Stamped for Success: You’re a Commissioned Notary Public! What’s Next?

Congratulations on receiving your notary commission! Here are the key steps to take next to establish yourself as a notary public and set up your business effectively:

1) Understand Your State’s Notary Laws

• Review your state’s notary handbook to ensure you are familiar with the rules and guidelines.
• Note requirements for record keeping, fees you can charge, and any limitations on your authority.

2) Obtain Your Notary Supplies

• Purchase a notary seal or stamp that meets your state’s requirements.
• Acquire a Notary Journal for record keeping, even if it is not required in your state-it is good practice.
• If needed, invest in an embosser or additional supplies like acknowledgement and jurats certificates. This really comes in handy for your general notary clients.

3) Get Bonded and Insured

• If your state requires a notary bond secure one before starting any official business.
• Consider purchasing errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for personal liability protection. You can look into the National Notary Association (NNA) or Notary Rotary, just to name a few.

4) File Your Commission

• If you have not done so already, ensure that you file your commission with the county clerk’s office before performing notarial acts. Just be sure to check your state requirements.

5) Set Up Your Notary Business

• Register your business with your Secretary of State. Choose a business name, register with your local authorities, and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. Most people set up a home based business when they start becoming a business owner and do not need those things to run their business. Please check to see what your state law requires to ensure that you are in compliance.
• Get an EIN: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.GOV site. This is good to have if you are looking to expand with employees in the future.
• Open a business bank account to keep your finances separate from your personal accounts.

6) Market Your Services

• This is the time you will do some serious thinking of what you would like to have as your niche.
• Create a website to showcase your services, including specialized offers like wedding officiant, estate planning support or fingerprinting. A lot of notary newbies start out as a loan signing agent to get their feet wet and become familiar with important legal documents.
• Use Google Business Profile to make your business discover-able locally.
• Network with real estate professionals, law firms, and local businesses that often require notary services.

7) Please, Invest in Training and Certifications

• Take additional courses or obtain certifications if you plan to offer specialized services like loan signings or apostille facilitation.
• Join professional organizations like the National Notary Association (NNA), The Notary Coach, or The Notary Academy for resources and ongoing education.

8) Set Up Your Tools and Technology

• Consider getting mobile notary software for scheduling and invoicing. I personally use the app Notary Assistant and Square. There are others out there to look into once you do a little research.
• Invest in a reliable printer and scanner, especially for clients requiring copies or legal size of notarized documents.

9) Your Rates

• As previously mentioned, find your niche. Once you have determined what that will be, decide on what your rates and policies for travel fees, cancellations, and additional services will be.
• Decide on rates for specialized or extra services
  • a) After hours or rush jobs: Charge a premium for services outside of regular hours or urgent requests
  • Printing/Copying: Add fees for printing documents
  • Waiting Time: Include an hourly or per-minute fee if you’re kept waiting beyond a reasonable period.
  • Apostille Services: Set separate rates if you’re handling document authentication. ( I will go a little deeper in this topic in another posting)

10) Start Building Your Client Base

• Attend local networking events and join community organizations to spread awareness of your services.
• Offer promotional deals to attract your first clients.
• Volunteer at your local adult living facilities. There is nothing better than a family who is in desperate need of a notary and discovers that one is within their reach.

Becoming a notary is an exciting step towards building a flexible and rewarding career. By taking These essential steps, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful notary business and providing valuable services to your community. Remember, your commission isn’t just a stamp – it’s an opportunity to make meaningful connections and grow professionally. Whether you’re focused on general notarization, mobile services, or specialized areas like wedding officiating or loan signings, the possibilities are endless. Now, it’s time to get out there and make your mark. literally.

If you ever need any help or would like a mentor, feel free to contact me.

Angelique Abercrombie, owner of Notary and Beyond Services, LLC. My email is: angelique@notaryandbeyondservices.com