Starting a notary business can be an exciting and lucrative adventure, offering you the opportunity to provide essential services to your community while enjoying the flexibility of being your own boss. This guide will walk you through the key steps involved in launching your notary business, from meeting legal requirements to building a client base.

Let's start with understanding your state's notary requirements.

 Research the specific notary requirements in your state or jurisdiction. Notary regulations vary, so it's crucial to be familiar with the rules and regulations governing your area.

Determine the eligibility criteria for becoming a notary, which often includes age, residency, and a clean criminal record. You can find this information on most states' secretary of state websites. Look for the Notary information.

Your second step in the process is to complete notary training. Required or not!

 Enroll in a state-approved notary training program to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Many states require prospective notaries to undergo training before they can be commissioned.

Training may cover topics such as notary laws, document handling, and ethical responsibilities. The best place to find the basic and state-approved training you need is with the NNA- National Notary Association. You can find them here. If your state does not require you to get any type of training, I urge you to seek out notary training so that you can avoid mistakes that could cost you money, jail time, or losing your commission. Check out my YouTube video about Notary Associations to join. There is listed some state specific training from other companies.

Once you have your training, take the notary exam if required.

In some states, you may need to pass a notary exam to demonstrate your understanding of notary laws and procedures. Prepare for the exam by reviewing your training materials and any relevant state-specific regulations. If you go through the NNA for your training, you can take your course through them as well. They do a great job of prepping you for the notary course. 

Next Step: Submit Your Application:

Once you've completed your training and, if necessary, passed the exam, submit your notary application to the appropriate state agency.

Pay any required fees and provide the necessary documentation, such as proof of training completion and background checks. Again, if you utilize the NNA, all of that can be included in your purchase.

Trained, Tested, Applied, and Passed: Next Step is getting all of your notary supplies.

Invest in high-quality notary supplies, including a notary seal, official journal, and any required signage. These tools are essential for performing notarial acts and maintaining proper records. Ensure that your notary seal meets state specifications. Please note most states will send you a document that you will need to get your official notary stamp. Don’t rush this without that form. And again- as part of your purchase with the NNA, you can get all of your starting notary supplies as part of your package. 

It's time to Market Your Notary Business.

Create a professional brand for your notary business, including a logo and business cards.

Establish an online presence by creating a website and setting up social media profiles. Highlight your services, qualifications, and contact information.

Network with local businesses, real estate professionals, and community organizations to spread the word about your services.

** You don’t need a logo to start your business. However, you do need a Google Business Profile to get seen. To learn how to do that, I would recommend a course from Jim Allen. I have a $25 discount for his $150 dollar course. Use code GMB23 and click here for his course. Jim Allen is taking a break but should have new courses up and running soon. **

Set Your Pricing: 

  - Research local notary fees and set competitive pricing for your services.

   - Consider offering package deals or discounts for bulk notarial acts to attract more clients.

Maintain Compliance:

   - Stay informed about any changes in notary laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

   - Renew your notary commission as required and update your supplies as needed.

Provide Excellent Customer Service:

   - Build a positive reputation by delivering excellent customer service. Be prompt, professional, and courteous in all your interactions. Above all, ANSWER YOUR PHONE

   - Ask satisfied clients for testimonials to use in your marketing efforts.

Expand Your Services:

    - Consider expanding your notary services to include mobile notary services, loan signing services, or other specialized offerings.

    - Stay flexible and adapt your services based on the needs of your community. 

To find out more about ways to expand and diversify your services, you must read Laura Biewer and Bill Sorokas's Book Beyond Loan Signings. It's a must-read for any notary. Check it out here. 

Starting a notary business requires careful planning, adherence to legal requirements, and effective marketing. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to building a successful notary business that serves your community and meets the needs of your clients. Remember, ongoing learning and a commitment to excellent customer service are key to long-term success in the notary industry.

If you think you need more help setting up your notary business, you can check out my New Notary Business Essentials Course today! Check it out here.

I am so excited for you to start your new notary business today. What a great way to be a benefit to your community and to help support yourself and your family. If you want more info on being a notary, I have a new notary series on my YouTube channel that you can check out here. 

Wishing you the best of luck and success on your new notary journey,

Jennifer K Cooper, JKC Mobile Notary