notary resource hub

Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your notary business, this page provides essential tools, guides, and resources to help you succeed.

Getting Started as a Notary

Step-by-Step Guides

Understand Your State’s Laws:

  • Each state has unique rules for becoming a notary, performing notarizations, and setting fees.

  • Pricing for notarizations is state-mandated. Some states also restrict or allow travel fees.

    • Example: California limits notary fees to $15 per notarization, while Texas allows $6.

  • Resource: NNA State Fee Primer for your state-specific rules.

Meet Your State’s Requirements:

  • Visit your state’s Secretary of State (SOS) website to learn about the application process.

  • Resource: Access All SOS Pages.

Understand Travel Fee Rules:

  • Some states, like Texas, allow travel fees as long as they are disclosed upfront. Others, like California, have specific regulations.

  • Check your state’s rules with the NNA.

Essential Notary Supplies

Must-Have Tools

  • Notary Stamps and Seals: Ensure your stamp meets your state’s requirements.

    • Supplier: NNA Stamps.

  • Notary Journal: A required tool for securely documenting all notarizations.

    • Example: Modern Notary Journal.

  • Fingerprinting Supplies: Offer ink-based or digital fingerprinting.

    • Ink Pads: Available on Amazon or Staples.

    • Digital Fingerprinting: Live scan devices available through IDEMIA.

Recommended Vendors

Expanding Your Notary Business

Additional Services to Offer

  1. Remote Online Notarization (RON): Use platforms like Notarize or DocVerify. (Please Note: As a RON you will need a digital certificate from vendors such as Identrust and Intesi.)

  2. Permit Running: Assist clients with permit applications for construction, signage, and events. Learn more through your local city clerk's office.

  3. Fingerprinting Services: Provide ink or digital fingerprinting for background checks and licensing.

  4. Process Serving: Deliver legal documents such as subpoenas, complaints, or summonses.

  5. Field Inspections: Document property conditions or verify assets for financial or insurance clients.

  6. IPEN (In-Person Electronic Notarization): Conduct notarizations in person using electronic devices.

  7. Digital Court Reporting: Provide transcription or legal documentation services for attorneys.

    Training Resources: The Court Reporting Academy, BlueLedge, Digital Court Reporting 101, Learn To Transcribe

  8. MavSign Auto Loan Signing Agent: Specialize in notarizations for auto loans and leases via MavSign’s network.

Software for Notaries

Free or Cost-Effective Tools

Scheduling

  • TidyCal: Affordable and user-friendly scheduling for appointments. Visit TidyCal.

  • Calendly: A popular tool for seamless appointment bookings. Free and paid plans available. Explore Calendly.

Document Management

  • Google Drive: Free with 15GB of storage. Perfect for organizing documents. Use Google Drive.

  • Dropbox: Free for up to 2GB of storage. Paid plans available for more. Learn more.

E-Signature Platforms

Accounting & Invoicing

  • Wave: Free accounting software with invoicing capabilities. Get Wave.

  • Zoho Invoice: Free for up to 5 customers. Try Zoho Invoice.

Marketing

Legal and Compliance Resources

State-Specific Resources

FAQ’S for Notaries

General Notary Questions

What’s the difference between a notary public and a signing agent?

  • A notary public performs general notarizations like acknowledgments and jurats.

  • A signing agent specializes in handling loan documents for real estate transactions.

Can I notarize documents for family members?

  • It depends on your state. Many states prohibit notarizing for close relatives to avoid conflicts of interest.

What’s the maximum fee I can charge for notarization?

  • Fees are set by your state. Example: California allows $15 per notarization; Texas limits fees to $6 for acknowledgments.

Can I perform notarizations in other states?

  • Notaries are commissioned at the state level and can only perform notarizations within their commissioning state.

Do I need to keep a notary journal?

  • Some states, like California and Texas, require it. Even if not required, a journal is a best practice for legal protection.

Remote Online Notarization (RON)

What is RON?

  • Remote Online Notarization allows notaries to perform notarizations via secure online platforms using audio-video technology.

Is RON legal in all states?

  • RON is authorized in many states, but the laws vary. Check your state’s RON guidelines before offering the service.

What platforms can I use for RON?

How do I get approved for RON?

  • Some states require an additional application, training, or technology approval.

Notary Business Practices

How do I set my travel fees?

  • Travel fees are state-regulated. Some states allow notaries to charge a reasonable fee if disclosed upfront.

Can I advertise my notary services on social media?

  • Yes, but avoid implying that you are an attorney unless you are one. Follow state advertising rules.

Do I need liability insurance?

  • Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance is not always required but highly recommended to protect against mistakes.

What is process serving, and how do I get started?

Expanding Your Services

What is IPEN, and how is it different from RON?

  • IPEN (In-Person Electronic Notarization) is conducted face-to-face but uses electronic devices.

  • Unlike RON, IPEN does not require remote technology.

What types of documents can I notarize as a signing agent?

  • Loan documents like mortgages, deeds of trust, and refinance packages. Signing agents must complete additional training.

How can I start offering digital court reporting?

What is MavSign, and how can I join?

  • MavSign is a network that connects notaries with auto loan signing opportunities.

  • Learn more and sign up: MavSign.

Notary Laws and Compliance

What is a notary bond, and is it required?

  • A notary bond protects the public against errors or misconduct. Many states require it as part of the commissioning process.

Can I refuse a notarization?

  • Yes, if the document is incomplete, the signer lacks proper ID, or you suspect fraud.

What forms of ID are acceptable for notarization?

  • Most states allow government-issued IDs like driver’s licenses, passports, or state IDs. Always check your state’s rules.

What should I do if I make a mistake on a notarized document?

  • Correct errors immediately if the signer is still present. If not, the document may need to be re-notarized.

Marketing and Networking

How do I market my notary services?

  • Use social media, create a Google Business Profile, network with real estate professionals, and join notary directories like 123Notary.

Should I create a website for my notary business?

  • Yes, a website enhances your professionalism and visibility. Use affordable platforms like Wix or WordPress.

How do I find clients for specialized services like permit running or field inspections?

  • Network with local businesses, construction firms, and city agencies. Use platforms like SOFI for training and client leads.

How can I join a professional notary network?

  • Memberships in organizations like the National Notary Association (NNA) or local notary groups can provide networking and training opportunities.