How To Start A Notary Business

A notary agent (also called a notary public) holds a very important job of authenticating and verifying the signatures on legal documents in various kinds of legal transactions. The requirements, procedures, and qualification required to be a notary public varies from state to state. Most of the states require the applicant to be at least 18 years of age, a legal and permanent resident of the state he/she is applying in and without any prior criminal record. Being a notary public will allow you to deal with a diverse clientele and starting a business of notary public will open many doors for you. Following are a few steps that you need to take in order to start your notary public business once you become a commission notary:

Step 1

The first step is to learn the requirements of application in your State. The National Notary Association’s website can provide you detailed information about the study material, workshops and classes to get you familiarized with the law in your State and other rules and regulations, ethics of this job and different types of situations that you might face once you become a notary public. Once you take the exam, post your bond, taken an oath by a judge and have bought your official notary seal, you are eligible to start your practice. The tenure of a notary public is usually four years. At the end of this time, you can get it renewed upon the agreement of the appointing authority.

Step 2

The next thing is to determine whether you want your business to be a mobile unit, a home office or a brick and mortar facility. Learn about your competition and do some research about the demand for notaries in your locality. Many real estate offices, corporation, law firm, and banks have a notary public on-site to assist them in procedures that require notarization.

The most lucrative option is to start a mobile unit where you can travel to your clients. Not only will this allow you to get more business but it will also save you the overhead costs of maintaining and leasing an office.

Step 3

Once you decide on the kind of business you are setting up, you will have to get the name of your business registered with your state’s registrar office. You will also need to get a license for your business after paying the required fee. You might want to place an ad in a local newspaper to spread awareness about your new business. Open an account for your business. As a businessman, you will be required to pay taxes as well as a fee on every notary public transaction. If you are to provide mobile services then set a competitive fee to accommodate expenses as mileage and parking etc.

Step 4

Get business cards that include your name and list of services that you provide and other contact details. Make rounds of government offices, credit unions, law practices, real estate offices, mortgage companies, and local banking institutions to keep up with competition and get acquainted with potential clients. Have your business card on you at all times. Attend all the networking events that you are invited to through your Chamber of Commerce, community service or non-profit organizations. This will help you stay in the loop of people related to your business.

Follow these simple steps and you will have a successful notary business up and running in no time!