Digital Court Reporter Notary

Record legal proceedings, work from anywhere, and earn serious income—no law degree required.

📌 What Is a Digital Court Reporter?

A digital court reporter is a legal professional who uses specialized recording equipment and software to capture, annotate, and log courtroom proceedings, depositions, hearings, and trials. Unlike traditional stenographers who type in real time using shorthand machines, digital court reporters record audio/video files and ensure accurate documentation by reviewing and timestamping the material.

They're commonly employed by:

• Court systems

• Law firms

• Government agencies

• Freelance reporting firms

• Remote deposition platforms
  
  

As courtrooms modernize and shift toward hybrid/remote proceedings, the demand for digital court reporters has exploded—especially for virtual and asynchronous recordings.

💰 How Much Do Digital Court Reporters Make?

While rates vary based on experience, certifications, and region, here’s a general idea:

• Entry-level digital court reporters: $25–$35/hour

• Certified professionals: $40–$75/hour or more

• Freelancers working with legal service providers: Flat rates per proceeding ($150–$500+)
  
  

Many earn $3,000–$7,000/month, especially when combining in-person and remote assignments.

🧰 What’s Involved in the Job?

Here’s what a typical digital court reporter does:

• Set up and test high-quality recording equipment

• Capture clear audio/video during proceedings

• Take real-time notes and timestamp key moments

• Upload files to transcription platforms

• Ensure chain-of-custody and data security

• Communicate with attorneys, judges, and court staff

• Occasionally appear on-screen for remote depositions
  
  

It’s a detail-oriented role that requires discretion, professionalism, and strong technical know-how—but not a law degree or typing 225 WPM.

🎓 Credentialing: Who Certifies Digital Court Reporters?

One of the most respected certifying bodies is AAERT (American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers).

They offer two primary certifications:

1. Certified Electronic Reporter (CER)

• Focus: Capturing recordings and managing proceedings

• Exam: 110 multiple-choice questions

• Fee: ~$275 for AAERT members; ~$325 for non-members

• Requirements: High school diploma, background check, and experience/training
  
  

2. Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET)

• Focus: Transcribing court proceedings from digital recordings

• Great add-on if you want to offer transcription services, too

• Exam includes audio transcription and grammar proficiency

• Fee: Similar pricing structure to CER
  
  

AAERT exams are administered remotely via secure proctoring, and membership benefits include prep materials and industry networking.

🛠 Getting Started: What You’ll Need

• Digital recording kit (USB mic, headphones, backup device)

• Laptop with transcription software (e.g., ForTheRecord, Liberty, Veritext)

• Reliable internet connection

• Strong communication & organizational skills

• AAERT certification or equivalent (highly recommended)

• Optional: Training through online academies or court systems
  
  

Most new professionals can get started with under $1,000 in equipment and prep—and start earning within 60 days.

🔄 Why Mobile Notary Services Pair Perfectly With Digital Court Reporting

If you’re drawn to the digital court reporting space, chances are:

• You’re comfortable working with legal documents

• You enjoy detailed, process-driven tasks

• You value flexibility, professionalism, and meaningful work

• You prefer working solo or with a small legal support team
  
  

That’s exactly why mobile notary work is an ideal side hustle—or even a parallel business.

Here’s how they overlap:

• ✔️ Both serve the legal and real estate industries

• ✔️ Both allow you to charge premium rates for your time

• ✔️ Both are flexible, remote, and often mobile

• ✔️ Both benefit from certifications, but not college degrees

• ✔️ Both allow you to build your own business and client list
  
  

Example:

A digital court reporter might record a remote deposition on Tuesday and notarize estate documents for a law firm on Wednesday—earning $100–$200 per appointment with mobile notary work, on top of their court reporting income.

💡 Ready to Add Mobile Notary Services to Your Skillset?

You don’t need to choose one or the other—you can combine both for a profitable, professional business that serves the legal industry from multiple angles.

✅ Low startup cost
✅ Quick path to earning
✅ Easy to integrate into your existing schedule
✅ No marketing degree or fancy tech stack required

👉 Click here to access the Notary Jumpstart Course and get certified, trained, and paid fast.

It’s the perfect legal-adjacent service for anyone serious about growing their income with skills that never go out of demand.