Becoming a notary public is more than filling out an application and buying a stamp. If you want to turn your commission into a reliable side income or full business, you need to understand exams, legal requirements, marketing, insurance, and client relationships. While notary laws vary by state, the steps below provide a comprehensive, practical roadmap from certification to building a brand that stands out.
Understand Your State’s Requirements
Every state regulates notaries differently. At a minimum, most states require you to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of the state
- Pass a background check
- Submit an application and fee
Some states require education, testing, bonding, or an oath ceremony. Always start with your Secretary of State’s notary division or a reputable education provider such as the National Notary Association.
How to Find a Notary Exam Location
If your state requires an exam, you’ll usually find approved testing locations through:
- Your Secretary of State’s website
- Authorized third-party testing providers
- Approved notary education vendors
Exams may be offered:
- In-person at testing centers or government offices
- Online with remote proctoring (in some states)
When scheduling, confirm:
- Acceptable ID requirements
- Whether the exam is open-book or closed-book
- Passing score and retake policies
Take the Oath of Office (and How to Prepare)
Many states require an oath ceremony before your commission becomes active. This may take place at a county clerk’s office or courthouse.
Oath Ceremony Checklist
Bring:
- Your notary commission certificate
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Notary bond paperwork (if required)
- Any filing or recording fees
- Your completed oath form (if provided in advance)
Prepare by:
- Reviewing your state’s notary handbook
- Confirming appointment requirements
- Understanding your commission start date
Legal Documents You Must Maintain
Proper recordkeeping protects you legally and professionally. Every notary should maintain:
Required & Recommended Documents
- Notary journal – Required in some states, strongly recommended everywhere
- Bond documents – Keep the original bond and proof of filing
- Commission certificate – Store both digital and physical copies
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance policy
- Training certificates and exam results
Storage Best Practices
- Store physical documents in a locked, fire-resistant file box
- Keep digital backups in encrypted cloud storage
- Retain journals for the length of time required by your state (often 5–10 years)
Insurance and Business Structure Considerations
Notaries should think beyond the basic bond.
Insurance Types to Consider
- Surety bond (required in many states): Protects the public, not you
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance: Protects you from mistakes or omissions
- General liability insurance: Useful for mobile notaries visiting homes or offices
Should You Incorporate?
Incorporating may make sense if you:
- Offer mobile or loan signing services
- Work with corporate clients
- Earn consistent income
Options include forming an LLC or corporation, which can:
- Separate personal and business liability
- Improve credibility with corporate clients
- Simplify taxes as your income grows
For occasional or low-volume notarization, operating as a sole proprietor is often sufficient.
Marketing Yourself as a Notary
Marketing is what turns your commission into income.
Effective Marketing Strategies
- Create a simple website with services, hours, and service areas
- Set up a Google Business Profile for local search visibility
- List your services on notary directories
- Promote mobile and after-hours availability
- Use clear, professional branding and consistent pricing
Working Across State Lines
Notary commissions are state-specific. If you work near state borders or plan to expand:
- You must become certified and commissioned in each state
- You’ll need separate bonds, applications, and possibly exams
- Marketing materials should clearly list which states you serve
Differentiating Your Services in a Competitive Market
Many people offer notary services. Your goal is to be memorable and trusted.
Ways to Stand Out
- Offer same-day or evening appointments
- Specialize in real estate, healthcare, or business notarizations
- Provide mobile or on-site services
- Emphasize accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism
Pricing for Brand Growth
While fees are often capped by state law, you can:
- Charge travel or convenience fees where allowed
- Offer bundled services (multiple documents, repeat clients)
- Create corporate pricing for regular clients
Transparent pricing builds trust and positions you as a professional, not a commodity.
Networking and Building Corporate Clients
Corporate clients provide steady, repeat work.
Where to Network
- Title companies and escrow offices
- Independent attorneys and law firms
- Real estate brokerages
- Hospitals, nursing homes, and senior centers
- Financial advisors and tax professionals
How to Build Relationships
- Drop off business cards and service sheets
- Attend local business networking events
- Join chambers of commerce
- Follow up consistently and professionally
Reliability matters more than price when working with businesses.
Becoming a notary is the easy part. Building a successful notary practice comes from understanding exams, protecting yourself legally, marketing strategically, and creating strong professional relationships. With the right preparation and a clear plan, a notary commission can become a flexible, trusted, and profitable service—whether you work occasionally or build a full business around it.