The notary services landscape is evolving faster than ever. As a signing agent in 2026, understanding the latest notary industry statistics isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for staying competitive and growing your business.
From the explosion of Remote Online Notarization (RON) to changing client expectations around phone availability, these numbers tell a compelling story about where the industry is headed and what successful notaries are doing differently.
We’ve compiled the most critical mobile notary data and signing agent market insights to help you make informed decisions about your notary business. Let’s dive into the statistics that matter most.
The State of the Notary Industry in 2026
Before we examine specific phone-related statistics, it’s important to understand the broader context of the notary services market. The industry has undergone significant transformation, driven by technological innovation and shifting consumer expectations.
Market Size and Growth Trends
Statistic #1: The U.S. notary services market reached $2.8 billion in 2025, representing a 12% increase from the previous year. (Source: IBISWorld Industry Report)
This growth reflects increased demand across multiple sectors, particularly real estate, legal services, and financial transactions. For signing agents, this expanding market presents significant opportunities—but also heightened competition.
Statistic #2: There are approximately 4.4 million commissioned notaries in the United States, with roughly 320,000 actively working as mobile notary signing agents. (Source: National Notary Association, 2025)
The distinction between commissioned notaries and active signing agents is crucial. While millions hold notary commissions, only a fraction operate as full-time or part-time mobile professionals serving the signing agent market.
Phone Communication Statistics That Define Success
In an increasingly digital world, phone communication remains the backbone of notary business operations. These statistics reveal why call management can make or break a signing agent’s success.
After-Hours Demand Patterns
Statistic #3: 78% of signing requests come in after traditional business hours (after 5 PM or on weekends). (Source: Snapdocs Signing Agent Survey, 2025)
This statistic is perhaps the most important number in this entire roundup. Nearly eight out of ten potential clients are reaching out when most businesses are closed. For signing agents still relying on voicemail or simply not answering calls during off-hours, this represents an enormous missed opportunity.
Consider this: if you receive 100 signing inquiries per month, approximately 78 of those calls are coming when you might not be available to answer. At an average signing fee of $125-175, that’s potentially $9,750-$13,650 in monthly revenue at risk.
Statistic #4: 67% of callers who reach voicemail will hang up and call another notary rather than leave a message. (Source: National Notary Association Communication Study, 2024)
The combination of after-hours calling patterns and caller behavior creates a perfect storm of missed business. When clients need documents notarized, they typically need it done quickly—waiting for a callback simply isn’t an option.
This is exactly why more signing agents are turning to AI-powered phone solutions designed specifically for notary services. These systems ensure every call is answered professionally, 24/7, without requiring the notary to be personally available.
Response Time Expectations
Statistic #5: 82% of clients expect a response within 30 minutes when calling about notary services. (Source: Notarize Consumer Expectations Report, 2025)
Client expectations have shifted dramatically in the smartphone era. What was once acceptable—returning calls within a few hours or the next business day—now results in lost business.
Statistic #6: Signing agents who respond to inquiries within 5 minutes are 4.2 times more likely to secure the appointment than those who respond within 30 minutes. (Source: Title Company Partner Survey, 2025)
Speed-to-response has become the single most important factor in converting inquiries to appointments. The math is simple: faster response equals more business.
Remote Online Notarization (RON) Growth Statistics
The rise of Remote Online Notarization represents one of the most significant shifts in notary industry statistics history. Understanding RON growth stats is essential for any forward-thinking signing agent.
Explosive RON Adoption
Statistic #7: RON transactions have grown 340% since 2020, with continued acceleration through 2025. (Source: Notarize Platform Data, 2025)
The pandemic served as a catalyst for RON adoption, but the growth hasn’t slowed. Consumers who experienced the convenience of remote notarization now expect it as an option, and businesses have streamlined their processes to accommodate it.
Statistic #8: 43 states now have permanent RON legislation in place, up from just 23 states in 2020. (Source: National Notary Association Legislative Tracker, 2025)
The legislative landscape has evolved rapidly to support RON adoption. For signing agents, this means understanding and offering RON services is no longer optional—it’s a business necessity.
Statistic #9: 61% of consumers now prefer RON over traditional in-person notarization when given the choice. (Source: National Association of Realtors Technology Survey, 2025)
Consumer preference has shifted decisively toward remote options. Signing agents who don’t offer RON capabilities risk losing clients to competitors who do.
Real Estate Transaction Volume and Notarization Patterns
Real estate transactions remain the primary driver of signing agent business. Understanding notarization patterns in this sector is crucial for business planning.
