How to Become a Mobile Notary Public
A mobile notary public provides a service with the kind of convenience that many people are willing to pay for. Taking your notary public business on the road can prove both rewarding and profitable.
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Things You'll Need
- Notary public commission certificate
- Notary seal
- Notary supplies
- Reliable transportation
- Telephone
- Mailing address
- Internet access
Instructions
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How to Become a Mobile Notary Public
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Order your state's notary handbook from the state office responsible for issuing notary certifications. This handbook will explain your duties as a notary public. If your state requires you to take a standardized test before applying to be a notary public, the handbook will help you prepare for the test. Some states offer notary public courses or will refer you to lawyers who offer brief consultations to anyone wanting to become a notary public. If your state does not offer a handbook or courses, do your own research into how to become a notary. Go through any notarized legal documents that you have and examine the notary's seal. If your bank offers free notary services, go to the bank and ask if they will notarize a document for you or just explain the process in detail. Most banks are happy to help longtime customers when things are not busy.
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Complete your notary public application and pay the fee associated with your appointment. This fee is determined by your state's Notary Public Division and is often between $30 and $60. Once your application is processed, you will receive instructions about how to order your notary seal and supplies. You will be reminded of the maximum fee the state allows you to charge to notarize documents---usually between $2 and $6. Once you become a mobile notary public, however, you can charge additional fees for gas and travel time. A mobile notary public can charge $20 or more per notarized document in addition to the state's predetermined notary fee.
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Determine the areas you wish to serve as a mobile notary public. Before advertising your services, decide where in your city or county you can reach conveniently. If you can travel outside your county, pinpoint places not already served by mobile notary publics. You will find fewer competitors in rural areas.
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Promote your services to local businesses that use notary publics. Send emails and letters to businesses and professionals that often need a notary public. Focus on real estate agents and real estate investors who often need to close deals quickly and might prefer a notary public who comes to them. When contacting these businesses and professionals, mention your fees and service area.
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Place ads in your local newspapers, online and in your phone book advertising your prices and services. These ads should include your service area, your fees for traveling and notarizing documents and details about the types of documents you can notarize. Include all contact information you are willing to share, including your email address, phone number and a mailing address. Advertising online is the most affordable way to promote a new notary public service; newspapers are a close second. But phone book listings are the most lucrative. Contact your local phone book companies and ask how much it costs to advertising on their websites and in print editions.
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