Becoming a notary public can be a rewarding and versatile way to work flexible hours while also earning a steady income (in a field that will always be in demand). If you’re already in the legal field or have an interest in legal documents, it’s a potentially profitable side hustle idea.
Notary publics are official witnesses to the signing of important documents, like contracts and legal agreements. They play a critical role in preventing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of business and personal transactions. If you’re interested in how to become a notary, these seven steps will guide you through the process, from deciding whether it’s the right choice for you to taking your first official oath.
Consider if Notary Work Is Right for You
Before starting the process, take some time to think about whether being a notary is the right career path for you. It isn’t the same as other legal professions; a notary’s main duty is to witness and authenticate the signing of legal agreements, a service that requires great attention to detail and expertise surrounding strict regulations. There are more than 4.4 million notaries in the US. If you enjoy working with people and can maintain a high level of accuracy in administrative tasks, notary work might be for you.
Understand Your State’s Notary Requirements
There’s a difference between how to become a notary NYC and how to become one in CA or another state. The first thing you want to do is familiarize yourself with the unique requirements in yours. You can contact your state’s notary regulator (normally the Secretary of State’s office) for the most up-to-date information. Look into specific education requirements, exams, background checks, and in-person interviews you might have to go through.
Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
To become a notary public, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Be a legal resident of the state where you seek the commission
Have a clean criminal record
Be able to read and write in English
Not be disqualified from notary service due to certain past legal actions
Most notary publics also have prior legal experience or work in the field of law already.
Take a State-Approved Training Course and Pass an Exam
Even if it isn’t mandatory where you live, this training is invaluable because it provides you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to perform your duties accurately. Plus, your clients will look for it when considering your services. You can generally find them at local community colleges or online.
Some states also require you to pass a state-administered exam to demonstrate your understanding of notary laws and procedures. This is often the most challenging step, but you can find study guides and practice exams online to help (and many of them are free!).
Complete and Submit Your Notary Application
The notary application form will ask for your personal information and details about your education and training. It may require signatures from a certain number of character references and your notary training instructor.
Get Personal Surety Bonds or E&O Insurance
In most states, you’ll need to purchase a surety bond before legally operating as a notary. This serves to protect the public from financial harm that might occur if you make an error in your notarizations. E&O (errors and omissions) insurance is another option that can offer more extensive coverage here.
Purchase Your Notary Public Stamp and Supplies
Your stamp (also called a seal) is the tool of the trade. It’s what you’ll use for every notarial act, and regulations about its form and usage are usually quite strict. You should also purchase a notary journal, which you’ll use to keep track of your notarizations and protect against liability claims.
Take Your Official Oath of Office
Once you file your surety bond and oath of office with your state’s notary regulating agency, you’ll receive your official certificate of appointment. The oath of office is normally administered by a local judge or clerk.
Becoming a notary varies by location, but with careful consideration of the steps involved, anyone can achieve it. Whether you’re adding a valuable skill to your existing career or beginning a new profession altogether, the role of a notary public is an essential one that serves a critical function in our legal system.
