Notary Public Underwriters Blog
The Many Upsides of Being a Notary Public
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- Published: March 9, 2026
A notary public is a state-commissioned official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents including real estate transaction forms, affidavits, contracts, written testimony, and more.
If the opportunity to earn income while helping prevent document fraud and facilitate much needed document transactions appeals to you, consider becoming a notary public. Here are some key facts about notaries and their important duties.
Notary Responsibilities
A notary has various responsibilities, which may include:
• Witnessing signatures on documents
• Administering oaths and affirmations
• Taking acknowledgments
• Assisting with depositions
All notaries, in every U.S. state where they are commissioned or appointed, have the important duty of positively identifying the individual whose signature needs to be notarized, or who must swear a verbal oath or affirmation for a proceeding. A notary must either “personally know” the individual who is present and requesting the notarial act, or the notary must be able to identify the present individual by examining the person’s identification document(s) or using another method specifically authorized in the state where the notary is commissioned.
An additional duty of notaries public is to keep records of each notarial act they perform in a book called a “journal,” “recordbook,” or “log book.” A notary’s journal or recordbook or log book is the sole property of the notary public and is considered to be credible evidence of the facts of each notarization the notary recorded in it.
Upsides of Being a Notary
Uniquely special product.
Your product is you, and your notary services. You have complete control over how well you are prepared, present yourself and perform your notarial duties.
Flexible hours.
As a self-employed notary, you can keep the work schedule that works best for you. You have your own business, and you run it independently. You decide your working hours and the most advantageous time and place to work. The flexibility of being a self-employed notary provides a work/life balance that leaves time for all the other special commitments in your life, such as family and hobbies.
Resume booster.
Being a notary boosts your qualifications and enhances your potential value to businesses, law firms, heath care organizations, schools, and other employers that frequently need notarizations. The fact that you are a notary public can give you a competitive advantage over other job candidates and possibly land you a higher salary compared to other applicants for the same job. Some businesses need many notarizations performed because of the nature of their business transactions.
The opportunity to help people.
Notaries provide value to their clients and community by helping to deter fraud. If you enjoy supporting your community, being a notary can be a way to give back by providing notarization services to those who can’t afford them. Doing this will help you make an impact right where you live, not to mention the rewarding feeling that comes with it.
Consider Being a Notary Signing Agent
Many notaries have found that being a notary signing agent (NSA) is a profitable and satisfying way to earn income. NSAs are trained professionals who manage the notarization of loan documents, primarily for real estate closings but for other types of loans as well. Notary signing agents will always be in demand because the housing market is always growing somewhere. But before you become a notary signing agent research your state’s restrictions, if any, and the costs involved. Notary signing agents need additional training on the types of transactions they will encounter, as well as successfully navigating the variety of situations and circumstances presented by their customers.
Don’t Overlook the Side-Hustle
Some notaries have full-time, “regular” jobs but notarize for the public after-hours and on weekends. You could start with a few jobs to become familiar with the time and tasks needed to succeed, and offer notarization services as your schedule allows. You may decide to “go notary” full-time!
America Needs More Notaries
The United States has 4.4 million notaries, but that’s only roughly one notary to every 75 or so people in the country. When a person needs a notary, they don’t want to wait in that line! Let Notary Public Underwriters help launch your notary career by assisting you with your application, training and essential tools. Click here to learn how to obtain your notary commission or appointment—we’d be honored to help you!
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