Notary Daily Tasks
Because states commission notaries as individuals rather than companies, many work as independent contractors and set their own schedules based on client demand.
Notaries employed in government offices, banks, law firms, or other businesses that handle legal and official documents often work standard business hours. Their day usually revolves around confirming identification requirements, witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and stamping documents with authorized state seals.
Notary Qualifications and Skills
Notary qualifications vary by state, and candidates must meet their state’s requirements before they can legally provide notary services. Strong notary candidates should be able to follow state regulations closely and use good judgment when assessing a signer’s willingness and understanding of the transaction.
You may list the following qualifications and skills in your notary job description:
If you are hiring for a remote notary role, consider adding remote online notarization (RON) authorization as a requirement.
Notary Experience Requirements
When hiring a notary, consider the authorization required in your state and the level of experience needed for the specific documents the role will handle. For entry-level roles, an active commission and experience in administrative, banking, or legal work are often enough, since much of the role can be learned on the job.
For positions in specialized fields such as real estate, loan signings, or electronic notarizations, employers may prefer candidates with direct experience handling similar documents. These roles often require familiarity with industry-specific forms, signing procedures,and compliance requirements.
Clearly stating your required state authorization and day-to-day work expectations can help attract candidates who are qualified for the specific notary work your organization needs.
Notary Education and Training Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum education requirement for a notary role, along with an active commission issued by the state. In most states, candidates must be at least 18 years old and legal residents of the state in which they practice. Some states may also require training, an exam, a background check, or a bond to get a notary commission before providing notary services.
While there are no universal college degree requirements for general notarial work, employers hiring for mortgage lending or real estate closings may prefer candidates with Notary Signing Agent certification. Roles handling electronic transactions may also require state-specific RON authorization. Most employers also provide on-the-job training to familiarize new hires with internal procedures, document workflows, and recordkeeping practices.
Notary Salary Range
In the United States, the typical salary for a notary in 2026 ranges from approximately $2,619 to $5,960 per month, with a national average around $4,315 per month. This translates to an average of approximately $25 per hour based on a standard full-time schedule. Pay varies depending on location, experience, work arrangement, and the type of notarizations performed, with signing agents and notaries in banking settings often earning toward the higher end.
(Updated June 2, 2026)
Notary Job Description FAQs
What's the difference between a notary and a notary signing agent?
A notary public can perform general notarizations across many document types, while a Notary Signing Agent, or NSA, has additional training to handle loan documents in real estate transactions.
Does a notary need a license or just a commission?
A notary generally needs a commission issued by the state government, not a license in the traditional sense. Requirements vary by state, but candidates usually need to apply through their state’s commissioning authority and meet any training, exam, or background check before they can perform notarial acts.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can and should refuse to notarize a document when the notarization does not meet legal requirements. This may include improper identification, an incomplete document, suspected fraud, or concerns about the signer’s willingness or understanding.
Can a notary work remotely?
Yes. A notary can work remotely if their state allows remote online notarization and they have the required RON authorization. Remote notaries usually perform notarizations through approved audio-visual platforms instead of meeting signers in person.
