companies.

victoria.burch@cityofmobile.org

24 Feb 2022

How do I get started training to notarize loan closings etc...?

National Notary Association

28 Feb 2022

Please see here for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/signing-agent/nsa

yolanda copeland

31 Jan 2022

would like to be in immigration notary agent also and online notary .

Joanne Hill

24 Jan 2022

I am a CA Notary and Signing Agent. How can I become an exam Proctor?

National Notary Association

25 Jan 2022

Hello. Please see this article for additional information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2014/01/alternate-income-opportunity-mobile-exam-proctors

facednatest

15 Apr 2021

Thank you for sharing interesting post

Nelson Thomas-Bey

26 Feb 2021

I want to become a notary;my city/state is Wisconsin,Milwaukee.

National Notary Association

26 Feb 2021

Hello. You can find resources for becoming a Wisconsin Notary here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/wisconsin/how-to-become-wisconsin-notary

Gary Hughes

26 Aug 2019

I am a licensed notary & I have a current stamp but I dont know what to do with it

Gary Hughes

26 Aug 2019

I have an up to date Notary Stamp but dont know what to do with it. I am retired

Linnea Smith

12 Jul 2019

I've been a notary public 3yrs now I notarize all documents including I9's and immigration documents I have business cards and flyers my clientele is growing but I want the companies and law offices and residents to contact me for my services I even travel as a mobile notary for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Marie Pierre

04 Jun 2019

How do it get started I have a 5 week old baby and I'm dreading going back to work in August please contact me af this email address thank you.

National Notary Association

04 Jun 2019

Hello. You may wish to start with the information in this article: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2018/08/building-a-successful-notary-business

jeremiah zamir

15 Mar 2019

I'm eager to start working at home. I like to make money.

Tam-may

13 Feb 2019

Wow!! I am glad that I stumble across this article. There is so much to do Notaries!!!

Bridget Carson

17 Dec 2018

What about transferring my notary from AZ to MN if I move?

National Notary Association

17 Dec 2018

Hello Bridget. Unfortunately, Notary commissions are not transferable between states. You would need to resign your Arizona commission when you move and apply for a new commission in Minnesota.

Cheryl Sones

07 Dec 2018

What is a fair charge for 100 signings? I want to provide a fair service.

National Notary Association

10 Dec 2018

Hello. We are sorry but due to federal antitrust laws neither the NNA nor Notary signing agents can engage in actions to fix prices. We also can’t host discussions calling for set fees. Please see this article for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2014/10/truth-about-notary-signing-agent-fee-discussions

Leonard Brooks

06 Dec 2018

need job

Ruth Spruell

03 Sep 2018

I would like to do this

shield murray

11 May 2018

i want to become a notary

National Notary Association

11 May 2018

Hello! We'd be happy to help you. If you would like more information on the duties and role of a Notary, please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries. If you are ready to start the process of getting your commission, our Customer Care team can help you with that. You can reach them at Services@NationalNotary.org or 1-800-876-6827.

David Jackson

03 May 2018

To answer an earlier question, as a Notary in California you must be (1) ordained to serve as a Wedding Officiant, and (2) approved by your county to complete VS-123 marriage licenses. It's a VERY lucrative side gig! See http://wedding-officiants.org/product/wedding-officiant-ordination-california for more information on the process.

Linda

10 Apr 2018

I am a notary and have been for 8 plus years. I laid off from my job and really like to start a business at home. My next door neighbor and his wife have a home-based business and he has been encouraging me to use my notary to start a part-time business. Thanks for this article and all the great comments, especially the one from Michael.

Stephanie Touchstone

02 Jan 2018

I loved the comments from MIchael on 12/28/17 - Finding you niche.

Tahisha williams

01 Jan 2018

I am very much interested in becoming notary. I am in the process of doing the research now, but this sounds very interesting.

