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From binding government filings to important business contracts, a broad range of important paperwork and legal documents require (or strongly benefit from) official notarization through a commissioned notary public.
Starting a notarization business provides the flexibility to earn additional income as a side gig. Or, with enough preparation and experience, it can be profitable enough for a full-time career.
For those who are not yet notaries, here is some quick information on how you can make money in the industry. It's essential to understand that as a notary, you have the opportunity to provide valuable legal services to the public while also earning a reliable income.
Notaries are typically compensated through the collection of fees. The most requested notary services include:
Depending on where the notary lives, they can charge a standard fee that is set by the state or create their own prices.
Additionally, if they live in a densely populated location and want to expand the scope of their practice, notaries might charge extra fees for additional services like document preparation as well as more convenient forms of notarization such as mobile and remote online notarization (RON).
You don’t need a college degree to establish and operate your own notarization company, but it can still take a great deal of planning and preparation. So what, exactly, does this planning and preparation look like?
Here are some ideas to help you get started.
To provide notary services to clients, you must have a current and valid notary commission. In other words, you must be authorized by the state to act as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and apply an official stamp or seal of authentication and verification to those documents.
Notaries must seek certification from the governments of every state in which they plan to operate, and each state has its own unique set of notary certification requirements.
However, most states only accept notaries who are permanent residents and at least 18 years of age. States also universally demand notary applications with associated fees that may range from around $30 to more than $100.
Additional Training, Surety Bonds and Background Checks
In states that require applicants to pass an official notary test, training is particularly important.
While informal lessons and independent study are sufficient for some of these exams, other states, like Florida, require applicants to complete an approved notary course that covers notarization practices and legal obligations.
Since a notary is appointed as a person of integrity, most (but not all) states make applicants purchase a security bond in a specific dollar amount to protect notary clients from financial losses due to notarization mistakes.
Many states, including California, require all applicants to undergo and pass a criminal background check as an additional form of protection for the public. Because notary processes and laws can change at any time, notaries must remain well-informed about industry rules, regulations and best practices.
Another key step along the path to a successful startup is obtaining the right notary supplies. The application of a notary stamp or seal is a primary function of the notary public.
Notaries imprint these stamps on signed documents to demonstrate their authenticity and validity. Each stamp has a unique design that specifically identifies the notary who uses it. You simply cannot perform a standard notarization without acquiring an official stamp.
Another common notary supply item is the notary journal. These fillable booklets allow you to keep a permanent record of every notarial act that you perform.
In many states, these journal entries are a legal requirement for notaries. Even when it isn’t mandatory, this kind of record-keeping is a good idea for any notary seeking proactive protection against potential false accusations. In general, a notary journal can help to settle any number of disputes regarding issues of document tampering and other fraudulent activities.
Notaries can order stamps and journals from one or more vendors that often offer convenient purchasing online and home delivery by mail. Just take care to ensure that your vendor of choice is approved by your state government to offer products. Notaries.com is a state-approved supplier that creates supplies that meet or exceed local government mandates.
Beyond obtaining and maintaining a valid state notary commission, you must complete the state-imposed business registration processes that pertain to your proposed startup.
In most cases, this means building a comprehensive business plan that states your company’s goals, identifies its target market and details important business elements such as pricing structures and marketing strategies.
Because all your business activities must revolve around your fundamental business objectives, goal setting must come first in your planning process. However, you must be prepared to alter and refine your goals as you determine your target consumers and structure business operations to serve their needs.
For example, you should set your prices with a thorough knowledge of relevant state laws and competing notaries in the market. This is especially important because many states, like Texas, set limits on the fees notaries can charge for services.
As a whole, you will want your business plan to show an attention to detail that demonstrates your professionalism and dedication. This will not only help you effectively register your business but obtain capital funding for it as well.
To operate your startup as a legal entity, you must secure all necessary business licenses and register it at the state level as a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company (LLC) or another business structure. If you want to hire employees for your business, you will also need an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS.
Even the most airtight of business plans is likely to fail if it doesn’t take effective marketing strategies into consideration. You can offer exceptional notary services at an incredibly low cost, but if no one knows about those well-priced services, your business is bound to suffer. To promote strong client acquisition and retention, you will want to develop a compelling brand image for your business and ensure that this brand image is reflected in your company name, logo, slogan and other forms of promotional outreach.
What kind of person or organization do you tailor your services to fit? By answering this question, you can establish a target audience that is likely to respond to your brand image and marketing strategies.
