Career Paths for Notaries

April 29, 2024 / Notary Association of America

Getting a notary public commission can lead to a viable career. But for some, it can also be a stepping stone for pursuing other job opportunities.

Any successful notary has valuable skills such as strong attention to detail, great organization, self-management and effective communication. These talents look good on any resume. But there are some jobs that are good fits for notaries.

Here’s an overview of jobs that can use your commission, along with some that would benefit from your current skills and experience. In the spirit of accessibility, these options do not require college degrees. Although some might require training or certification.

Job Opportunities for Notaries

Real estate agencies, law offices, banks or credit unions and lending institutions are common places that hire commissioned notaries. But there are other industries — some with remote opportunities — to consider.

Notary Signing Agent

Becoming a signing agent (also known as a loan signing agent or closing notary) is one of the best opportunities for notaries to increase their earning potential. Signing agents are notaries who complete additional training to work with complex loan documents like mortgages. They can earn between $75 and $250 per singing appointment.

» Learn more about becoming a signing agent here

Escrow Assistant

An escrow assistant is an administrative professional in the real estate industry. They usually work for title companies and banks that offer financing for mortgages and other real estate loans.

They primarily help escrow officers prepare and distribute escrow contracts. Since these legal documents often require notarization, a notary commission is preferred by some employers. Any experienced notary would be a good fit.

Legal Assistant

Legal assistants help law firms prepare legal documents, communicate with clients and other law firms and manage the office. A notary commission listed on your resume can set you apart here because you could handle any notarization required while prepping documents for a case.

Field Inspector

Here’s a great option for anyone who’s already a mobile notary. Field inspectors examine properties and take pictures to create reports for lenders or insurance companies. These reports are used to show interested parties that commercial or residential properties are staying well-kept for future occupants.

To apply, you need a GED, a background check, reliable transportation and a smartphone or camera.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers work with accounting teams to record a company’s financial transactions and create statement reports. You may also handle certain payroll and human resource tasks. As a notary bookkeeper, you can notarize the financial transaction documents you create.

Remote Online Notary

Any notary who works in a highly competitive area could benefit from becoming a remote online notary. Authorized online notaries work from a virtual setting to notarize electronic documents for clients located anywhere in the United States over a secure audio-video connection.

Remote online notarization (RON) is legal in nearly every state, and some states require no additional training for commissioned notaries to perform RONs. Once you determine your state’s RON requirements, you’ll need a digital notary certificate, an electronic version of your seal and a RON service provider. Broaden your client pool by becoming a remote online notary.

Explore Different Opportunities

Even if you’re not interested in any of these jobs, there are plenty of others that could use your notary commission and related skills. From an administrative assistant for a non-profit company to a court clerk, you’re only limited by your willingness to try something new.

Sources

Indeed. (2022, June 24). How To Become a Field Inspector: 3 Steps. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-field-inspector

Indeed. (2022, September 30). How To Become an Escrow Assistant in 5 Steps (With Job Duties). Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-escrow-assistant

Indeed. (2024, April 18). 30 Career Paths for Notaries (Plus How To Become a Notary). Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/notaries-jobs

Indeed. (n.d.). What does a Bookkeeper do? Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career/bookkeeper