Michael

28 Dec 2017

Yes, you CAN make extra money as a Notary... BUT it is like everything else; you have to find your niche and work it! It also helps to be in the correct state. For almost ten years I was in Florida. You legally can charge up to $10 per notary, add $10 for being mobile and it's a quick $20 for minutes of work. If you're still reading this..here is how to do it right. Find the niche... Some tattoo parlors need notarized permission slips for younger clients (piercing for example). I had several places who had me speed dialed.. instead of possibly losing the client (when form was handed out with hopes they did it), the place called me, asked the client to relax and look at photos... They never lost a client, I made a quick $20 bucks. YES the bank offers free notary , BUT you have to get there (during bank hours) and you're not running your business when you're gone, you fight traffic, possibly get in an accident etc.. all while your business sits without leadership or productivity (you're standing in line at a bank) OR you call me (how much is your time worth?).. Iots of business owners had my number. Im only $20 and I come to you. Lets talk about banks... when a safety deposit box is left unpaid the banks must inventory them (Something a notary can do) and to avoid conflicts of interest..most banks will not use thier own notary... yep, they called me. Verifying VIN's is something a Florida notary can do... My card was at every place possible strictly for that purpose. AND Florida notaries can officiate weddings (at the end it's just a legal document), you can charge up to $50 for the notary part.. more for travel, providing the vows, taking photos, etc..etc.. AND those folks get $5 discount for your notary services after that. A little extra training and you can help with the papers of home buying (signing agent).. lots of money in that.. AND do all of the above on your time, when you schedule it... My company is now owned by my former partner (since I moved to Texas).. and he is doing great.. please research, find your niche, be creative, tap into EVERYTHING a notary can do in your state and you'll be amazed.

Rosa Howard

13 Dec 2017

I have a full time job but like work from home

Glenn

28 Nov 2017

I filled for my State of AZ Notary...oh about 4 weeks ago ..waiting for confirmation on my commission. then I will be taking a FREE workshop ...then study the material for the National Exam to become A Notary Certified Signing Agent. Have Escrow firms already lined up.###

Sheila

27 Sep 2017

I am in a notary prep course now in Louisiana. I an sitting for the December exam. I would love some leads getting started with Notary gigs!

Genois Sheffield

20 Sep 2017

send the amount of the registration

Beverly Dukes

19 Sep 2017

I'm interested in becoming a notoray

National Notary Association

19 Sep 2017

Hello Beverly! When you are ready to start, please feel free to contact our Customer Care team at 1-800-876-6827 or services@nationalnotary.org, and one of our representatives will be happy to help guide you through the process.

Cassondra Roy

08 Sep 2017

I would love to do this I have a 7 month old baby girl and no one can watch her

Wyetha Cox

09 Aug 2017

I'm interested in being a notary

Wyetha Cox

09 Aug 2017

I am interested in becoming a notary in my state

National Notary Association

14 Aug 2017

Hello! If you need any assistance with getting started, our Customer Care team can help you at 1-800-876-6827.

ROOSEVELT D THIGPEN

05 Aug 2017

Hello, I reside in the Atlanta South area and would like to provide Notary service on a part time basis. I would love to hear how I could pursue this endeavor. Please advise. Thank you for your time.

Eva Louise Brodie

02 Aug 2017

I would like to learn more about becoming a DNA witness.

Carrol A. Wilson

31 Jul 2017

I am a Notary and have been one for a number of years. I would to pursue the work opportunities that are listed above. Can you recommend how I may get started again and where I may receive update and acquire recommendation/referrals of places who may need my services? I'm a retired teacher...l my commission is kept updated. Thanks!

Cathy KEEN

27 Jul 2017

Being a notary in the past , I enjoyed the work I did. It was always nice to meet new people.I would love to do this again.

Cathy KEEN

27 Jul 2017

I have been a notary before, I have closed many loans, mortgages, I-9 documents, and have banking back ground in closing loans.

Andrea Leach

07 Jul 2017

I would love to do this .. I am a stay at home mom now. I have a 1 yr old and a another one on the way.

Patrick Grogan

18 Jun 2017

I want to do this

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