Costs & Fees for Notaries on USA Notary
Clear, role-specific information about platform costs and fee structures
Last updated: July 9, 2026 · By Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC — CEO & Founder, USA Notary
Why Transparency Matters
USA Notary is a professional platform with operating and compliance costs that enable secure, legally defensible remote notarization services.
Platform fees exist to support:
Secure Infrastructure
End-to-end encrypted sessions and data protection
Compliance & Audit Requirements
State-by-state regulatory adherence and record-keeping
Identity Verification
Multi-factor authentication and credential analysis
Session Recording
Permanent tamper-evident audiovisual records
Costs vary by role and usage. Subscriber Notaries and Contractor Notaries operate under different cost structures, explained in detail below.
Subscriber Notary Costs
Subscriber Notaries pay for platform usage because they bring their own clients, control their own workflow, and use USA Notary as a business tool. All subscription levels include 1 session per month.
Subscription Plans (Subscriber Notaries)
Note: ID Verification (IDV) and Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) fees are additional and not included in session fees.
Basic
Base Session Fee:
$12.00
- Identity verification included
- Live video session
- First session at no charge
(excludes IDV, KBA, and extra fees)
Pro
Base Session Fee:
$10.00
- Everything in Basic
- Priority support
- Extended session hours
- First session at no charge
(excludes IDV, KBA, and extra fees)
Elite
Base Session Fee:
$8.00
- Everything in Pro
- Automated testimonial system
- Automated follow-up system
- First session at no charge
(excludes IDV, KBA, and extra fees)
Additional Fees (All Levels)
ID Verification (IDV) + Knowledge-Based Auth (KBA)
Required for each session
$2.00/session
Witness Provided
Optional service
$10.00/witness
Extended Session Time
Sessions over 30 minutes
$0.20/min
Important: Session fees do not include Identity Verification (IDV) and Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) at $2.00 per session.
Lower Base Fees
Higher subscription levels reduce your base session fee — keeping more profit on every transaction.
Not All Sessions Incur All Fees
Actual costs depend on session complexity, signer count, and jurisdiction requirements.
First Session Free
Every subscription includes your first session at no charge (excluding IDV and KBA fees).
Contractor Notary Costs & Compensation
Contractor Notaries operate under a fundamentally different economic model than Subscriber Notaries.
How Contractor Roles Work
Contractor Notaries Do Not Pay Platform Fees
When performing assigned contractor work, notaries do not pay:
- • Subscription fees
- • Session fees
- • ID verification or authentication fees
USA Notary covers platform costs for contractor assignments.
Contractor Notaries Are Compensated for Completed Assignments
Contractors receive payment for sessions assigned and completed through USA Notary's contractor assignment system.
Contractor compensation:
- Varies by assignment type and requirements
- Is determined by USA Notary at the time of assignment
- Is not guaranteed in volume or frequency
Critical Distinction
Contractor roles are:
- • Limited in number and offered selectively
- • Assignment-based, not subscription-based
- • Not a primary income source—work volume is unpredictable
Contractor work should not be viewed as guaranteed, steady, or predictable. It exists to supplement platform demand when needed.
Role-Based Cost Differences
Understanding how economic models differ between Subscriber and Contractor roles
Subscriber Notaries
Pay Platform Fees
Monthly subscription plus usage-based costs
Control Pricing to Their Clients
Set their own service rates and fees
Generate Their Own Work
Bring clients and manage their own business volume
Control Schedule and Workflow
Full autonomy over when and how much they work
Contractor Notaries
Do Not Pay Platform Fees
No subscription or usage costs for assigned work
Receive Limited Assignments
Work is assigned when available, not on-demand
Do Not Control Pricing
Compensation is set by USA Notary per assignment
Limited Control Over Volume
Cannot generate contractor work independently
Why These Models Are Distinct
These two cost structures exist because the roles serve different purposes:
-
Subscribers invest in a professional tool to serve clients they already have or intend to acquire
-
Contractors supplement USA Notary's operational capacity when additional coverage is needed
This separation ensures fair expectations, operational stability, and regulatory clarity for both roles.
Fees, Taxes, and Professional Responsibility
Notaries are independent professionals responsible for their own business operations and compliance
Notary Professional Responsibilities
As independent professionals, notaries using USA Notary are responsible for:
Their Own Taxes
Notaries must report income, pay applicable taxes, and maintain proper financial records according to federal, state, and local requirements. USA Notary does not withhold taxes or provide tax preparation services.
Business Expenses
Notaries are responsible for all business-related expenses including but not limited to: commission renewal fees, errors and omissions insurance, internet connectivity, equipment, office supplies, and professional development.
Compliance with State Laws
Notaries must maintain active commissions, comply with all state-specific notary laws, follow jurisdiction-specific requirements for remote online notarization, and adhere to professional conduct standards established by their commissioning authority.
Insurance and Liability
Notaries are strongly encouraged to maintain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. Some jurisdictions require it. USA Notary does not provide liability coverage for individual notary actions.
USA Notary Does Not Provide Tax, Legal, or Financial Advice
USA Notary is a technology platform for remote online notarization. We do not:
- • Provide tax preparation or advice
- • Offer legal guidance or representation
- • Provide financial planning or business consulting
- • Make recommendations about business structure or operations
Notaries should consult qualified tax professionals, attorneys, or financial advisors for guidance specific to their individual circumstances.
No Profit or Earnings Claims
USA Notary does not make representations, warranties, or guarantees about profitability, earnings potential, or business outcomes.
The platform provides technology and infrastructure for remote online notarization. Financial results depend entirely on individual notary circumstances, including but not limited to:
Client base and demand: Volume of work is determined by the notary's own client relationships and market conditions
Geographic market: Local demand, competition, and economic conditions vary significantly by location
Time investment: Hours dedicated to marketing, client service, and professional development
Business acumen: Marketing effectiveness, pricing strategy, and operational efficiency
Professional reputation: Experience level, service quality, and client satisfaction
Industry factors: Market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscape
Evaluate Costs Based on Your Own Business Model
Each notary should evaluate platform costs in the context of their own business circumstances, client base, and professional goals. What works for one notary may not work for another. Results vary based on individual effort, market conditions, and business decisions.
USA Notary is a professional tool, not a business opportunity or income program.
Review Additional Information
Understanding costs and fees is one part of using USA Notary professionally. Review these additional topics to ensure complete clarity.
Notary Roles: Subscriber vs Contractor
Review the fundamental differences between Subscriber and Contractor roles, including expectations, responsibilities, and operational models.
How It Works for Notaries
Understand how notaries work with USA Notary, including application, approval, onboarding, and ongoing engagement with emphasis on compliance requirements.
USA Notary is a Professional Tool
This platform provides secure infrastructure, compliance support, and technology for remote online notarization. Success depends on your professional expertise, client relationships, and business practices—not on the platform itself.
Questions about costs, fees, or how USA Notary works? Review our documentation or contact support for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the author
Andrew Ray Yon, MBA, ChFC
CEO & Founder, USA Notary Services LLC
Andrew Ray Yon is the founder and CEO of USA Notary Services LLC and the architect of the SharpNote remote online notarization platform. A Certified Notary Signing Agent since 2005, he has handled mortgage and title loan signings for two decades and holds an MBA and the ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant) designation. Based in Virginia’s Greater Richmond region, he leads the company’s strategy, compliance, and platform development.
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