Transaction Volumes and Timing
Statistic #10: U.S. real estate transactions totaled 5.2 million existing home sales in 2025, with each transaction requiring an average of 3.7 notarized documents. (Source: National Association of Realtors, 2025)
This translates to approximately 19.2 million notarization opportunities from existing home sales alone—not including new construction, refinances, or commercial transactions.
Statistic #11: Tuesday through Thursday account for 68% of all real estate closings, with end-of-month dates seeing 3x normal volume. (Source: Title Industry Data Analytics, 2025)
Understanding these notarization patterns helps signing agents prepare for busy periods and ensure they have adequate support systems in place—including reliable phone coverage during peak times.
Statistic #12: 34% of signings are scheduled with less than 24 hours notice. (Source: Snapdocs Platform Analytics, 2025)
The last-minute nature of many signing requests underscores the importance of being available and responsive. When a title company needs a signing agent for tomorrow morning, they’re calling until they find someone who answers.
Mobile Notary Business Operations Data
Beyond call statistics, understanding operational mobile notary data helps signing agents benchmark their performance and identify improvement opportunities.
Income and Workload Statistics
Statistic #13: Full-time signing agents complete an average of 12-18 signings per week, with top performers completing 25+ weekly. (Source: Notary Signing Agent Certification Council, 2025)
The gap between average and top performers is significant—and often comes down to business practices rather than notary skills. Availability, responsiveness, and professional systems separate the highest earners from the rest.
Statistic #14: The average signing agent fee has increased to $125-175 per signing, with RON-certified agents commanding premiums of 15-25%. (Source: Mobile Notary Fee Survey, 2025)
RON certification represents a clear path to higher earnings. Combined with the consumer preference statistics above, the case for adding RON capabilities is compelling.
Statistic #15: Signing agents who use professional call management solutions report 35% higher monthly revenue compared to those managing calls themselves. (Source: AgentZap Customer Success Data, 2025)
This statistic directly connects phone management to business outcomes. When every call is answered professionally and inquiries are handled efficiently, more opportunities convert to appointments.
Ready to see how professional call management can impact your notary business? Schedule a personalized demo to learn more.
Technology Adoption in Notary Services
Technology is reshaping how signing agents operate, from scheduling to communication to document management.
Digital Tool Usage
Statistic #16: 89% of signing agents now use digital scheduling tools, up from 54% in 2020. (Source: Notary Technology Adoption Survey, 2025)
The shift toward digital operations has been swift and comprehensive. Signing agents who resist technology adoption find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
Statistic #17: Signing agents using automated communication systems save an average of 12 hours per week on administrative tasks. (Source: Productivity Analysis Study, 2025)
Time savings translate directly to capacity. Those 12 hours can be reinvested in completing additional signings or simply reclaimed as personal time.
Statistic #18: 72% of title companies prefer working with signing agents who have professional phone systems in place. (Source: Title Company Partner Preferences Survey, 2025)
Title companies are the primary source of signing agent business, and they have clear preferences. Professional phone handling signals reliability and competence—qualities that lead to repeat business and referrals.
Client Communication Preferences
Understanding how clients prefer to communicate helps signing agents optimize their availability and systems.
Channel Preferences
Statistic #19: 64% of signing clients prefer phone calls for initial scheduling, while 28% prefer text and 8% prefer email. (Source: Consumer Communication Preferences Study, 2025)
Despite the rise of digital communication, phone calls remain the dominant channel for initial contact. This makes phone availability and professionalism critically important.
Statistic #20: 91% of clients say professional phone handling significantly impacts their perception of a signing agent’s reliability. (Source: Customer Experience Survey, 2025)
First impressions matter enormously in service businesses. A professionally answered call sets the tone for the entire client relationship.
The Cost of Missed Calls
Let’s quantify what poor call management actually costs signing agents.
Revenue Impact Analysis
Statistic #21: The average signing agent misses 23 calls per month during business hours alone. (Source: Call Analytics Study, 2025)
Adding in after-hours missed calls (remember: 78% of inquiries come outside business hours), the total missed call count for many signing agents exceeds 50 per month.
Statistic #22: Each missed call represents an average lost opportunity value of $47, accounting for conversion rates and average signing fees. (Source: Revenue Attribution Analysis, 2025)
At 50+ missed calls monthly, that’s potentially $2,350+ in lost revenue every month—or over $28,000 annually. For most signing agents, that’s the difference between surviving and thriving.
Curious about how much missed calls might be costing your business? Explore our pricing options designed specifically for notary professionals.
Future Trends in Notary Services
Looking ahead, several trends will shape the signing agent market in coming years.
Emerging Patterns
Statistic #23: AI-assisted scheduling is projected to be used by 60% of signing agents by 2027, up from 28% currently. (Source: Notary Technology Forecast, 2025)
Artificial intelligence is moving from novelty to necessity in the signing agent business. Early adopters are already seeing competitive advantages.
