Start a Mobile Notary Service

Most notaries sit behind a desk at a bank; the money is in going to hospitals, jails, offices, and homes where people cannot travel.

1. 1

   Get commissioned in your state

   File the application, take the exam if your state requires one, and post the surety bond. Total cost usually lands under $200 and takes a few weeks.

2. 2

   Buy stamp, journal, and E&O

   Your official stamp, a bound journal, and errors and omissions insurance are the working kit. E&O of $25,000 to $100,000 costs little and title companies expect it.

3. 3

   Become a loan signing agent

   Take the NNA loan signing certification and background screening. Real estate closings pay $75 to $200 per appointment, the best money in mobile notary work.

4. 4

   List on the directories

   Snapdocs, Notary Rotary, and 123notary are where title and escrow companies find signing agents. Complete profiles with your certifications get the calls.

5. 5

   Pitch places people cannot leave

   Hospitals, nursing homes, jails, and law offices need notaries to come to them. Drop a card with your travel fee and same-day availability.

6. 6

   Price travel on top of state fees

   State law caps the per-signature fee, but travel and convenience fees are yours to set. A $40 to $75 trip fee is standard for mobile work.