Notary publics have an important job. They serve as neutral third-party witnesses to legal documents, making sure that they have legitimate signatures. They also ensure that all parties involved have followed all applicable laws regarding their specific transactions.
Many people use their notary commission as a side job. However, there are also mobile notaries whose primary job is to perform notarizations for the public. You may wonder: what is a mobile notary? Read on to learn more about this exciting, flexible career and how you can become one.
What’s a Mobile Notary?
A mobile notary is a notary who travels from one location to another to perform notarial services. They can perform any notarial service prescribed by their state’s laws. However, mobile notaries commonly perform services for real estate or mortgage transactions. Because of this, many mobile notaries are hired by title companies and lenders to notarize these complex documents and ensure they meet legal requirements.
Because mobile notaries travel to the customer’s location, they are very convenient for clients who have work, school, and other obligations. Plus, some clients may be limited in transportation options and may not have notary options close by.
Keep in mind that a mobile notary is different from a remote notary. While a mobile notary travels from place to place, a remote notary offers notarial services online through audio and video. The notary and client are not in the same physical location during a remote online notarization.
How to Become a Mobile Notary
Becoming a mobile notary is not too complicated. Follow these four steps:
- Become a notary. To become a mobile notary, you must meet the same requirements as a regular notary. In Florida, this means filling out an application and taking the required education. Once you have completed the educational requirements, you will need to get a bond and purchase a notary stamp.
- Create a business plan. If you want to become a mobile notary, you will need to know how to run your own business. A business plan can help you map out what you want to accomplish. It should include your specialties, goals, how far you will travel, and how you will attract clients.
- Create an internet presence. Creating your own personal website is a good first step, since most people use the internet to locate services. You should also promote yourself on social media and any related forums to drum up business and awareness.
- Market yourself. Marketing your skills is very important, especially when you are a brand new mobile notary. In addition to creating an internet presence, you can also make business cards and flyers and post them in various spots throughout the areas you wish to work. You can also do in-person marketing by networking with real estate companies, mortgage companies, law firms, and other businesses that might need notaries.
Keep in mind that as a mobile notary, you are considered an independent contractor. Even though you may be “hired” by various agencies, you are your own boss and therefore responsible for paying your own taxes.
How Does a Mobile Notary Work?
Now that you know what a mobile notary is, what exactly do they do? A mobile notary conducts the notarization process at the client’s convenience. Whether a client prefers you to visit their home at 7 a.m., their job site at noon, or another location at 10 p.m., you can decide to work when you want based on your availability and flexibility.
As a mobile notary, you will meet with a client personally to ensure that the entire notarization process is completed and done properly in accordance with state laws. You will do this by verifying the signer’s identity, witnessing the client’s signature on the document, and putting your signature and stamp on the document. You must also check the authenticity of all the documents and ensure that the signer is signing under their own free will—not because they are threatened to do so.
Mobile notarization services have become popular in recent years as businesses expand their services. Notaries can work for private individuals as well as all sorts of companies such as:
- Insurance companies
- Mortgage companies
- Real estate companies
- Title companies
- Car dealerships
- Construction companies
- Schools
- Large corporations
Demand is high because there are many types of documents that need to be notarized. These legal, financial, and business documents include:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Power of attorney
- Advanced directives
- Executorships
- Custody and guardianship agreements
- Court documents
- Mortgage closing documents
- Loan documents
- Property deeds
- Financial statements
- Credit documents
- Employment contracts
- Vendor contracts
- Construction and loan agreements
- Commercial leases
- Articles of incorporation
How Much Does it Cost To Start a Mobile Notary Business?
While starting most businesses can cost thousands of dollars, that is not the case with a mobile notary business. The Florida Notary Association offers a four-year new notary package for just $109 (plus $5 flat rate shipping). This complete package includes everything required to become a notary: the required $7500 bond, self-inking stamp, certificate, state fee, and link to the education class.
Besides the cost to become a notary, you will need to add in the cost of your marketing, which can be as costly as you want it to be. You will have to pay for a website as well as business cards and maybe even a sign on your vehicle. So for a few hundred dollars, you can start working as a mobile notary. There is not a lot of financial investment involved, but the financial opportunities are endless.
How Much Money Can I Make as a Mobile Notary?
Besides knowing what a mobile notary is and how you can make it a career, you may have another important question: how much money can I make? If you’re going to spend the time and money investing in a new career, you will want to know whether or not it will be worth the investment.
Florida sets prices for various notarial acts. You are allowed to charge up to $10 for each signature, acknowledgment, oath, affirmation, and other act. If performing a wedding ceremony, you may charge $30. If you charge more than that, your commission may be suspended. As a mobile notary though, you can charge a travel fee as long as the client is made aware of it ahead of time.
You are your own boss, so you are limited only by your availability. Just to give you an idea of your possible earnings, most full-time mobile notaries earn at least $2,000 a month. Approximately 16% earn more than $7,500 a month. Even as a part-timer, you could easily earn more than $1,000 a month.
Contact Us Today
Becoming a mobile notary allows you to take your career to the next level. Ready to become a mobile notary? Contact the Florida Notary Association today to get started!