Notary License

How to Obtain a Notary Public License

If you are considering becoming a notary public or notary signing agent, you likely are wondering what you need to do to get your notary license. Getting a notary license is the first step in starting your career or part time job as a notary public. Notaries are important government officials who verify the signing of important documents in all sectors of business. Many industries use notary services and require a licensed notary including business, law, medicine, immigration services,, building and contracting services, and more. Getting your notary license is a great first step in starting a successful notary business.

Getting a Notary License

Getting a notary license is a state-by-state process that normally involves completing an application, possibly taking a notary class or notary exam, and being sworn into office to start your job as a licensed notary. Each state has it's own specific eligibility criteria and application process. In general in order to become a licensed notary you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a legal resident of the state in which you want to get your notary license
• Never have been convicted of a felony
• Be over the age of 18
• Not had your notary license rejected or revoked in the last ten years
• In some states complete a background check
• In some states pass a notary class
• In some states pass a notary exam
• Learn about your state's notary license requirements

In addition to these requirements, you will also need to take certain steps to get your notary license. Generally you must follow these steps to get your notary license.

1. Obtain and complete a state notary application, including paying the fee and providing any needed references or recommendations
2. Take a notary class and/or notary exam to show that you are ready and able to perform your notarial duties
3. Take an oath of office about your duties as a licensed notary public
4. Purchase your notary supplies which normally include a notary seal or stamp and a notary journal
5. Purchase a notary bond to protect your clients in case any mistakes are made while notarizing a document or performing other notarial duties
6. Consider purchasing Errors and Omissions Insurance to protect you, the notary, in case any mistakes are made

Once you obtain your notary license, there are many benefits to working as a licensed notary public. First of all you can run your very own part or full time business controlling your own hours and schedule. As a notary public, it is up to you to determine if you travel to clients, have an office, or do both and since you are in charge, you can decide. Secondly, as a licensed notary public, you will quickly begin interacting with many community members and building a network in your community. For people who love to get to know new people, this is a huge benefit of getting your notary license. In addition, for many people with a notary license, they find this is a great addition to their already running business. Perhaps you run a small stationary store, accounting firm, or copy business. Adding notary services to your existing business can help you increase revenue. If your current business at all overlaps with notarial services it is worth it to spend the time to get a notary license and increase your customer's satisfaction.