How to Start Offering Mobile Notary Services
Starting a mobile notary business can be a flexible and rewarding career path. As a mobile notary, you'll travel to clients' locations to notarize documents, providing a valuable service while setting your own schedule. Here's how to get started in this growing field.
Becoming a Notary Public: The First Step
Before you can offer mobile notary services, you must first become a commissioned notary public in your state. Each state has different requirements, but the general process includes:
Meet your state's eligibility requirements - Typically, you must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the state, and have no felony convictions.
Complete required education - Many states require pre-commissioning education. For example, California requires a 6-hour course, while Florida requires a 3-hour course.
Pass a notary exam - Some states like California, New York, and Oregon require passing an exam.
Submit your application - Apply to your state's notary division (usually through the Secretary of State's office).
Purchase a surety bond - Most states require notaries to obtain a surety bond, which typically ranges from $500 to $25,000.
Get your commission certificate - Once approved, you'll receive your official notary commission.
Purchase your supplies - You'll need a notary seal/stamp, journal, and certificates.
Transitioning to Mobile Notary Services
Once you're a commissioned notary, here's how to launch your mobile services:
1. Set Up Your Business Structure
Choose a business name and register it with your state
Decide on a business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)
Obtain necessary business licenses and permits
Set up business bank accounts
Consider obtaining professional liability insurance
2. Define Your Service Area and Availability
Determine how far you're willing to travel
Set your availability hours (including evenings and weekends for higher earning potential)
Establish your fee structure, including travel fees
3. Create Your Mobile Notary Kit
Organize your notary supplies in a professional carrying case
Include additional supplies like pens, sticky notes, and business cards
Consider adding a portable printer if you'll be printing documents on-site
Ensure you have reliable transportation
4. Market Your Mobile Notary Services
Create professional business cards and brochures
Build a website highlighting your services and service area
Join online directories like NotaryCafe, Snapdocs, 123notary.com, or notary.net
Network with real estate agents, attorneys, and loan officers
Use social media to promote your services
Consider joining your state's notary association
5. Enhance Your Qualifications
Consider additional certifications to expand your service offerings:
Become a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) for real estate closings
Get certified in specialized areas like loan signings
Stay updated on changing notary laws in your state
Ready to Establish Your Notary Business Properly?
While becoming a notary is straightforward, setting up a legitimate business requires specialized knowledge. My Notary Business Essentials Course focuses specifically on the business formation aspects, including:
Choosing the right business entity (LLC, S-Corp, Sole Proprietorship) for tax benefits and liability protection
Step-by-step guidance on filing required business formation documents
Setting up proper business banking and merchant services
Implementing accounting systems that make tax time stress-free
Creating contracts and service agreements that protect your business
Understanding insurance requirements and options for notary professionals
Managing business expenses and tax deductions specific to mobile notaries
Don't risk operating your notary business improperly. Join other successful notaries who have established legally sound and financially organized businesses with my comprehensive guidance.
Click here to enroll in the Notary Business Essentials Course and build a solid foundation for your notary business!
Remember, each state has different requirements for notaries, so always check with your state's notary division for the most current information. With the right business structure and tools, your mobile notary business can provide both flexibility and financial rewards.
