How Much Do Notaries Make in North Dakota in 2025?

In 2025, the notary profession in North Dakota remains a valuable income opportunity for residents across the state. From part-time notaries serving their communities to full-time mobile notary signing agents supporting real estate closings, the field provides flexible income potential with relatively low startup costs. North Dakota’s mix of rural communities and growing urban centers also presents unique dynamics that affect how much notaries can realistically earn.

In this post, we’ll explore average notary income in North Dakota, review earnings by service type, break down factors that influence income, and share strategies to help maximize your revenue, whether you’re starting fresh or looking to scale your business in 2025.

The Role and Importance of Notaries in North Dakota

Notaries in North Dakota are public officers commissioned to prevent fraud by verifying the identities of individuals who sign documents. They are vital to real estate transactions, powers of attorney, estate planning, legal affidavits, business operations, and numerous other applications.

Understanding this foundational role helps explain why demand for notarial services remains stable across various industries. From law firms to rural courthouses, notaries provide an irreplaceable legal safeguard.

As in many states, notaries here are permitted to perform both traditional in-person notarizations and Remote Online Notarizations (RON), creating more flexibility in how and when they serve clients.

What General Notaries Earn in North Dakota

General notaries typically handle acknowledgments, jurats, oaths, affirmations, and certified copies. These services are often quick but require thorough knowledge of proper procedures.

Before looking at the income figures, it’s essential to understand how general notaries generate revenue and what services are most commonly requested across the state.

State-Regulated Fees

As of 2025, North Dakota allows notaries to charge a maximum of $5 per notarization. While this may seem modest, notaries often earn more by charging for:

• Travel to the signer’s location
• Printing or prep time
• After-hours or weekend service
• Rush appointments

Sample Earnings for a General Notary

Let’s say a general notary works part-time:

• 3 appointments per day with 2 signatures each = $30/day
• 5 days per week = $150/week
• 50 weeks per year = $7,500/year

By adding convenience fees or bundling services (such as delivering signed documents), notaries can earn more without increasing their volume.

How Mobile Notaries Boost Their Income

Mobile notaries offer on-site notarizations, traveling to homes, hospitals, offices, and other public or private locations. This is especially important in rural North Dakota, where access to banks or legal offices may be limited.

This section will explore how mobile notaries can strategically increase their income by charging fees for travel and convenience.

Typical Travel Fee Structures

Travel fees are not state-regulated in North Dakota, so notaries can charge reasonably for:

• Distance traveled
• Time spent in transit
• Last-minute requests
• Waiting time if a signer is delayed

It’s not uncommon for mobile notaries to charge $25–$50 per visit in addition to the $5 notarization fee.

Example: Part-Time Mobile Notary

• 3 mobile appointments/day
• $10 in notary fees + $40 travel per appointment = $150/day
• 3 days/week = $450/week
• 50 weeks/year = $22,500/year

Many mobile notaries also work evenings and weekends to boost revenue.

Notary Signing Agent (NSA) Income in North Dakota

Signing agents specialize in handling loan documents, such as mortgage closings, refinance packages, reverse mortgages, and home equity lines. These high-trust appointments are typically paid at a flat rate per signing and require additional certification.

Let’s examine how the signing agent role differs from general notary work and how it significantly enhances earning potential.

NSA Certification and Requirements

To become an NSA, you must:

• Be a commissioned notary
• Pass a background check
• Complete signing agent training
• Carry E&O insurance

Signing Agent Fees

Signing fees vary depending on the type of closing and distance traveled. Common rates in North Dakota include:

• $75–$90 for standard refinance closings
• $100–$150 for full loan packages
• $25–50 for scanbacks or printing

Monthly and Annual Income

Assuming 10 closings/month at $100 = $1,000/month = $12,000/year 25 closings/month = $2,500/month = $30,000/year 50 closings/month = $60,000/year

Some full-time NSAs in North Dakota earn more than $70,000 per year by aggressively marketing and building relationships with title companies.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) Income

RON allows notaries to perform notarizations using secure audiovisual technology. North Dakota notaries can legally perform RONs provided they:

• Use an approved platform
• Verify signer identity electronically
• Record and retain the session according to state law

This section outlines how RON is not only a convenient option for clients but also a scalable way for notaries to generate recurring income without the need for travel.

