Freelance Notary Jobs: A Beginner's Guide

Freelance notary jobs are plentiful.

Freelancing is a great way to earn money and have more flexible hours.

It’s also an excellent opportunity for people who are retired or looking for a side-job.

However, freelance work can be challenging to get started without any experience or contacts.

That’s where this guide comes in!

This article will take you through the steps of how to freelance as a notary public, from finding your first freelance notary jobs up to establishing yourself as a freelance notary professional with your own business.

What is a Notary?

A notary is a person that is authorized to witness signatures on various documents and perform other notarial acts, such as administering oaths and affirmations.

They typically work for a state or government agency, but private employers can also commission freelance notaries.

Notaries are officially licensed or commissioned by the state they live in. Every state has its requirements for freelance notary applications.

What is Freelancing?

Freelancing is when you provide freelance services to companies or individuals.

A freelancer does not work for a single company or client but instead works for many different clients.

Freelancing is a common practice in the writing and design industries, but freelance notaries are becoming more popular!

A freelance notary is someone who private employers commission to provide notarial services.

Many freelance notary jobs are remote (meaning freelance notaries can work from home or anywhere with an internet connection).

If notary jobs are done online, notaries may never meet their clients face-to-face.

When is a Notary Required?

A notary is required to witness a person signing a document and verify that the signature is valid.

Here are a couple of instances in which you might use a notary:

signing closing documents for a home purchase and sale
agreeing to a business contract
signing documents for your family’s estate plan or trust
when signing loan documents for mortgages, car loans, etc.
signing official documents such as a power of attorney or will

All of these documents require a notary to witness and verify signatures.

How Do Notary Publics Make Money?

Notary publics make money for each signature or stamp they witness.

In addition to the notary fee, freelance notaries may also take an additional commission from their clients for any document signings or other services rendered.

How Much Do Notary Publics Make?

Notary publics can make a healthy freelance income by charging high notary fees.

Some freelance notaries choose to work for less than $15 per signature, while others may charge as much as $175-$200 per signature.

Each freelance notary and their clients set notary pricing and commissions.

How to Become a Notary

To become a notary, freelance or otherwise, you must be commissioned by your state.

Each state has its application process.

How to Find Gigs as a Freelance Notary

To find gigs as a freelance notary, you want to have an online presence.

This will allow clients to find you! Websites and a social media presence are critical for freelance notaries.

Most notary jobs are not obtained through advertising but are found through networking and connecting with potential clients.

The internet is a great way to do this.

You can have clients from nearby or all over the country.

Create a freelance notary website or profile on freelance websites such as Upwork.com, Peopleperhour.com, and Fiverr.com.

These freelance sites allow freelance notaries to find contacts from all over the world!

Word of mouth is also a great way to find gigs as a notary.

Can a Notary Sign for Family?

A notary may notarize legal documents for family but should always check with the state’s rules and regulations before doing so.

A freelance notary should always keep up to date on the laws in the state they are a freelance notary in.

Most states are ok with the practice as long as there is no financial gain for the freelance notary from family and friends.

Some states do not allow freelance notaries to work on family or friend’s documents.

It is best to check with state laws before notarizing for those you know personally.

Should a Notary be an LLC?

Freelance notaries should always have a freelance entity to work under.

This freelance entity is set up as a limited liability company (LLC).

An LLC establishes protection if there are any legal issues with freelance notary work.

The freelance notary will be protected by the LLC and won’t be financially responsible for any lawsuits or other legal actions.

Some freelance notaries choose to freelance without an LLC, but this is a personal choice that freelance notaries should make based on their situations.

Conclusion

Freelance notaries are the backbone of many industries, but freelance notary jobs can be challenging to find if you’re not looking in the right places.

Freelancers should always have a freelance entity set up as an LLC for protection from lawsuits or other legal actions taken against them.

The internet is one way you can get freelance work, and sites like Upwork, Peopleperhour, and Fiverr help freelance freelancers connect with clients in their area or worldwide!