Are you looking for an easy way to make extra money? Becoming a mobile notary can be an excellent way to bring in some extra income.
As a certified notary, you'll be able to serve as an impartial witness for all kinds of legal documents and transactions. In exchange, you can charge up to $200 per appointment.
In this article, we'll cover what it takes to become a mobile notary, the duties and responsibilities associated with the job, and how to find clients in need of your services.
Let's get started!
What is Mobile Notary?
Mobile notary is a person appointed by the government (or other governing body) to witness the signing of legal documents.
They are responsible for verifying that parties involved in the document are who they say they are and accurately witnessing their signatures.
Mobile notaries also fill out paperwork regarding the signatures and identities of both parties involved as well as ensure that documents follow all relevant laws, regulations, and protocols.
Additionally, mobile notaries are often called upon to administer oaths or other complex tasks depending on the situation.
What It Takes to Become a Mobile Notary?
The first step towards becoming a mobile notary is meeting the requirements set by your state.
These vary from place to place but generally include having a valid driver's license, passing a background check, and taking an approved training course on the fundamentals of Notarization.
Depending on where you live, you may also need to pay application fees or purchase special supplies like stamps or seals.
Here are the steps to follow to become a mobile notary:
- Meet the eligibility criteria: To become a mobile notary, you must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the state in which you want to work, and have no prior felony convictions.
- Obtain a notary commission: You can obtain a notary commission by completing a notary training program and passing a written exam. You may also need to submit a background check and a bond to the state in which you want to work.
- Purchase notary supplies: You will need a notary stamp or seal, a journal to record your notarial acts, and a bond or insurance to protect you from liability.
- Familiarize yourself with notary laws and procedures: Every state has its own laws and procedures regarding notaries, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for your state.
- Start marketing your services: You can start promoting your services through word-of-mouth, social media, or by creating a website or business card. You may also want to join a mobile notary network or directory to increase your visibility.
- Set your fees: Your fees will depend on the type of notarial act you are performing, the location of the appointment, and the time of day. It is recommended to set your fees competitively with other mobile notaries in your area.
- Keep accurate records: You will need to keep accurate records of all your notarial acts, including the date, time, location, and signature of the signer.
- Stay up-to-date: You will need to renew your notary commission and continue your education to stay current with changes in notary laws and procedures.
By following these steps, you can become a successful mobile notary and enjoy the benefits of working as an independent contractor.
Once these requirements are met, you'll need to submit your paperwork to the office of the Secretary of State (or equivalent).
After that's complete, they'll give you your official credential as well as any other necessary supplies like stamps or seals needed for carrying out the job. You're now ready to start finding clients!
Duties & Responsibilities Of A Mobile Notary
As mentioned earlier, mobile notaries are agents who are appointed by their state government (or other governing body) and responsible for verifying documents between two parties in person.
They must meet certain standards including accurately witnessing signatures on legal documents as well as properly filling out paperwork regarding those signatures and identities of both parties involved.
In addition, they should have knowledge about how different types of documents should be signed and dated depending on where they are used.
Sometimes more complex tasks such as administering oaths may also be required - this varies from case to case however so always ask the client ahead of time if something like this will be necessary before heading over there.
Finding Clients
Now that you know what it takes to become a mobile notary let's talk about how to find people who might need your services.
Many times people in need of someone who is qualified can look online - popular places include Craigslist or other classified websites like Facebook Marketplace or even Google search results when searching "mobile notaries near me".
Alternatively asking friends/family who have recently gone through similar situations can also yield great results - if they had a positive experience they will happily refer others too!
How Much Can You Make As A Mobile Notary Signing Agent?
As a mobile notary signing agent, you can make up to $200 per appointment. The amount of money you can make will depend on the complexity of the document being signed and the location.
Certain states and counties may have additional fees that can add to your earnings as well. Additionally, there are some specialized documents such as wills or trusts which can be more lucrative than average ones.
With that said, it's important to remember that each state can have different restrictions and requirements surrounding notarization services so always check your local laws before setting any rates or carrying out any jobs.
