Guide to Becoming a Notary
How to Start as a Notary Public: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Business Owners
Thinking about becoming a notary public to add a reliable income stream or expand your services? Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a side hustler, or a business owner looking to diversify your offerings, becoming a notary can be a powerful way to serve your community and create income on your own terms.
This guide will walk you through how to become a notary public in any U.S. state, with links to essential resources and next steps to help you move forward confidently. It’s designed to be actionable, no matter where you’re located.
Step 1: Understand What a Notary Public Does
A notary public is a state-appointed official who acts as an impartial witness during the signing of important documents. Your role is to verify the identity of signers, confirm their willingness to sign, and ensure that they're not under duress.
Common documents you might notarize include:
Real estate documents (closings, deeds)
Wills and powers of attorney
Affidavits and acknowledgments
Business contracts
School or travel consent forms
Notaries are trusted in industries like real estate, law, healthcare, finance, and insurance. Some notaries also provide Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing them to work entirely from home.
Step 2: Check Your State’s Requirements
Each state has its own notary application process, eligibility rules, and training mandates. Generally, you must:
✅ Be at least 18 years old
✅ Be a legal resident or have a place of employment in the state
✅ Have no felony convictions (or certain misdemeanors)
✅ Read and write English
To check your specific state’s requirements, visit:
👉 National Notary Association State Requirements
👉 Or search “[Your State] Secretary of State notary public application”
Step 3: Complete Your Application & Pay State Fees
Most states allow you to apply online through your Secretary of State’s website. You’ll typically need:
A completed application
Proof of residency or citizenship
Payment of a filing fee (usually $25–$100)
A notary bond (some states require this)
💡 Pro Tip: Some states may require *background checks, fingerprinting, or in-person training. Make sure you follow the checklist on your state’s official site.
Step 4: Take a Training Course (If Required)
Some states mandate notary education or testing. Even if it’s not required, it’s strongly recommended to take a course to avoid costly errors.
Look for state-approved training through:
Your Secretary of State website
National Notary Association
Local community colleges or legal aid centers
Step 5: Purchase Your Notary Supplies
Once commissioned, you’ll need to buy your official tools:
🖋 Notary stamp/seal (must follow state guidelines)
📓 Notary journal (required in some states to track acts)
🪪 Valid photo ID for yourself and to verify signers
📑 Optional: Error & Omissions Insurance (strongly recommended)
You can find compliant supplies through:
National Notary Association
Step 6: Build Your Business & Get Clients
Congratulations — you’re officially a notary public! Now let’s get your business rolling:
Name & Register Your Business
Choose a business name (Ex: “Notary SWFL” or “QuickSign Notary”)
Register your LLC or sole proprietorship with your state
Get a business bank account and EIN number from the IRS
Create Your Online Presence
Build a simple website (use platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or GoHighLevel)
Set up a free Google Business Profile
Create social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
Offer In-Demand Services
General notary work (in-person signings)
Remote Online Notarization (get a digital commission if your state allows it)
Mobile notary work (travel to your clients)
Real estate closings (partner with title companies)
Step 7: Join a Notary Community & Stay Compliant
Stay connected to industry news and continuing education by joining:
📬 Notary associations (like NNA or state-level groups)
💬 Facebook groups and online forums
📚 Continuing education platforms
🧠 Coaching or mentorship (if you want to grow faster)
Bonus: Want to Learn Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
Remote Online Notarization lets you notarize documents from anywhere using video conferencing and digital tools. It’s legal in 43+ states and rapidly growing.
If you’re curious about how to get started with RON — including tech setup, pricing, and platforms like ProNotary — I’ve created a step-by-step course to walk you through it.
👉 Click here to explore the RON Starter Course
(Includes bonuses: live mock sessions, contract templates, and my go-to tools)
Final Thoughts
Becoming a notary is more than just stamping papers — it’s about building trust, providing a valuable service, and creating income flexibility.
✨ Whether you want to make a few hundred extra a month or turn it into a full-blown business, the notary path is wide open.
Quick Start Checklist
✅ Look up your state’s notary application
✅ Complete required training/testing
✅ Submit your application and pay the fee
✅ Buy your stamp and journal
✅ Start offering services locally
✅ Consider remote online notarization
✅ Stay active in your notary community
If you’re ready to turn this into a business — not just a side hustle — I’d love to help.
📩 Have questions?
katie@notaryswfl.com
