Becoming a notary in California is a great way to build a flexible career or side business. But one of the first questions aspiring notaries ask is: How much money can I actually make? The answer depends on whether you work as a traditional notary, a mobile notary, or a loan signing agent. Let’s break it down.
📊 How Much Do Notaries Make in California?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a notary in California is $63,928, which works out to about:
- $30.73 per hour
- $5,327 per month
- $1,229 per week
Top earners can make up to $75,004 per year, depending on experience, location, and services offered.
💡 Pro Tip: In California, the maximum fee you can charge is $15 per notarized signature, but many notaries increase their income with mobile or specialized services.
🚗 How Much Do Mobile Notaries Make in California?
A mobile notary travels to the client instead of requiring them to come to an office. Because of the convenience, mobile notaries often charge additional travel or after-hours fees.
- Part-time mobile notaries: Many earn $500–$1,000+ per month.
- Full-time mobile notaries: A majority earn $2,000–$7,500+ per month.
- Some high-volume professionals earn $7,500+ per month after building a strong client base.
📈 Mobile notaries tend to grow their business quickly by networking, offering 24/7 availability, and partnering with local businesses, hospitals, or law firms.
🏡 How Much Do Loan Signing Agents Make in California?
A Loan Signing Agent (LSA) is a notary trained to handle real estate and mortgage closings. This niche typically pays much higher per appointment than general notary work.
Earnings Per Signing
Loan signing agents typically earn:
- $75–$200 per signing
If you work directly with escrow or title companies (instead of signing services), you keep the full fee — often adding $25–$50 per appointment.
Monthly / Annual Income Potential
- Part-time (5 signings/week @ $100 each): ~$2,000/month
- Direct clients (higher fees): ~$3,000/month
- Full-time (15 signings/week @ $100 each): ~$6,000/month → ~$72,000/year
- Experienced LSAs w/ direct escrow clients: Potential to earn $100k+ per year
According to ZipRecruiter, the average Notary Signing Agent in California earns $60,277/year, with top earners reaching $78,952/year. In high-demand markets like Los Angeles, Certified Loan Signing Agents have reported incomes as high as $170k annually (Comparably).
🔑 Factors That Impact Notary Income
Several key factors influence how much a notary, mobile notary, or loan signing agent earns in California:
- Location: Urban areas usually bring more clients and higher fees.
- Availability: Offering nights, weekends, and rush services increases revenue.
- Specialization: Becoming a loan signing agent or adding fingerprinting/apostille services increases income.
- Direct Clients: Working directly with escrow/title companies or law firms pays more than going through signing services.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I charge per notarization in California?
California allows notaries to charge up to $15 per signature notarized.
What is the difference between a notary and a loan signing agent?
A notary verifies identities and notarizes documents. A loan signing agent is a notary with additional training to guide borrowers through real estate loan documents, which pays higher per appointment.
Can you make six figures as a notary?
Yes! Many notaries who expand into loan signings and market themselves as mobile notaries earn $100,000+ per year.
🚀 Ready to Start Your Notary Career?
At Notary Public Class, we provide:
- ✅ State-approved notary training
- ✅ Exam preparation
- ✅ Supplies, bonds, and journals
- ✅ Loan signing agent training
👉 Start your notary journey today at NotaryPublicClass.com.
