Your Roadmap to Becoming a Notary Public

Establishing a notary business gives you a flexible schedule and a solid income. The key is to meet the state requirements to qualify for a commission. Eligibility requirements vary by state but typically include being at least 18 years old and a legal resident or citizen. Some states also require a background check and a surety bond.

Get Your Certification

A rewarding career path would be to become a notary in Texas. It’s not only a great way to earn extra money, but it also adds value to your resume and provides you with independence. Notaries are neutral witnesses who help people sign and authenticate important documents like home purchases, power of attorney proceedings, and international business deals. Start by completing the state’s education requirements. Then, take the one-hour exam. Bring a government-issued ID, two #2 pencils, and $15 to the exam center.

After you pass the exam, submit your oath of office and $60 fee through the state’s online portal. Then, you can get your seal and journal. It’s also a good idea to purchase E&O insurance to protect yourself if you accidentally commit a mistake during a notarial act. The NNA offers a variety of training and materials to support notaries, as well as a comprehensive rundown of state-specific rules and regulations. It also publishes an ethical code for notaries to follow.

Become a Mobile Notary

A mobile notary travels to business meetings to perform notarizations on various documents, primarily for mortgage and real estate transactions. A mobile notary can also provide non-notary services such as fingerprinting, courier service, and field inspections for clients. Many notaries in this capacity specialize in loan signing assignments, which require specific training and certifications. They must also be a certified notary signing agent, pass background checks, and carry errors and omissions insurance.

Building a mobile notary business can be done by contacting local title companies, lenders, and other organizations that hire them for mortgage and real estate transactions. It’s also essential to ensure you have reliable transportation and sufficient car insurance for traveling between appointments. You may also want to invest in a journal to keep track of each appointment and deal you’ve performed.

Get Clients

The best way to grow your notary business is to use tried-and-true methods like irresistible sign-up discounts and customer referrals. Notaries can also increase their businesses by networking with local businesses and attending business events, such as ribbon-cutting ceremonies or Chamber of Commerce meetings.

Many businesses, including banks, law firms, mortgage brokers, and real estate offices, need Notaries. Scan your area for these businesses and contact them to see if they need your services. You can also network with other notaries to find work when your appointment schedule fills up. Provide exceptional service to your clients and ask them to share their positive experiences with others. People are likelier to believe recommendations from friends, family, and even their pet hamsters! Word-of-mouth advertising is one of the most powerful tools out there! The more people who hear about your stellar customer service, the more new clients you’ll gain.

Market Your Services

Notaries have long served an essential function in society. They help to deter fraud by verifying signatures and documents. They also ensure that people sign their names and are not under duress. Notaries have long been a critical part of government and commerce, from documenting crops to verifying online transactions. Becoming a notary public involves meeting your state’s requirements, paying an application fee, and taking a training or exam. Depending on your state, you may also need to pay for background screenings and buy notary supplies.

A notary is a commissioned state official whose duties include administering oaths and witnessing and authenticating signatures on various legal documents. These documents can be anything from real estate deeds to affidavits or loan documents. Notaries often play a vital role in the mortgage closing process as they are trained to witness the many documents involved with a home loan. They can also see online mortgage closings that take place remotely.