Statistic #24: The demand for multilingual notary services has increased 47% since 2022, with Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese being the most requested languages. (Source: Diverse Communities Notary Study, 2025)
Demographic shifts are creating new opportunities for signing agents who can serve diverse communities—or who have systems in place to handle multilingual inquiries.
Statistic #25: 76% of signing agents plan to increase their technology investments in the next 12 months. (Source: Notary Business Planning Survey, 2025)
The industry has recognized that technology is not optional. Those who invest wisely will capture disproportionate market share as consumer expectations continue to evolve.
Putting These Statistics Into Action
Numbers only matter if they inform action. Here’s how successful signing agents are responding to these notary industry statistics:
Immediate Action Items
- Ensure 24/7 phone coverage: With 78% of calls coming after hours, round-the-clock availability is essential
- Minimize response time: Aim for under 5 minutes to maximize conversion rates
- Get RON certified: The 340% growth in RON transactions shows where the market is heading
- Invest in professional systems: Title companies prefer working with agents who have professional infrastructure
- Track your metrics: You can’t improve what you don’t measure
The data is clear: signing agents who prioritize availability, responsiveness, and professionalism outperform their competitors significantly. The question isn’t whether to invest in better systems—it’s how quickly you can implement them.
AgentZap’s AI receptionist is designed specifically for notary professionals, ensuring every call is answered professionally while you focus on what you do best—completing signings. Learn how our notary-specific solution can help you capture more business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of notary signing requests come after business hours?
According to recent industry data, 78% of signing requests come in after traditional business hours—after 5 PM on weekdays or during weekends. This statistic highlights the critical importance of having phone coverage beyond the standard 9-to-5 schedule. Signing agents who only answer calls during business hours are potentially missing nearly 8 out of 10 opportunities.
How much has Remote Online Notarization (RON) grown in recent years?
RON transactions have experienced explosive growth, increasing 340% since 2020. This growth was initially accelerated by the pandemic but has continued as consumers and businesses have embraced the convenience of remote notarization. Currently, 43 states have permanent RON legislation, and 61% of consumers now prefer RON over traditional in-person notarization when given the choice.
What is the average income for a full-time signing agent?
Full-time signing agents typically complete 12-18 signings per week at average fees of $125-175 per signing. This translates to potential weekly earnings of $1,500-$3,150, or annual income of $78,000-$163,800. Top performers completing 25+ signings weekly can earn significantly more. RON-certified agents often command 15-25% premium fees.
How quickly do clients expect a response from signing agents?
Client expectations have become increasingly demanding. 82% of clients expect a response within 30 minutes when calling about notary services. However, the data shows that signing agents who respond within just 5 minutes are 4.2 times more likely to secure the appointment compared to those who respond within 30 minutes. Speed-to-response has become perhaps the most important factor in converting inquiries.
What happens when callers reach a notary’s voicemail?
Research shows that 67% of callers who reach voicemail will hang up and call another notary rather than leave a message. This behavior, combined with the fact that most calls come after hours, creates significant revenue leakage for signing agents who rely on voicemail. Professional phone handling solutions that answer every call can dramatically improve conversion rates.
How much revenue do missed calls cost signing agents?
The average signing agent misses approximately 23 calls per month during business hours alone—and many more after hours. Each missed call represents an average lost opportunity value of $47 when accounting for conversion rates and average signing fees. For agents missing 50+ calls monthly (including after-hours), this can translate to over $28,000 in lost annual revenue.
Do title companies prefer signing agents with professional phone systems?
Yes, significantly so. 72% of title companies indicate they prefer working with signing agents who have professional phone systems in place. Professional call handling signals reliability and competence—qualities that lead to repeat business and referrals from these important business partners.
Conclusion: The Numbers Don’t Lie
These notary industry statistics paint a clear picture of both challenges and opportunities in the signing agent market. The data shows that success increasingly depends on availability, responsiveness, and professional systems—not just notary skills.
The 78% after-hours call rate, combined with the 67% voicemail abandonment rate and the importance of sub-5-minute response times, creates a compelling case for AI-powered phone solutions. Signing agents who embrace these tools are positioning themselves for success in an increasingly competitive market.
The RON growth stats (340% since 2020) and shifting consumer preferences indicate that technology adoption is not slowing down. Forward-thinking signing agents are investing in the tools and systems that will define success in 2026 and beyond.
Ready to join the growing number of signing agents using AI to grow their businesses? Book your personalized demo today and discover how AgentZap can help you capture more opportunities, serve more clients, and build a more profitable notary business.