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5 tips for Notaries starting a business

Updated 7-23-24. You’ve got your Notary commission and you want to start a new business as a Notary. But what comes next? Don’t worry — two successful, self-employed Notaries, Daniel Lewis of Indiana and Marcy Tiberio of New York, have suggestions to help you get your Notary business started on the right foot.

1. Start with what you know, then branch out.

When starting out, focus on building your business one service at a time. Many new Notaries try to offer several kinds of services immediately: loan signings, general consumer work, loan modifications, auto loans, annuities, debt settlement, etc. However, when you lack experience, it’s easy to make mistakes that can hurt your Notary business and cost you future work. Instead, start with one or two services and get comfortable with them. When you have more experience under your belt, then you can add more services to increase your Notary business. What you don’t want to happen is to overextend yourself, make mistakes, and lose work. At the same time, keep in mind that you will make mistakes — you’re only human. Mistakes are how you learn and how you handle those mistakes is what can make or break your Notary career.


4 steps to starting a successful Notary business (Infographic)


2. Connect with other Notaries.

Finding a Notary willing to mentor you is crucial. A mentor, ideally someone in your state, can offer guidance, support and ideas to help you launch and grow your business. They can also be a great resource for getting jobs. You can help with their overflow when they are booked and refer work to them that may be outside of your comfort zone.

Networking with other Notary professionals is one of the best ways to increase your business without encountering significant costs. People like to do business with people that they trust and like, and networking is about building relationships. Most NSAs who have long-term success rely on Notary networks. Your state Notary association is a great place to network with other Notaries.

3. Never stop educating yourself.

The laws and rules governing Notaries, and the expectations for Signing Agents, are constantly changing. If you want to avoid mistakes and keep your business growing, always keep up with the latest developments. Here are a few quick tips that will make a dramatic difference in your Notary career: 

  • Read and review the Notary guide for your state. In many states, you can download and print your state’s Notary guide online along with the most updated Notary laws.
  • Attend workshops and conferences, both locally and nationally, that offer training and presentations to improve your knowledge.
  • Check with your state commissioning office or professional Notary associations such as the NNA for answers to Notary-related questions.
  • Connect with professionals outside of your immediate circle such as realtors, loan officers and escrow officers. Many times, the real estate and banking industries have a direct impact on Signing Agent work. They can be a wealth of information to help you stay on top of your game and ahead of the curve. 

4. Make a business plan and follow it.

Whether you are a new Notary starting a business for the very first time or a seasoned professional, having a plan is essential for success. A business plan will help you anticipate and overcome financial or legal obstacles you may encounter over time that may not be obvious at first.


22 Ways To Make Money As A Notary


Developing the right plan can help you with starting or expanding your business, and knowing what resources you will need to assure your success. Having a business plan also helps you figure out how much to charge for your services and what type of business model you should develop.

5. Market yourself and your services.

Developing a strong marketing plan can make or break your business. Marketing in the Notary profession has changed over the years. At one time, a Notary could make a decent income by just posting a simple profile online and then waiting for the phone to ring from potential customers — but that’s no longer the case. You need to develop a strategy to get the word out about your Notary services — both online and in your local community. Let local businesses, schools, churches, insurance agencies, banks, real estate professionals, and your friends and family know that you are a professional Notary and that you are available for their Notary needs. 

You should also make sure that you are advertising your business on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. If you plan to do loan document signings, you should ensure your profile appears on sites like FindaNotary.com and SigningAgent.com and includes the most up-to-date information. 

Daniel Lewis, the NNA’s 2010 Notary of the Year, is the owner of Lewis Notary Services, Inc. and a contributor to the Notary Bulletin. Marcy Tiberio is a NNA 2015 Notary of the Year Honoree and owner of Professional Notary Services, Inc., in Rochester, New York. She can be reached at marcy@professionalnotaryservices.biz.


Additional Resources:

Signing Agent Tools

Signing Agent FAQs


55 Comments

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alethiahines@gmail.com

01 Sep 2023

I absolutely love NNA and all the information and resources, I have been commissioned since February this year, owner of Silver Foxx Signings and have certification as an NSA, and currently taking the RON course with Loan Signing Systems. But I'm still too scared to accept loan signing assignments. I joined several notary groups in social media trying to find a mentor but it seems like everybody else is searching too. What can I do to change this? I really want to succeed.

