10 Ways to Monetize Your Notary Commission

If you are the bearer of a notary commission, you hold a key to income and purpose. 

Not only do notaries serve an important role in fraud and identity theft prevention, but they can also make a living doing so. 

The secret to success is moving away from being a generalist to a specialist. 

As they say, the riches are in the niches. 

The Difference Between General Notary Work and Specialty Notary Work

My friend and notary expert, Laura Biewer coined the phrase, “Specialty Notary Work” (SNW) to identify those repeatable opportunities we have under the notary umbrella. There are certain situations, facilities, document types, and even client types, that call for a little extra learning, certification, and understanding. Those notaries that take that on, can stand out and tap into growth and more revenue. 

Laura and I wrote a book about how to monetize your notary commission through specialty work called, “Beyond Loan Signings,” and you can order your own copy here. 

That book is a comprehensive “How to” guide to tapping into each one of the specialties I’ll share with you now. Plus, we include FIVE ways to monetize that do NOT even require a notary commission. 

There’s opportunity everywhere!I

Ten Types of Specialty Notary Work

I’ll give you a list to start with, but this is just scratching the surface. There are untold numbers of documents, industries, and positions that have their own specialty work opportunities. This list will just get you started. 

Each of these specialties have their nuances regarding the work environment, pitfalls to be aware of, and most common documents you will encounter. 

Specialty #1: Loan Signings

This is the “favorite son” of the industry and most recognizable due to its recent popularity. Loan signings are also the perfect example of a specialty. Think about it. A mortgage loan package is just a collection of documents that happen to be bundled together. By going through some additional training, and even acquiring a special certification, you can access more clients and signing opportunities. 

Specialty #2: Medical Facilities

There are several types of medical facilities, and because nearly anyone in any situation could find themselves there, the documents you encounter vary widely, but with some common themes for medically related documentation. 

Specialty #3: Assisted Living Facilities

This type of work can be very rewarding, and often similar documentation to medical facility work, although it could technically be any kind of notarization. 

Specialty #4: Correctional Facilities

Incarcerated individuals need notarization too! Keep in mind that every correctional facility may have their own rules around professional services (like a notary public), so do your due dligence and research.

Specialty #5: Bail Bond Situations

This can be a lucrative opportunity that many notaries miss! It’s been one of Laura’s favorites! There are often parts of a city that have a high concentration of bail bond offices. And, they often require your services at all times of the day and night. 

Specialty #6: Vehicle Title Transfers

Depending on the state you live, many vehicle title transfers require notarization. Vehicles include cars, trucks, RV’s, boats, tractors, etc. Many notaries have found steady income being proactive with vehicle sellers! 

Specialty #7: Family Law Appointments

My first encounter with family law opportunities were divorce papers! Turns out, there is a lot more to the specialty niche! Think about prenups, postnups, and more!

Specialty #8: International Adoptions

This is another favorite, very rewarding, specialty niche for Laura and so many other notaries across the country. These are usually multiple appointments, quite lucrative, and come with all the good “feels.”  

Specialty #9: Trust Delivery Agent

Working through the estate planning industry, this is my favorite specialty. This is similar to loan signings in that you present a bundle of documents, gather signatures, and notarize, but there is no printing, relationships are based on value and appreciation, and you can make fees that meet or exceed that of loan signings. What I love most is, as a trust delivery agent, you deliver more than just documents and a stamp. You deliver peace of mind.

Specialty #10: Cannabis-Friendly

There is still a lot of stigma associated with marijuana. If you’re someone of an open mind, there is an opportunity here to better serve the public. Especially when you consider the compliance document requirements within the industry itself. 

Choosing Your Niche

That’s ten different ways to monetize your notary commission right away. Each of these specialties have their own ideal prospects that could open doors and fortify the future of your business. 

It’s up to you to figure out which of these specialities calls to you the most. Who do you want to serve and why? Get training, learn the language and the documents surrounding the niche you choose.  Then, figure out who you need to talk to in order to get that business. 

Even without all the loan signings falling from the sky these days, it’s estimated there are still millions upon millions of documents being notarized every year. Someone is stamping those documents. It may as well be you. 

Bill Soroka is on a mission to help mobile notaries serve more clients, make more money, and build a business that thrives beyond loan signings, self-reliant & untethered to the housing industry. Together with industry expert Laura Biewer, he wrote the bestselling book, “Beyond Loan Signings: How to Monetize Your Notary Commission Through Specialty Work.”You can order your copy here.