Benefits of RON

• No travel time
• Flexible scheduling
• Clients from anywhere in the state or outside the U.S.
• Higher volume potential

RON Income Example

Charging $20 per RON session and completing:

• 3 sessions/day = $60/day
• 20 days/month = $1,200/month
• $14,400/year (part-time RON)

Top performers combine RON with mobile or general notary services.

Combining Services for Higher Earnings

Diversification is a key strategy for many successful notaries. By offering a mix of general notarization, mobile appointments, RON, and loan signings, notaries can stabilize and increase their monthly income.

In this section, we illustrate how these combined services contribute to a more resilient business model.

Sample Income Mix

• General notary work: $500/month
• Mobile appointments: $1,500/month
• Loan signings: $3,000/month
• RON: $1,200/month

Total = $6,200/month or $74,400/year

Notaries can also add fingerprinting, I-9 verifications, wedding officiant services, or apostille work for additional revenue.

Urban vs. Rural Earnings: Location Matters

Location has a significant impact on your income as a notary in North Dakota. Your proximity to clients and the level of competition can significantly impact how many appointments you book and how much you can charge.

Let’s explore how notary business dynamics differ between urban and rural environments.

Urban Areas (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks)

• More clients and appointments
• Greater competition
• Need for SEO and marketing

Rural Areas and Small Towns

• Less competition
• Longer travel distances
• Higher per-visit earnings due to travel
• Opportunities to become the “go-to” notary in town

Many successful rural notaries build strong repeat client relationships with hospitals, banks, funeral homes, and law firms.

Business Tips for Increasing Notary Income

To maximize your earnings as a North Dakota notary in 2025, treat your role like a small business. Consistency, professionalism, and client satisfaction go a long way.

Below are strategic tips that successful notaries use to build brand presence, earn referrals, and streamline operations.

1. Build Your Online Presence

• Google Business Profile
• Local directories
• Social media with client reviews

2. Join Notary Signing Platforms

• Snapdocs, SigningOrder, NotaryCafe
• Update your profile and schedule regularly
• Respond quickly to offers

3. Set Clear Policies and Fees

• Transparency builds trust
• Have pricing sheets ready
• Communicate cancellation or wait fees upfront

4. Use Technology

• Scheduling tools (Calendly, Google Calendar)
• PDF editing tools
• High-speed printer + scanner for NSA work

5. Offer Weekend and Holiday Availability

• Fewer notaries work these hours
• You can charge premium rates
• Great for building a reputation as dependable

6. Network Locally

• Attend local Chamber of Commerce meetings
• Leave business cards at legal offices and banks
• Offer discounts to repeat clients

Costs to Start a Notary Business in North Dakota

Starting a notary business in North Dakota is an affordable endeavor, making it accessible to individuals with diverse financial backgrounds. With minimal upfront investment, you can begin earning quickly.

Here is a breakdown of the startup requirements and optional tools that can support your business growth.

Required

• Notary application fee: $36
• $7,500 surety bond
• Notary stamp + journal: $40–$70

Optional but Recommended

• E&O Insurance ($25k): $30–60/year
• RON platform fee: $15–$25/month
• NSA certification + background check: $60–200
• Laser printer/scanner: $150–300

Total startup costs range from $100 (basic) to over $ 500 (fully equipped with RON and NSA setup).

Want to Grow a Reliable Notary Business in North Dakota?

The notary profession in North Dakota offers more than just side income—it’s a scalable business with real community value. Whether you’re notarizing documents at a kitchen table in Minot or closing a mortgage online from your office in Fargo, your work matters.

Want to earn more, book more appointments, and build client trust? 

Visit Notary Public Association to access step-by-step resources, professional training, and the tools you need to grow your notary income in 2025 and beyond.