Online notaries are a vital legal resource for individuals, families, and businesses. When you set up a remote business, you make it easier for people to access the authentication they need without taking lengthy in-person trips or sifting through piles of physical paperwork. With the click of a button, they can stay legally compliant in their contracts, deeds, real estate documents, and more.
Learning how to start a remote notary business online can seem daunting—but at Florida Notary Association, we’re committed to helping beginner notaries create a flexible, lucrative business more easily.
Ready to take the first step? Our guide will help you get started with certification requirements, home equipment, marketing, and more.
Step #1: Obtain Your RON Certification
Short for remote online notary, your RON certification allows you to perform your services from the comfort of your home.
Florida has additional requirements for gaining your RON certification to start a remote notary business online:
- Holding an active notary commission
- Completing a RON training course
- Choosing a RON service provider
- Getting a $25,000 notary bond
- Getting an errors and omissions insurance policy of at least $25,000
- Paying a small fee and registering your application with the Department of State
While this process can take some time, it’s essential to make sure you’re legally compliant and financially protected.
Step #2: Choose an E-Notary Platform
Part of learning how to start a notary business involves choosing a dedicated e-notary platform. You need this tool to help you do your job properly and stay accessible to customers throughout the state.
When seeking out an e-notary platform, look for features like:
- Transparent, upfront costs for signing up and getting started
- Control over who uses and sees your notarial records
- Long-term digital storage for your notarial records
- Digital security, such as anti-fraud protection and secure signing
- A trial account or demo to let you test out the platform first
Step #3: Establish Your Business Structure
Before you start a remote notary business online, you need to narrow down a suitable business structure. This step is essential to help you with taxes as well as legal protection in the event of an error or omission.
Most remote notaries choose a sole proprietorship since it’s straightforward and lets you get started quickly. However, you are legally liable for any debts or lawsuits. It’s also more difficult to grow your business with loans or investments since you won’t look as established as other business structures.
If you plan on growing your remote notary business, consider registering as an LLC. While you’re still considered self-employed, you can separate your legal assets from your personal assets. If you are ever sued or in debt, you can rest easy knowing your business and private life are legally separated.
Step #4: Set Up Your Home Business with Proper Equipment
Learning how to start a notary business from home is one of the easier parts of the process. If you have some work-from-home experience, you likely already have tools like a home computer, desk, and chair to help you get your setup started.
A few more tools you’ll need to complete your work-from-home station are:
- A webcam and good indoor lighting
- Identity proofing tools, such as biometric verification for IDs or document verification
- Reliable Internet connection (ideally with download speeds of at least 100 Mbps)
- Regular access to a secure online notarization platform
- A digital certificate or electronic seal
Step #5: Turn to Digital Marketing Tools to Promote Your Business
Once you set up your business, you’ll need to do some marketing to help customers find you and learn about your offerings. Luckily, you only need a few simple tools to start getting the word out.
Run Local Ads
Working with customers in your state is best to ensure you remain compliant with state laws (especially since some states, such as California, don’t allow remote notarization). Local ads will help you make sure you’re only promoting your Florida notary business to Florida customers.
You can start with Google Ads, YouTube Ads, or Meta Ads targeted at people in your state, city, or nearby neighborhoods.
Use SEO on Your Website or Blog
Short for search engine optimization, this digital marketing tool works by promoting your business when search engine users type in specific words or phrases. For example, someone could find your business by typing in “remote Florida notary services.”
When you start a remote notary business online, you can buy industry-standard SEO tools like Ahrefs, SurferSEO, or Semrush to help you find relevant keywords. Putting these keywords on your website or in blog posts is a good starting point for getting relevant, local web traffic that could turn into customers.
Take Advantage of Social Media
Learning how to start a mobile notary business includes meeting people halfway. A great way to stand out to potential customers is by popping up on their favorite social media platforms.
You can start promoting yourself on social media by making an account and promoting your services with bite-sized posts. Using keywords and hashtags will make it easier for potential customers to find you.
How Much Can You Make with a Remote Notary Business?
Many find they can make a comfortable living as a RON. According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary for a remote notary business is $64,777. The general range hovers between $30,500 and $77,000, depending on factors like your experience level, your rates, and your field of specialization.
Establish Your Remote Notary Business with Florida Notary Association
There’s never been a better time to start a remote notary business online. With our streamlined application process and online courses, you can easily establish a lucrative side hustle or brand-new career.
Want to become a notary in Florida? Contact us today to get started on your new business!