You’ve got your PA notary commission, you’ve landed your first signing, and you’re ready to work. But then the big question hits: how do you actually get paid for this?
This is where most new notaries get blindsided—not by the work itself, but by the business side. Because doing a signing and getting money in your account aren’t the same thing. Here’s what you need to know.
The Two Main Ways Notaries Get Paid
In PA, loan signing agents are typically paid either through signing services or directly from title companies and lenders.
When you work with a signing service, you’ll usually get $75–$100 for a job. They’re the middleman, assigning you signings on behalf of a title company. The pay is lower, but it’s an easy entry point when you’re starting out.
When you build relationships directly with title companies, that’s where the real opportunity lies. Direct work usually pays $125–$150+ per closing. But it requires more than just a commission—you need to demonstrate that you understand title documents and can catch errors before they become costly. Title companies don’t want a “stamp.” They want a professional who protects their pipeline.
Payment Timelines You Should Expect
Notaries sometimes expect instant payment. That’s not how this business works.
Signing services generally pay on a 30–45 day cycle. Title companies typically pay within 2–3 weeks once you’re on their vendor list. The good news? Most of these payments are now handled through ACH direct deposits or secure vendor portals, not paper checks. That means your money usually arrives faster and more reliably—but you still need to plan for some waiting time.
The lesson? Build some cushion into your cashflow. Don’t spend your last dollar on toner expecting it back tomorrow.
Cancellations and Trip Fees
Deals fall apart. Borrowers back out. Lenders reschedule. If you’ve already printed and prepped, many companies will pay a print/trip fee ($25–$50). If the job gets canceled before you’ve done any work, you may not see a dime. Professionals expect this and plan around it.
The Business Infrastructure Behind Getting Paid
Most notaries today get paid through ACH direct deposits or secure vendor platforms. That’s why setting up an LLC and a business bank account is so important. It gives you a professional place to receive payments, separates personal from business money, and makes bookkeeping clean. On top of that, it positions you to build business credit—which means your notary supplies, education, software, and even marketing can be business expenses instead of personal costs.
Having the right structure signals to title companies that you’re more than a part-time notary—you’re running a professional service they can trust to handle transactions smoothly.
Why Understanding Title Work Pays You More
Here’s the hidden truth: title companies don’t need “just another notary.” They need someone who knows enough about title packages to prevent errors. If you can spot missing initials, inconsistent names, or incomplete signatures before a package is shipped back, you’ve just saved the title office hours of delay and potentially thousands of dollars.
That’s the difference between being “a notary who stamps” and being a signing professional who adds real value. The second category is the one that gets called first, gets paid faster, and earns more per job.
The Bottom Line
Getting paid for loan signings in PA is straightforward once you understand the business side. Signing services get you started. Title companies get you paid. And the notaries who treat their work as a business—not a side hustle—rise to the top.
Build relationships with title companies. Set up your business structure properly. Learn how title work actually fits together. That’s how you stop waiting for payments and start positioning yourself as the notary who gets chosen again and again.
