How To Become Mobile Notary

Are you interested in boosting your income by over $30,000 with just a $200 investment? Imagine earning $75 to $200 for every appointment you make. Starting a mobile notary business can make these dreams a reality. Moreover, becoming a mobile notary is not only profitable but also easy. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming a mobile or travel notary, including what a mobile notary business is, the necessary requirements, and how to kickstart your notary business.

The Basics: What Is A Mobile Notary?

As a mobile notary, you travel to a signer’s location, whether it’s their home or office, to notarize specific documents, such as legal documents like Wills or Trusts, home loan documents or car titles, property ownership transfers, declarations of guardianship and adoption papers, name change documents, and business paperwork, including employment forms, contracts, and partnerships. The role of a notary public is to verify the signer’s identity, witness the signing of the document, and then sign and stamp it.

How Much Do Notary Publics Make?

Notaries generate income by charging fees for their notarial services, following state-specific laws. Initially, fees may seem limiting, ranging from $0.50 to $15 for a signature. However, with additional training, you can become a notary signing agent, capable of charging over $100 for a single loan signing.

Requirements for Becoming a Mobile Notary

While specific requirements vary between states, some common criteria include being at least 18 years old, residing in the state where you’re applying, proficiency in reading and writing English, and no felony convictions or prior notary commission revocations. To determine the exact requirements for your state, a quick online search will provide the necessary details.

Starting a Mobile Notary Business: A Quick Checklist

Here’s an at-a-glance checklist outlining how to become a mobile or travel notary:

Ensure you meet your state’s requirements.
Complete a state-approved training course.
Submit your state’s notary application.
Pass the state-administered exam.
Undergo a background check.
Await your commission certificate in the mail.
Purchase a surety bond.
File your bond and oath of office with your local county clerk.
Procure your notary journal and stamp from an authorized vendor.
Consider obtaining Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance (recommended but optional).

7 Steps to Starting a Mobile Notary Business

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part – starting your mobile notary business in seven manageable steps. Note: The first step is to actually be a notary. So make sure you have your commission certificate from your state before you think about launching a business.

Step 1: Craft a Business Plan

A business plan is the foundation of your mobile notary business’s success. It outlines your objectives, uncovers unknowns, and provides a clear path to achieving your goals.

Key considerations include startup and ongoing costs, identifying your target audience or market niche, setting pricing strategies for your services, and selecting a suitable business name and checking its availability.

Step 2: Establish a Legal Entity and Register for Taxes

Protect your personal assets by forming a legal entity for your business, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Additionally, register for state and federal taxes and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to ensure compliance.

Step 3: Open Business Bank Accounts and Credit Cards

Separate your business and personal finances by opening dedicated bank accounts and obtaining a business credit card. This not only protects your assets but also gives you access to better interest rates and higher lines of credit, and simplifies tax filing.

Step 4: Implement a Robust Accounting System

Maintain meticulous financial records, tracking expenses and income. A well-organized accounting system ensures a clear understanding of your business’s performance and simplifies annual tax filing.

Step 5: Secure the Necessary Permits and Licenses

To avoid hefty fines and potential business closure, it’s critical to obtain the required permits and licenses for your state and locality. Check local and state regulations to ensure compliance and secure a Certificate of Occupancy if you operate from an office.

Step 6: Develop an Online Presence with a Business Website

Create a user-friendly website for your mobile notary business. Potential prospects are more likely to search the internet for a mobile or travel notary, which is why having a website is crucial.

Step 7: Develop an Effective Marketing Plan

Create a marketing plan to attract clients and build your reputation. Starting a mobile or travel notary business requires dedication and careful planning, but with the right steps, you can achieve financial success and professional fulfillment in this lucrative field.

How to Become a Mobile Notary

Becoming a mobile notary is not too complicated. Follow these four steps:

Become a notary.
Create a business plan.
Create an internet presence.
Market yourself.

How Does a Mobile Notary Work?

As a mobile notary, you will meet with a client personally to ensure that the entire notarization process is completed and done properly in accordance with state laws. You will do this by verifying the signer’s identity, witnessing the client’s signature on the document, and putting your signature and stamp on the document.

How Much Does It Cost To Start a Mobile Notary Business?

While starting most businesses can cost thousands of dollars, that is not the case with a mobile notary business. The Florida Notary Association offers a four-year new notary package for just $109 (plus $5 flat rate shipping). This complete package includes everything required to become a notary: the required $7500 bond, self-inking stamp, certificate, state fee, and link to the education class.

How Much Money Can I Make as a Mobile Notary?

Florida sets prices for various notarial acts. You are allowed to charge up to $10 for each signature, acknowledgment, oath, affirmation, and other act. If performing a wedding ceremony, you may charge $30. If you charge more than that, your commission may be suspended. As a mobile notary though, you can charge a travel fee as long as the client is made aware of it ahead of time.

FAQs

What is the role of a mobile notary?

A mobile notary travels to a signer’s location to notarize specific documents, verifying the signer’s identity, witnessing the signing of the document, and then signing and stamping it.

What are the requirements for becoming a mobile notary?

Common criteria include being at least 18 years old, residing in the state where you’re applying, proficiency in reading and writing English, and no felony convictions or prior notary commission revocations.

How much can I earn as a mobile notary?

Most full-time mobile notaries earn at least $2,000 a month, with approximately 16% earning more than $7,500 a month.

What is the cost to start a mobile notary business?

The Florida Notary Association offers a four-year new notary package for just $109, which includes everything required to become a notary.

How does a mobile notary work?

A mobile notary conducts the notarization process at the client’s convenience, meeting with the client personally to ensure that the entire notarization process is completed and done properly in accordance with state laws.

How do I market myself as a mobile notary?

Marketing your skills is very important, especially when you are a brand new mobile notary. In addition to creating an internet presence, you can also make business cards and flyers and post them in various spots throughout the areas you wish to work.