How to Make Money as a Notary Public

Being a Notary Public has inherent responsibilities not to be taken lightly. If you decide to become a Notary Public of your state, it is not a difficult achievement. Notaries are appointed by the governor of his/her particular state. Every state will have slightly different procedures, but the duties of notaries are the same in all states.

Notaries generally provide the following services for the public:

Take acknowledgments

Administer oaths or affirmations

Attest to photocopies of certain documents

Solemnize marriages

Verify vehicle identification numbers (VINs)

Certify the contents of safe deposit boxes

There is another little known service some Notary Publics perform that few people know about. With the advent of computers, printers, the internet, cell phones, and faxes first, second and refinanced mortgages can now be assigned to notaries. When Certified Notary Signing Agents or signing agents, are assigned closings, they obtain the mortgage closing documents and drive to a pre-arranged location to witness and notarize the borrowers signing, initialing and dating of said documents. These signings can pay as little as $35.00 for inexperienced NSA up to $250.00 per closing for veteran signers. Expect to make a modest investment for state fees, bond, NNA fees, computer, printer, fax machine and other supplies.

NSA’s are independent notaries who study and pass certification with the National Notary Association (NNA) to become signing agents. Conducting the signings should not be taken lightly. As a signing agent you are responsible for ensuring every document that should be signed is signed properly, whether you notarize it or not. Not conducting a proper signing may cause a delay in the loan payment, may cause you to return to the borrowers for something you forgot to have signed, initialed or dated or could lead to no longer being offered these assignments, permanently. If you think, you cannot handle the kind of discipline required to be a NSA, stop here and find another way to earn money. If you are serious, honest and bondable, this may be for you.

To become a Notary Signing Agent you will need to follow these steps:

Step 1 Find your states website that explains what you must do to become a Notary Public. Each state is different and may have different requirements. Follow through with the application and bonding requirements paying whatever fees may be required. You may also be required to take an online course and pass a test. Obtaining a bond will require paying a fee and go through a background check required by the state and the bonding company. You cannot skip this process, without it you cannot proceed to becoming an NSA.

Step 2 When you have completed your states requirements and become appointed and commissioned, you are ready to join the National Notary Association (NNA) at http://www.nationalnotary.org/ . You will find all of the information needed to become a NSA. Again, you will need to pay a fee(s), take a course(s) and pass a test(s) to become certified. Once you have completed NNAs requirements you are ready for your first signing.

Step 3 When you complete NNAs certification you will added to their site as a certified signing agent for your state and area. The drawback to this is you will be listed in order by the date you are certified and the level of certification.

Step 4 In addition to the NNA you can join with companies that will contact you when signings are available in your area. Search “certified loan signing agent” on the internet to find these companies. Be careful whom you deal with though, there are companies that are slow at paying or do not pay at all.

Tip: When you go to signings, be sure to have everything you need, two sets of documents, several black or blue ink pens, your notary stamp and a good disposition are all important.

Comments (3)

djeff37 said:

	... very interesting article and a good way to make extra money 5*
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December 21, 2009
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Donna Thacker said:

	... I have considered becoming a Notary, but in our area it is more like a public service than a way to earn any money. Interesting about the signing agent though!
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January 29, 2010
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donata said:

	... Excellent information on how to make money as a notary public... This is good to know. Thanks for sharing this information. 5*****
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February 02, 2010
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