As a mobile notary signing agent, you can earn anywhere from $75 to $200 or more per appointment, depending on several factors, including:
- Location: Mobile notary fees can vary depending on the location of the appointment. Urban areas generally pay more than rural areas.
- Type of notarial act: Some notarial acts, such as loan signings, can pay more than others, such as witnessing the signing of a will.
- Time of day: Some appointments may be more difficult or time-consuming and therefore pay a higher fee. For example, an appointment outside of normal business hours may pay a higher fee than one during regular business hours.
- Experience and reputation: A more experienced and reputable mobile notary signing agent will likely be able to charge more for their services.
- Competition: The market for mobile notary services in a specific area will also affect the fees charged by mobile notary signing agents. If there is a lot of competition, fees may be lower, while in areas with fewer notaries, fees may be higher.
It is important to remember that as an independent contractor, you will also be responsible for your own expenses, such as transportation, notary supplies, and insurance.
On average, a mobile notary signing agent can expect to make between $75 and $125 per appointment. However, with experience, a strong reputation, and the right marketing strategies, you may be able to charge more and earn a higher income.
What Is The Mobile Notary Business Startup Cost?
The startup costs for a mobile notary business can vary greatly depending on your location. Generally speaking, you'll need to obtain the necessary licensure and certification in order to legally be able to provide services in your area.
After that initial cost, there are various fees associated with running a business such as insurance costs and other administrative expenses.
Additionally, you may need to invest in equipment such as a laptop computer and printer as well as software programs for tracking customers and payments.
Depending on your situation, you may also need to pay for additional training or seminars in order to stay up-to-date with regulations and laws related to notarization services. Here are some of the startup costs you may incur:
- Notary commission fee: This fee will vary depending on the state in which you are applying for a commission, but it can range from $25 to $200 or more.
- Notary training and examination fees: Some states require that you take a notary training course and pass a written exam before becoming a notary. These fees can range from $50 to $200 or more.
- Notary bond or insurance: A notary bond or insurance policy is required to protect you from liability. The cost of this bond or insurance will depend on the coverage amount, but it can range from $50 to $500 or more per year.
- Notary supplies: You will need to purchase a notary stamp or seal, a journal to record your notarial acts, and other supplies. These supplies can range from $50 to $200 or more.
- Marketing materials: You may want to create a website, business cards, or other marketing materials to promote your services. These costs can range from $100 to $500 or more.
- Transportation and other expenses: As a mobile notary, you will need to pay for your own transportation to and from appointments, as well as any other related expenses, such as gas, maintenance, and tolls.
These costs are just estimates and can vary depending on your specific circumstances. It's important to carefully budget for these expenses and plan for them in advance to ensure a successful start to your mobile notary business.
What Makes For A Successful Mobile Notary?
Success as a mobile notary signing agent requires more than just licensure and certification. It takes hard work and dedication to provide the highest quality services to clients. Here are some key components that make for a successful mobile notary:
- Attention to detail: Notarization includes going over documents with a fine-toothed comb and ensuring signatures, dates, and other information is accurate.
- Professionalism: A successful mobile notary must be punctual, organized, and trustworthy.
- Adaptability: The rules of notarization can change quickly so it's important to stay abreast of the latest regulations in your area.
- Networking: Building relationships with attorneys and other real estate professionals can help you land more consistent business.
Conclusion: The Ins & Outs of Being A Mobile Notary!
Becoming a mobile notary is a rewarding way to make a living, as you get to help people with important documents and have the potential to make up to $200 per appointment.
It does take dedication, preparation, and an understanding of the rules and regulations in your area, but if you put in the effort it can be a viable source of income. With the right strategies, you can succeed as a mobile notary and earn big.
Andy Thompson
Andy Thompson has been a freelance writer for a long while. She is a senior SEO and content marketing analyst at Digiexe, a digital marketing agency specializing in content and data-driven SEO. She has more than seven years of experience in digital marketing & affiliate marketing too. She likes sharing her knowledge in a wide range of domains ranging from ecommerce, startups, social media marketing, making money online, affiliate marketing to human capital management, and much more. She has been writing for several authoritative SEO, Make Money Online & digital marketing blogs like: ImageStation, & Newsmartwave
