Hi, I’m Tina. I’ve been a notary for more than 15 years and I’m here to help you learn the important steps it takes to become a notary public. Before we dive in, I thought it would be helpful to briefly go over what notaries actually do and to touch on why the state makes applicants go through all of the steps. I’ll walk you through during this article.
How to Become a Notary — The Complete Guide
Notaries are responsible for verifying a person’s identity, confirming they’re aware of what they plan to sign and that they’re not being pressured to sign on that dotted line because the purpose of all of this is to protect the public. You’ll need to meet a few requirements before you start the notary application process.
Do You Meet State Notary’s Requirements?
While some States have more requirements than others, most of them include being 18 or older, being a legal resident of the state and not having any felony convictions. If you meet all of your state’s requirements, you’re ready to get started.
The Application Process
First, you’ll need to submit a completed application form to your state’s notary regulating official and pay their application fee. This process is typically handled by the secretary of state’s office. If your state requires notaries to take a training course or pass an exam, you’ll need to complete those steps before you can receive a notary commission to find out if your state requires training or an exam, you can access each state’s specific guidelines in this post.
You’ll also be able to see if your state requires a surety bond or a background check. Once you get your commission certificate from the state, you may need to file a bond and take an oath of office.
After that, you’ll need to get your notary supplies, which typically includes an official stamp and a journal. These tools lend trust to the transaction. They help protect the public and they help protect you. If any of your notarizations are questioned.
There are a lot of optional supplies to help you carry out your day to day notary work to consider using a guide book that shows you the security features to look for when you check a signers ID and you might want to get a carry case that locks so you can keep your supplies secure.
Now let’s talk a little bit about notary errors and omissions insurance. This step is completely optional, but it’s one you should seriously consider taking. While notary should make every effort to avoid mistakes, if an error is made, having an Eno policy protects you as the notary. It’s a really inexpensive way to give yourself peace of mind.
FAQ
How hard is it to become a notary?
Be a legal resident of the State of California. Be at least 18 years old. Complete a training course approved by the Secretary of State. Pass an exam prescribed by the Secretary of State.
How much does notary make?
According to PayScale, a notary public earns an average of nearly $13 per hour. However, your income can vary, depending on your location and the type of documents you most often notarize. You might be able to command as much as $22 per hour.
Is being a notary worth it?
For most people that become a notary, the answer is yes. Many make a very profitable living as a notary. If you decide to focus your efforts on becoming a loan signing notary agent, you can charge upwards of $100 for every notarization you complete. This can translate to an income of $6,500 a month or $78,000 a year!
Can I become a notary online?
Just like you would apply for a credit card or a new job, you apply to be a notary public. Only 5 states out of 50 have a mandatory notary public course, which you can take online and in the comfort of your own home. You can get your California notary public six-hour course and take the exam for only $79!
What jobs can you get with a notary license?
- The Work of a Notary Public.
- Becoming a Notary Public.
- Administrative and Professional Positions.
- Mobile Notary.
- Wedding Officiant.
How do I start a mobile notary business?
- Become A Notary. Each state has its own requirements to become a notary.
- Purchase The Right Supplies. Having the right supplies to begin your notary business is critical.
- Advertise Your Notary Business.
- Keep Proper Records.
- Expand Your Notary Business.
How long does it take to be a notary?
To qualify as a Notary Public will take 2 years of study.
How do I become a successful notary?
- Write Your Business Plan.
- Hone Your Self-Development.
- Find A Mentor.
- Join A National Or Local Notary Association.