Notary publics make money primarily through the fees they charge for their services. Here are several ways in which notaries generate income:
1. Notarization Fees: Notaries can charge clients a fee for each document they notarize. This fee varies by state and can range from a few dollars to significantly more, depending on the complexity of the documents and the notary’s location.
2. Travel Fees: If a notary is required to travel to meet clients, they may charge a travel fee in addition to the notarization fee. This is common for mobile notaries who go to clients’ homes, offices, or other locations.
3. Mobile Notary Services: Many notaries operate as mobile notaries, providing services at the client’s location. This can attract clients who need convenience, and they may charge higher fees for this convenience.
4. Loan Signing Services: Notaries can specialize in loan signings, where they facilitate the signing of mortgage documents. Loan signing agents often earn higher fees due to the complexity of these transactions and the additional responsibilities involved.
5. Document Preparation: Some notaries offer document preparation services in addition to notarization. They can charge for helping clients fill out forms correctly before notarization.
6. Workshops and Training: Experienced notaries may offer workshops or training sessions for new notaries, teaching them about the profession and how to build a successful business.
7. Online Notary Services: With the rise of technology, some notaries offer online notarization services, allowing clients to have documents notarized remotely. This service can often command higher fees due to its convenience.
8. Additional Services: Notaries may also provide related services, such as witness services, document retrieval, or translation services, further diversifying their income streams.
By combining these various income sources, notary publics can create a sustainable business model that suits their skills and market demand.
