Updated 7-31-23.Mobile Notaries are constantly looking for opportunities to expand their business offerings. To help, the Notary Bulletin has been highlighting a number of resources for signing agents and Notaries to earn additional income. As we find more options, we will add to this list.
If you have information on new income opportunities, please get in touch with us at publications@nationalnotary.org.
1. Field Inspections
What is it? Field inspectors verify information about businesses. For example, a field inspector might be sent to verify that a medical clinic is a valid business by visiting their address, looking at their business license, talking to a manager or taking photos of the office.
What qualifications are needed? Most inspections require no previous qualifications though a background check may be required. Many companies offer brief training over the phone. Most inspections require a high-speed internet connection and a digital camera with a flash and time and date stamp capability. You’ll also need a reliable vehicle.
How much does it pay? A typical inspection — a business verification, for example — generally pays between $18-$40 and takes 10-15 minutes.
How can I get started? The Society of Field Inspectors provides guidance on getting started as a field inspector.
2. Process Servers
What is it? Process servers serve legal documents, such as subpoenas and other court-related documents, to individuals.
What qualifications are needed? The laws regulating process servers vary from state to state, so it’s important to know and follow all state laws. Several jurisdictions require fees in order to become a server, as well as other costs such as those incurred for a background check, surety bond, or testing and licensing costs, so be aware that an upfront investment may be necessary to embark on this career opportunity.
How much does it pay? Fees vary between jurisdictions.
How do I get started? For more information, you can contact the National Association of Professional Process Servers. You can also search online for local state associations to join.
3. Virtual Assistant
What is it? Virtual assistants are independent contractors who work remotely from their homes or office to provide clients with services such as bookkeeping, event planning, data processing, or administrative phone and email support.
What qualifications are needed? This can vary depending on your skill set (administrative assistant, web designer, event planner, etc.).People who have strong communication and writing skills and are self-disciplined enough to work and meet deadlines without outside supervision are good choices for virtual assistants.
How much does it pay? This depends on the type of services provided and the amount charged by the individual assistant.
How can I get started? More information is available through the Virtual Assistant Network Association.
4. Personal Concierge
What is it? A personal concierge is an individual who provides any number of services, from booking travel and restaurant reservations to grocery shopping to waiting in line at the DMV.
How much does it pay? Whatever the market will allow. You can set your own fees based on the services you offer and what you negotiate with clients.
What qualifications are needed? No special training is required, but there is a certification program you can get. You will need a car, good people skills and a flexible schedule — but so does any mobile Notary.
How can I get started? The National Concierge Association (NCA) provides more information. Members receive access to mentor programs, online tools and resources, educational conferences and the NCA Certification Program for Concierges.
5. Form I-9 Services
What is it? Every employer must complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verificationfor every employee it hires. Because of the growing number of remote employees in the workforce, employers are allowed to designate an authorized representative to complete the form on their behalf. And the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services sees Notaries as good candidates to serve in this role.
How much does it pay? There is no set fee. Because this is not a notarial act, you may negotiate your fees with each client.
What qualifications are needed? No special training is required, but it is helpful to be familiar with the form and the tasks required of you as an employer’s representative. USCIS holds periodic webinars.
How can I get started? You should advertise your services on your webpage and social media pages, and reach out to various businesses that are likely to hire remote employees on a regular basis.
A special note for California Notaries: The California Secretary of State’s office has determined that Form I-9 is an immigration form. Consequently, you may only provide this service if you are qualified and bonded as animmigration consultant under state law.
6. Wedding Officiant
What is it? A wedding officiant conducts marriage ceremonies for a fee. An officiant not only performs the actual wedding ceremony but is also responsible for completing and filing the wedding documents with the appropriate vital records division in a timely fashion after the ceremony.
What qualifications are needed?Six states — Florida, Maine*, Montana,Nevada,South Carolina and Tennessee — authorize commissioned Notaries to perform marriage ceremonies as part of their official duties.
In other states, Notaries can apply for a separate license to perform wedding ceremonies. This could include becoming ordained through an online ministry, but requirements and licensing procedures vary greatly from state to state. Requirements may also differ for performing religious versus civil and non-denominational ceremonies.
How much does it pay? Florida permits Notaries to charge $30 and Nevada $75 to conduct a marriage ceremony. South Carolina permits a $5 notarial fee and a separate travel fee. Other states do not specify the amount that may be charged for officiating a wedding. For other states, fees vary depending on state laws, region and the date and time the ceremony takes place.
How can I get started? Check with your state Notary-regulating agency if you are commissioned in a state that authorizes Notaries to perform weddings. In other states, check with the county clerk’s office in the jurisdiction you wish to perform weddings for more information. If you are active with a church or other religious affiliation, you may wish to consult with your clergy to see if becoming a wedding officiant will affect your religious standing.
*Effective July 1, 2023, Maine Notaries automatically receive a license as a marriage officiant. However, Maine Notaries may opt out if they choose.
7. Remote Online Notarization
What is it? A growing number of states have passed laws authorizing Notaries to perform notarizations for which signers personally satisfy the requirement to personally appear before the Notary using audiovisual technology over the internet.
In these states, Notaries are able to remain at their computers while notarizing documents for signers anywhere in the world. This eliminates the need to drive to a client or print out documents such as loan packages.
What qualifications are needed? Each state has established its own requirements. Typically, you would need to apply for a separate eNotary commission or register.
How much does it pay? Each state sets the maximum fee for remote notarization. Some states require Notaries to sign up with one or more companies that have the technology set up to meet state requirements, and some RON technology providers require Notaries using their systems to split their remote notarization fee with the company.
How can I get started? If you live in a state that has authorized remote notarizations, check the website of your commissioning agency (usually the Secretary of State’s office) for the steps.
David Thun is the Assistant Managing Editor with the National Notary Association.
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