Will AI replace notary publics?
While the legal requirement for a notary remains, the transition to Remote Online Notarization (RON) and blockchain verification will significantly reduce the demand for traditional, in-person notary services. This role is highly vulnerable to digital transformation.
Why AI struggles to replace this job
- State laws currently require a human officer to witness the signing of certain documents to prevent fraud.
- AI cannot legally swear in an individual or administer a verbal oath of office.
- Evaluating whether a person is signing a document under physical duress requires human observation.
- Identifying forged physical credentials still requires a human eye in many non-digital contexts.
Tasks AI could automate
- Verifying identity documents against government databases.
- Tracking and recording the journal of notarial acts automatically.
- Applying digital timestamps and encrypted signatures to documents.
- Managing the scheduling and billing for mobile notary services.
The 10-year outlook
The role will likely merge with other administrative or legal roles as standalone notary work becomes less viable. Fees may stay flat as automation makes the process a commodity, and the total number of practitioners will likely decrease.
Common questions
Will AI replace notary publics?
While the legal requirement for a notary remains, the transition to Remote Online Notarization (RON) and blockchain verification will significantly reduce the demand for traditional, in-person notary services. This role is highly vulnerable to digital transformation.
What is the AI replacement risk for notary publics?
Notary Public scores 75/100 — This career is highly exposed to AI automation. Roughly 90% of the tasks in this role could be automated with current and near-future AI.
How much do notary publics earn in 2026?
The US median salary for a notary public is about $40,000 per year, with projected employment growth of -5% over the next decade (declining).
Which notary public tasks can AI automate?
Verifying identity documents against government databases. Tracking and recording the journal of notarial acts automatically. Applying digital timestamps and encrypted signatures to documents. Managing the scheduling and billing for mobile notary services.
Is notary public a good career to switch to?
Notary Public has a high AI risk score (75/100) and a -5% 10-year outlook. Compare it with your current job or use the salary calculator to see how a switch would affect your pay.
How can notary publics use AI instead of fearing it?
AI can speed up routine notary public tasks like Verifying identity documents against government databases. and Tracking and recording the journal of notarial acts automatically.. The most resilient workers learn to direct these tools while focusing on the human judgment, creativity and physical work that AI can't easily replicate.
Notary Public at a glance
| AI Risk Score | 75/100 · High risk |
|---|---|
| Automation potential | 90% of tasks |
| Median salary (US) | $40,000 |
| 10-year outlook | -5% · Declining |
| Typical education | High school diploma + state commission |
Plan your next move
A risk score is most useful when you compare it with other options.
Training paths for Notary Public
Build skills for this role or prepare for a resilient next move. Course links may earn us a commission; they never affect your AI Risk Score.
Special Education Fundamentals
Udemy · Beginner · ~15 hours
One of the least automatable teaching specialties, with persistent shortages.
Google Project Management Certificate
Google · Beginner · 6 months, 10 h/week
Coordination, stakeholders and accountability are the parts of knowledge work AI is worst at.
Google Data Analytics Certificate
Google · Beginner · 6 months, 10 h/week
Turns you into the person who interprets AI output rather than the person it replaces.
Teaching with AI in the Classroom
Coursera · Beginner · ~1 month
Educators who use AI well become more valuable, not less.
Want a guided next step?
Tell us what you want to learn and we’ll send a free, practical training plan.
Compare with other careers
All careersEducation, Legal & Public Safety
Legal Researcher
Education, Legal & Public Safety
Parking Enforcement Officer
Education, Legal & Public Safety
Probate Clerk
Education, Legal & Public Safety
Legal Assistant
Education, Legal & Public Safety
Legal Intake Coordinator
Education, Legal & Public Safety
Paralegal
Education, Legal & Public Safety
Court Administrative Assistant
Education, Legal & Public Safety
