Part-Time Notary? Here’s How to Make It Work

Becoming a part-time public notary can be a great way to earn extra income while maintaining a full-time job or other commitments. Once licensed, you can work as per your convenience setting your own hours to do the job— just like75% of the signing agents who work only part time.

However, managing a part-time notary business effectively requires planning, strategy, and the right tools. If you’re looking to make notary work a lucrative side hustle, here are key strategies to help you gain traction.

What are the Requirements?

The requirement to become a part time notary remains similar to full-time notary. It’s just management you need to take care of along with your full-time business.

Becoming a notary public requires applying through the respective Secretary of State. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria (like age, residency, and a clean criminal record), submit personal information, pass a background check, and pay the required fees.

How Much You Can Make As A Part Time Notary?

A part-time notary’s income depends on several factors and location.

a. Notary Fees

The most common way notaries earn is through fees for services. For instance, the notarization fee is $2 in NY and $10 in FL. These fees are regulated by each state and typically range from $2-$25 per seal of notarization.

Let’s assume an average of $10 per seal for this example. A part-time notary might aim to perform 10 notarizations per week, generating $100 in gross income. Over a month (4 weeks), this equates to $400. A more active part-time notary doing 20 seals a week at $10 each could earn $800 per month. Keep in mind, expenses like (stamps, journals , E&O insurance (highly recommended), and travel costs must be deducted to calculate net income.

b. Demand

The demand for notary services can fluctuate. Unlike a full-time notary who might handle a high volume of transactions daily and potentially earn a consistent salary or higher hourly rate due to specialized services (e.g., loan signings), a part-time notary’s income is more variable.

On average, notaries can make somewhere between $18- $31 per hour. If you work as a mobile notary, you can charge for your time and travel to the signing location.

Additionally, you can earn more by becoming a signing-agent. These are the notaries who work with high-risk documents like mortgages and wills. These agents can earn around $75-$200 per signing appointment which is a decent income as a part-time gig.

How Can You Make It Work?

1. Know Your Market

Understanding the notary market is essential to running a successful part-time business. You’ll want to research the demand for notarial services in your area and identify the most common types of documents that require notarization. From real estate closings to legal documents, every niche can present different opportunities.

Apart from above, being aware of local competition, pricing, and client needs will help you position yourself strategically—saving your time. This knowledge enables you to tailor your offerings, set competitive prices, and ensure you’re available when clients need you the most. Understanding your market will lay the foundation for a steady flow of business.

2. Set a Flexible Schedule

As a part-time notary, flexibility is one of the most significant advantages. You have the power to choose your own hours, making it easier to balance your notary work with other commitments.

Signing up as a remote online notary allows you to conduct notarizations from anywhere, anytime, giving you even more freedom. This is ideal for people with unpredictable schedules, whether it’s a second job, or family obligations. A flexible schedule helps you maximize your earning potential while keeping your work-life balance intact, allowing you to work around your lifestyle instead of the other way around.

3. Invest in the Right Tools

To manage your part-time notary business efficiently, investing in tools like Closewise can help you stay organized and build stronger client relationships. It also helps you to track appointments and transactions with clients, all while maintaining a transparent and professional service.

By helping you in document management, it streamlines your business operations, ensuring everything is running smoothly. The right software can significantly reduce the amount of time you spend on administrative tasks, letting you focus on growing your business.

4. Market Your Services

Building a strong presence in your community is essential. You can of course market your business on social media or register in a notary directory like notarynearme.com. Consider signing up for remote online notarization (RON) services to expand your reach beyond your local area.

It is crucial for finding clients. People looking for notarization requirements are easily able to approach and communicate with you. Partnering with real estate agents, law firms, and financial institutions can also generate consistent referral jobs.

5. Manage Your Finances–Save on Self-employment Taxes

To ensure your part-time notary business remains profitable, managing your finances is crucial. Keeping track of your income, expenses, and taxes allows you to monitor the financial health of your business.

One major advantage of being a notary is the ability to save on self-employment taxes. Under section 1402(c)(2) of the IRS code, you can potentially exclude some of these taxes by meeting certain criteria. Regularly reviewing your financials, setting aside money for taxes, and utilizing deductions will help you keep your business profitable while reducing the stress of tax season.

6. Deliver Exceptional Service

In any business, exceptional service is the key to building lasting relationships with clients. As a part-time notary, it’s crucial to go above and beyond to meet your clients’ needs, ensuring they feel valued and heard.

Even if a deal doesn’t go through, remember to express gratitude to everyone who has given you the opportunity. A simple thank-you goes a long way in maintaining goodwill and fostering future opportunities. Stay humble and grateful for each experience, as positive word-of-mouth can help you expand your client base and grow your reputation over time.

Leverage Closewise To Earn More As Part-Time Notary

Signing up for Closewise can significantly boost your earnings and streamline your work as a part-time notary. By using this tool, you can efficiently manage your notarial business, track appointments, and maintain transparent communication with clients.

This allows you to focus on providing excellent service while reducing administrative tasks.The platform helps you stay organized and professional, making it easier to attract and retain clients. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your part-time notary business, Closewise can be the key to working smarter— ultimately helping you earn more from your part-time hustle.