A wise notary will stress promotional outreach and networking opportunities that involve law firms/attorneys, real estate firms/property agents and other potential target audiences who require notarization quite frequently.
No matter what form it takes, you will probably want to connect with your target audience online by designing a professional website and reaching out on relevant social media sites. You may also want to promote your business through pop-up ads or listings in digital directories such as Yelp and Google Business Profile.
Of course, the online environment isn’t the only place that you can market your business. Consider advertising through television, radio and print publications such as local newspapers. You can also distribute paper flyers and business cards by hand and/or by leaving them in strategic locations.
At any point during the planning or operational stages of your venture, you can choose to evolve past standard, traditional notarization to embrace mobile notarization and/or RON. In most cases, you can charge significant extra fees for these services.
You might also want to expand and optimize your business operations by becoming a signing agent. These professionals provide valuable document preparation and agreement navigation services that are beyond the realm of basic notarization. Most signing agents specialize in real estate transactions and guide clients through the mortgage agreement process.
Notary businesses can also increase revenue by offering a related but specialized service such as background verification, form verification and photo inspections for insurance claims. Notaries also commonly serve as legal testimony experts, official witnesses and even wedding officiants.
As a notary, you may also choose to specialize in specific sectors such as real estate, law, finance or government services.
In addition to expanding your offerings, retaining clients is essential to ensuring long-term business success. Focus on delivering exceptional customer service with every interaction to encourage repeat business. This includes being responsive to inquiries, being punctual for appointments (especially for mobile services) and ensuring that each notarization is handled with professionalism and care.
Additionally, stay engaged with past clients through social media, newsletters and occasional check-ins, so your services are top of mind when they require notarizations in the future.
While you cannot expect to establish an enterprise overnight, you can easily put yourself on the road to this goal with a little conscientious preparation and planning.
As you create your business development checklist, you may become a bit daunted at the sheer number and relative complexity of the various items on it. But thankfully, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
From ordering essential notary supplies to expanding your services by becoming a signing agent, Notaries.com can help you take any number of steps toward operating your own successful business.
Can I start a notarization business from my home?
Yes, you can start a notary business from home, especially if your state allows Remote Online Notarization (RON). Many notaries operate mobile services or work entirely online using state-approved RON platforms.
However, you’ll need to check your state’s regulations, ensure you have a dedicated workspace and market your services effectively to attract clients.
Depending on the specific nature of your notary business, you will also likely need to invest in supplies and equipment that extend far beyond a simple notary stamp and journal. This is particularly true if you plan to offer mobile and/or RON services.
Now available in all 50 states, mobile notarization is accomplished by notaries who travel directly to clients and perform services on-site. Obviously, this means that a mobile notary must have access to a reliable vehicle or another viable method of transportation.
Many states have also adopted RON, which is entirely online and requires specialized computer hardware and software.
If allowed in your state, becoming a remote online notary is a great way to run your notary business from home. While there is a higher up-front investment due to the mandated equipment and specialized software, RON can allow you to expand your services if you live in a rural area or somewhere with a lot of competition!
Should I register my business as an LLC or a sole proprietorship?
A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most affordable way to start, but an LLC provides legal protections by separating personal and business liabilities. If you plan to expand or take on higher-risk clients, an LLC may be a better choice. Consult a business attorney or accountant to determine what’s best for you.
Do I need a license to operate as a notary?
In most states, simply having a notary commission does not require a separate business license. However, if you plan to operate as a sole proprietorship, LLC, or other business entity, you may need to register your business and obtain any necessary local permits. Check with your state and county business offices to ensure compliance.
Do I need insurance?
While not always legally required, having Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is highly recommended. It protects you against potential claims of negligence or mistakes made during notarizations, which could otherwise lead to costly legal issues.
Do I need a separate bank account for my business?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to open a separate business bank account for your notary operations. This helps keep personal and business finances separate, making tax filing easier and adding credibility to your business when accepting payments from clients.
How much money do I need to start notarizing?
Startup costs can vary depending on your state’s requirements and the services you plan to offer. At a minimum, you’ll need to cover your notary commission fees, a surety bond (if required), a notary stamp and a journal. If you plan to offer mobile or remote online notarization (RON), you may need additional investments for travel, a reliable internet connection and specialized software.
What are the biggest challenges new notaries face and how can I overcome them?
Common challenges include building a client base, understanding state regulations and managing business expenses. Overcome these by networking with local professionals, staying informed on notary laws and keeping meticulous financial records to track expenses and profits.
