In this digital age, there’s still plenty of paperwork that must be signed by hand. And notaries are ready to witness and authenticate those documents—for a small fee. Becoming a notary public is a side gig that you can add to your repertoire without a ton of training, and it’s an additional source of income you can take just about anywhere you go.
What you earn will depend on the state where you live. Some states allow notaries to set their own fees, while others have standard fees for various types of documents. But some states also allow you to charge clients for your mileage, or an extra fee if you perform services for a marriage. On average, you’ll probably make $10–$20 per hour of work.
It doesn’t take much money to get started, so you’ll recoup your startup costs quickly. Typically, you’ll pay $100–$200 to take a class and pass an exam according to your state’s regulations; you’ll also need to pass a background check and have your fingerprints taken. Then, you’ll get a surety bond, which is basically insurance that covers you if you make an error in your duties. You pay a fraction of what your bond is worth to get it, usually between 1 percent and 15 percent of the bond amount. You’ll pay any fees your state requires to file certification paperwork, and you have to buy your notary seal and record-keeping kit. You can find out more about the process and how to qualify to become a notary via the National Notary Association (www.nationalnotary.org).