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Start your journey today to earn some extra money as a mobile notary.
If you're seeking a way to earn extra income and have an interest in understanding contracts and legal documentation, a career as a mobile notary might be your ideal option. Mobile notaries are vital in preventing fraud and ensuring authenticity when signing documents. What sets them apart is their ability to work on the go, providing flexibility. This guide will cover the process of becoming a mobile notary, alongside expert tips to help you establish your own business and get started swiftly.
Essential Information to Keep in Mind
- Take a certified notary training course and pass the required notary exam if your state mandates it before you submit your application.
- Obtain your commission certificate and register your signature to officially begin your mobile notary career.
- Explore opportunities with notary agencies and legal firms, or draft a business plan and network to establish your own independent mobile notary service.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Apply to Become a Notary
Review your state's eligibility criteria. Each state has its own set of requirements for becoming a notary. Generally, you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, and able to read and write in English. Most states also require that you be a resident, but there are usually no strict rules regarding how long you've lived in that state.
- To find the specific criteria for your state, search “become a notary” along with your state's name. You can typically find the details on your state's Department of State website or your local city or county site.
Complete a notary education course. Some states, like Florida and Pennsylvania, mandate that you complete a certain number of hours of notary training before applying. In Pennsylvania, for example, applicants must finish 3 hours of approved notary education within 6 months before applying.
- Recommended training programs include those offered by Empowered Notary and American Society of Notaries.
- After completing the course, make sure you obtain a certificate or official proof of completion to submit along with your application.
Fill out and submit your notary application. Depending on your state, you may be able to apply online or may need to fill out a paper application and mail or deliver it to a specific office. States often charge a fee that ranges from less than $50 to over $100.
- In states like Illinois, you may also need to provide a copy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID for identity verification.
- Your application might also need to be notarized by another notary public.
- In states such as Florida, you may work with a bonding agency after completing your education. They will assist in processing your application, paying fees, and providing your notary bond and seal.
Take an oath of office or jurat. As part of your application, you may be required to sign a form affirming that the information you’ve provided is truthful and complete. This oath might also include a pledge to perform your notary duties to the best of your ability and in good faith. Be sure to write your name as you’d like it to appear on your commission.
- This form might also need to be notarized by another notary.
- In some states, the oath is called a jurat.
Pass the written exam. Some states require you to successfully complete a written test to prove that you understand the specific notary rules and practices in your state. You will typically have access to a Notary Handbook to help you prepare before the exam. There may also be a fee associated with taking the exam.
- Don’t worry if you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt; most states allow retakes, though additional fees may apply.
Complete a background check. In certain situations, a background check will be necessary before receiving your notary commission. Your state may provide this service, or you might be required to request a check from local law enforcement. In California, for example, fingerprinting is part of the process, and you must disclose any criminal convictions.
- If you have a felony conviction, you may be able to appeal if your application is initially denied based on the conviction.
Receive your commission certificate in person or by mail. Once your application is approved, you’ll be almost ready to start as a mobile notary. The commission certificate formally authorizes you to perform notarial duties. Depending on your location, you’ll either receive the certificate by mail or may need to pick it up at a courthouse or government office.
- If you applied online, you might be able to track the status of your application and estimate when your certificate will arrive.
- Make sure to store your certificate securely, as replacement copies are often not available.
- Notary commissions typically last for 4 years.
Purchase a surety bond. Before you can begin notarizing, most states require you to obtain a surety bond. This bond serves as protection for your clients if you fail to meet your notary duties. The required bond amount can range from $5,000 to $10,000.
- You will usually purchase the bond through a bond agency, with payments often made in monthly premiums, similar to insurance.
Register your signature. Your signature is one of your key tools as a notary. Depending on your state, you may need to register your signature with a local authority before performing any notarial acts. Be sure to register your signature exactly as it appears on your commission.
- For example, in Pennsylvania, you must register your signature in person at the Recorder of Deeds office.
Starting Your Career as a Mobile Notary
Search for mobile notary job opportunities. Many businesses are actively looking for mobile notaries to help their clients. Use platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn to find companies near you in need of notary services. Law offices, title companies, escrow firms, and specialized mobile notary recruitment agencies are all potential employers for your skills.
Consider purchasing errors & omissions insurance. While a surety bond protects your clients, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance safeguards you. If you make a mistake or overlook a critical detail while notarizing a document, E&O insurance helps cover any legal expenses. Many professionals and businesses opt for this type of coverage.