National Notary Association

05 Sep 2023

Hello. You may also want to search on Facebook or other social media channels to see if there are any online Notary groups you can join to discuss issues and ask questions.

Cynthia Lewis

17 Aug 2023

I live in Groves TX. I am wanting to branch out in a business, but you suggested that I get a mentor that will me to get comfortable in doing the signings and other services. But this is a small community and there not that many people I can ask. As some people here don't want to help as to think you would take there business. I was more interested in mobile notary. Can you help me in this or getting started?

National Notary Association

21 Aug 2023

Hello. You may wish to look online to see if you can connect with a Notary group or mentor through social media platforms such as Facebook. Please see this article for more tips and suggestions: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2019/09/how-mentoring-strengthens-the-notary-community

Rosemary Stevens

14 Aug 2023

Who would you contact if you are commissioned in NC?

Patrick

14 Aug 2023

I recently received my certificate of commission in Texas, and purchased a domain name but I haven’t notarized a single document yet how should I use my domain name to grow my business and what types of documents should I become familiar with first as I try to find clients in my state? I’m not really clear on what I can charge for my services or commission either

National Notary Association

21 Aug 2023

The maximum fees that a Texas Notary or the Notary’s employer may charge for a notarial act are (GC 406.024[a]): Taking an acknowledgment or proof: $6 for the first signature and $1 for each additional signature; Administering an oath or affirmation, with certificate and seal: $6; Providing a copy of a record or paper kept in the Notary’s office: 50 cents per page; Taking a deposition: $6 for the oath, certificate, seal and other business connected with the deposition, plus 50 cents per 100 words; Protesting for nonacceptance or nonpayment, register and seal, $4; each notice of protest, $1; certificate and seal to a protest, $4; protesting in all other cases, $4. Certificate under seal not otherwise provided for: $6 Performing any other lawful notarial act: $6. “An online notary public or the online notary public’s employer may charge a fee in an amount not to exceed $25 for performing an online notarization in addition to any other fees authorized under Section 406.024” (GC 406.111).

Tamara

01 May 2022

Does a notary business have to register as an LLC? I've been operating as a sole proprietor DBA with an EIN, Dun and Bradstreet number and separate personal account for 3 years. Is this okay or should I get an LLC and business bank account?

National Notary Association

18 May 2022

Hello. Please see this article for more information about options to incorporate a Notary business: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2021/04/how-incorporate-notary-business

Vernice Moore

03 Jan 2022

How to become a notary in the state of North Carolina I live in Gaston county

National Notary Association

05 Jan 2022

Hello. Please see this page for information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/north-carolina

Patricia Busch

18 Sep 2021

Thanks 👍

Patricia Busch

18 Sep 2021

Thank you 💖

Mildred Bradley

01 Sep 2021

Very informative, do you have hard copy materials that you can send me? I am about to start my own business and can sure use this information. Thanks,

National Notary Association

07 Sep 2021

Hello. You can find additional tips and resources online here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/building-your-business

Lonetta Silas

31 Aug 2021

This information was interested, helpful and very informative. Now I know what steps to take next, so I can grow my Notary business.

jminyard.0814@gmail.com

30 Aug 2021

I am new, and wish to get a mentor in Cleveland, OH.

Angel Wings Notary Unlimited, LLC

30 Aug 2021

I live in New Mexico and am commissioned here, and would like to be commissioned in Kansas also. Can I do this?

National Notary Association

01 Sep 2021

Hello. No, only residents of Kansas or of a bordering state who is regularly employed in or carries on a business or profession in Kansas are eligible to apply for a Kansas Notary commission.

Gary Thornton

30 Aug 2021

Very informative information thank you.

Patricia Busch

25 Aug 2021

Thanks 👍

Debbie

15 Jul 2021

Hi, I am fairly new to Notary and looking for a Mentor around Gwinnett and Dekalb area in Ga. I am thinking about getting trained in immigration or just a signer for now. This was very informative

LAURA

01 Mar 2021

IM A NEW NOTARY IN LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA.I NEED A MENTOR TO HELP ME GET GOING .I HAVE ONLY NOTORIZED 3 TIMES AND I WANT TO LEARN MORE AND BECOME MORE EXPERIENCED.I LIVE IN CARSON CALIFORNIA.THANK YOU LAURA

Dawn McMillan

12 Dec 2020

Can I be a notary outside of my home state?

