How Permit Running Helps Notaries Expand Their Income
How Permit Running Helps Notaries Expand Their Income
When most people think of notaries, they picture loan signings, estate planning documents, or wedding officiations. But there’s another niche service that’s gaining attention—permit running. For notaries looking to diversify their income and support local contractors, this side of the business can open new doors.
To explore what permit running really looks like in practice, we spoke with Reinaldo (Ray) Torres, a Florida-based notary, courier, and CEO of Resilient Run. His story shows how combining notary work with construction permitting can turn into a stable, rewarding business.
From Broadcasting to Business Owner
Reinaldo didn’t start in the notary world. With a degree in communications and film, his career path shifted after discovering permit running in 2018. His father, who worked in construction, introduced him to the concept while dropping off paperwork at an apartment complex. There, Reinaldo met a young man who was running permits from a small home office—surrounded by stacks of plans and paperwork.
“I didn’t know what I had stumbled on,” Reinaldo recalled. “But when I learned that all he did was process permits for contractors, I got curious.”
At first, he put the idea aside while finishing his master’s degree. But when the job market proved tough, he revisited permit running. Over time, he built a business from scratch and founded Resilient Run, a permit running and courier service based in Miami, Florida.
What Permit Running Actually Involves
Permit running is the process of helping contractors or homeowners submit building permits to local departments. It requires downloading, filling out, and notarizing documents before uploading them to the city’s online portal.
“By 2018, everything was done online,” Reinaldo said. “You had to scan and upload the forms, track progress, and handle corrections.”
For many contractors—especially those focused on roofing, electrical, or mechanical work—the paperwork can be overwhelming. That’s where a permit runner comes in.
Reinaldo breaks the job down into stages:
Preparing and notarizing applications and supplemental forms
Gathering homeowner and contractor signatures
Scanning and uploading documents to the correct online portal
Tracking submissions and managing any corrections
It may sound complex, but once learned, the process becomes repetitive and efficient. Reinaldo now completes most roofing permits in 30–45 minutes, depending on the jurisdiction.
Earning Potential for Permit Runners
Permit runners typically charge between $150–$200 per permit, though prices can vary depending on deadlines and workload. “If a contractor needs something handled within 24 hours, they’ll often pay extra,” Reinaldo explained.
At his peak, Reinaldo earned $1,300 in a week and over $2,000 in a single month—proof that even part-time notaries can turn this into a reliable income stream. And since many contractors work with multiple permits each month, there’s plenty of recurring opportunity.
Why Contractors Need Permit Runners
One of the biggest misconceptions is that contractors would rather handle the paperwork themselves. Reinaldo says that’s rarely the case.
“Most of them hate paperwork,” he laughed. “They’d rather focus on managing crews and job sites. So they gladly pay someone who can take care of the permitting for them.”
Many contractors—especially older business owners—aren’t comfortable with online portals or scanning documents. Having a reliable permit runner saves them time, frustration, and potential delays.
How Notaries Can Add Permit Running to Their Services
Notaries already have the attention to detail and professionalism needed for permit running. To get started:
Learn your local building department requirements. Each city has its own portal and rules.
Network with contractors. Roofing, electrical, and mechanical companies often need help with permits.
Offer notarization as part of the service. This makes your offer more convenient and valuable.
Start small and give yourself grace. As Reinaldo shared, “When I first started, it took me hours. But once you learn it, it becomes second nature.”
The key is to keep learning and building relationships. Reinaldo also emphasizes community over competition. “I don’t believe in gatekeeping,” he said. “If God gave me the gift, I can gift it to somebody else.”
A Growing Opportunity for Notaries
In today’s economy, notaries are diversifying more than ever—handling loan signings, weddings, estate planning, field inspections, and now, construction permits. Each service strengthens the other and keeps income steady throughout the year.
Permit running is especially promising in Florida, where construction projects and roofing permits are in constant demand. For notaries looking to add another revenue stream, it’s a practical way to grow their business and serve a new market.
Connect with Reinaldo Torres
If you’re a Florida notary interested in learning more about permit running or joining future workshops, you can reach Reinaldo on Instagram at @rayt90
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or business advice. Regulations and requirements for notary and permit running services may vary by state and jurisdiction. Always verify local laws and consult with the appropriate authorities or professionals before offering new services.