Ensure you have dependable transportation. Unlike traditional notaries, mobile notaries travel to meet clients. This makes reliable transportation essential. The more distance you’re willing to cover (within your state), the more clients you’ll be able to reach. It's a good idea to own a car, as depending on public transit may limit your availability.
Buy your notary stamp. Your notary stamp is a vital tool you’ll use to authenticate documents throughout your notary career. Check your state’s Notary Handbook to find out the specific requirements for your stamp. Some states allow a simple self-inking stamp, while others require an embossed seal. The color of ink may also differ depending on state regulations.
- You can purchase your personalized notary stamp online or from a local notary supply store.
- In states like Massachusetts, you may be able to order your stamp from the Secretary of State’s office, but it’s recommended to use an outside vendor or a local office supply store instead.
Maintain a notary journal. Many states mandate that you record all your notarizations in a notary journal. Typically, this journal must be a bound book with numbered pages, though some states allow for electronic records. However, a physical journal is often a legal requirement.
- Each journal entry should include the date, a brief description of the document or notarial act, the full name, signature, and address of the client, as well as proof of their identity.
- Also, be sure to note the fee you charged for the service in your journal.
- Additional supplies you may need include a printer for document copies, a briefcase to carry paperwork, and personal business cards for your clients.
Building Your Own Notary Business
Investigate local competition. If you plan to grow your mobile notary job into a business, it’s important to research what other mobile notaries are offering. Check out their services, pricing structures, and customer feedback.
- Review personal websites and social media profiles of other notaries to see how they market themselves and what kind of services they offer.
Develop a business plan. Writing a comprehensive business plan may take time, but it’s essential to give your business clear direction. Key components to include are:
- Executive summary: What your business does and your mission statement.
- Company description: What makes your business unique, who you serve, and the problems you aim to solve.
- Market analysis: A breakdown of competitors and their strengths.
- Organization and management: How your business will be structured and who will handle specific roles.
- Service or product line: Details about your services and how they benefit your clients.
- Marketing and sales: A plan to attract and retain customers through advertising and promotions.
Set your service fees. While your state may regulate certain fees for notarial services, you often have flexibility in setting rates for other charges like travel fees. Many states don’t regulate travel fees, so you can decide your own rates for these services.
- Typically, mobile notaries charge between $75 to $200 per appointment based on experience and service fees. Serving five clients in a week could bring in $375 to $1,000.
- For instance, California has the following maximum fees for notarial acts:
- Acknowledgement: $15 per signature
- Jurat: $15 per signature
- Deposition: $30 per deposition
- Certifying a copy: $15 per copy
- Request for line items from your journal: $0.30 per line
- Travel fees: Not regulated
Register your business and business name. Registering your business is typically an easy task. Usually, you will need to register your business name with your local or state government, either at the Secretary of State's office, a business bureau, or a similar agency. If you're operating as yourself under your legal name, registration might not be required.
- You also have the option to register with the federal government and obtain a federal tax ID. This is beneficial for trademark protection or possibly qualifying for tax-exempt status.
Create a website for your business. Having an online presence is crucial for attracting potential clients. When you come up with a business name, check whether the corresponding domain is available. If you match your business name to your domain name, it’s easier for customers to find you.
- Your website doesn’t need to be complex—just include a short description of your services, a contact email, phone number, and your physical office address if applicable.
- Positive client reviews, even a few, can boost credibility and help potential clients choose your services.
Join social media platforms and notary forums. Social media is an effective tool for reaching a wide audience. Create official accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to promote your business. Share updates, campaigns, and even behind-the-scenes content to engage potential clients. You can also post educational videos on YouTube to offer more insights. Additionally, search for notary forums to connect with fellow notaries and clients.
- One example is notarycafe.com, where notaries exchange experiences and advice.
Talk to friends and family to start networking. Networking may seem intimidating, but it begins with those closest to you. Inform your friends and family about your new notary services, whether it's a side gig or a full-time career. Ask them to spread the word within their networks. This could lead to your first clients.
- Once you’re comfortable, continue reaching out and consider finding a mentor in the notary business for additional guidance.
Offer additional services. Expanding your service offerings can help you attract more clients. Research other services you can provide as a certified notary. For instance, some states allow you to work as an immigration forms specialist, but additional training or authorization may be required.
- You could also offer apostille services, which involves delivering notarized documents that require apostilles to the correct agency and handling necessary paperwork.
- Becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is another option. NSAs work with mortgage documents and must complete background checks and annual written exams to maintain certification.