National Notary Association

14 Dec 2020

Hello. It depends on the rules of your home state and the state you wish to apply for a commission in. What is your home state, and what state do you wish to become a Notary in, please?

Susan A Lynn

10 Nov 2020

Thank you for your time.🙂

Wendy L Gee

15 Oct 2020

I would like to know how to sign up with companies that contract out mobile notaries in the Houston, TX area. I passed my Signing Agent Test and my Background check.

National Notary Association

16 Oct 2020

Hello. Please see this article for suggestions: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2016/06/effective-networking-mobile-notaries-quality-quantity

Nicole

13 Oct 2020

Very great info

Allen Lyons

13 Oct 2020

What is the average yearly income for a notary here in California?

National Notary Association

16 Oct 2020

Hello. It is very difficult if not impossible to provide an average. Some California Notaries do not charge for their services, some notarize part-time, some as a full-time business and some specialize in particular industries.

Janessa West

06 Oct 2020

Advice for new ways with Covid to 'Let local businesses, schools, churches, insurance agencies, banks, real estate professionals and your friends and family know that you are a professional Notary and that you are available for their Notary needs'?

Adrina Simmons

17 Sep 2020

How much can you charge for your services in Tennessee?

National Notary Association

22 Sep 2020

Hello. Tennessee does not have a statutory Notary fee schedule. Please see here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/notary-fees-by-state

Jennifer M Hensley

20 Aug 2020

Here in Colorado we are only permitted to charge $5.00 a document and $10 when two signors are required. Please advise how this would work here.

Norma R Alvarado

06 Aug 2020

I would like to increase my notary business further , this is great information

ltorres723@gmail.com

25 Feb 2020

I found this article to be very informative. I am in New York and newly commissioned...new all together to the notary business actually, however, am interested in starting a mobile notary business in my spare time. I do not know where to start and am having a hard time figuring what would be the charge for meeting a client other than the document charges enforced by NYS, and if its worth pursuing the NSA certification in New York. Can you please guide me to online or telephone resources that can assist me. Thank you.

National Notary Association

27 Feb 2020

Hello. In New York state, certain companies providing assignments to signing professionals may choose to only utilize licensed attorneys. Please see here for more information: https://www.nationalnotary.org/support/signing-agents/state-restrictions

jasonw814@gmail.com

01 Feb 2020

How much can I charge for my services?

National Notary Association

05 Feb 2020

Hello. To help us answer your question can you please tell us what state you are commissioned in?

Craig Snyder

17 Jul 2019

Very informative, just the kind of information was looking for to help me gete businesz going and how to make it grow. Thanks

Mikael D. Rawlings

17 Jul 2019

I have never made one red cent.

Regina Ross

15 Jul 2019

The information is awesome for new beginners lije myself. Sincere thanks

Myiesha Daniels

10 Jul 2019

This article was very helpful.

Angela M Winslett

08 Feb 2019

This is great information for a “newbie” like me; much appreciated...:)

Lisa Ann Robinson

20 Jan 2019

Thanks for sharing and awesome information.

Crystal Jones

09 Jul 2018

I am just starting out and this was great information

Gregory Maynard

24 Jun 2018

Just starting out and looking for more info. I'm in TX.

National Notary Association

27 Jun 2018

Hello Gregory. You can find more articles with business tips here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/building-your-business

Sheila P. Henry

20 Jun 2018

Thanks for the wonderful information....

Katherine Karrington Tyson

04 Jun 2018

Thanks for the tips, I needed it.

Yolaine

24 Apr 2018

Do I need a business license to get started?

National Notary Association

24 Apr 2018

Hello. We would recommend contacting the agency that issues business licenses in your city or county to ask if they require you to apply for a business license.

ashraf zaman

28 Mar 2018

simply fantastic

Janie Hicks

05 Jul 2017

This is very informative.

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