Start a Notary Public Business with 101 Practical Tips

Thinking About Starting a Notary Public Business?

Becoming a notary public can look simple from the outside. You stamp documents, check identification, and help people get important paperwork done. But once you turn that commission into a business, you’re taking on real responsibility and risk.

Before you go any further, pause and ask yourself why you want this. Are you drawn to detailed work, steady routines, and helping people in stressful situations? Or are you just trying to escape a job you dislike? It is tough when you build a business on frustration instead of purpose.

If you are still exploring whether business ownership fits you at all, it can help to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Have a look at Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business to walk through the realities of being your own boss.

Is This Business Really Right for You?

Owning a notary public business means trading a regular paycheck for uncertainty. You are the one responsible for every detail, every appointment, and every mistake. You may work evenings, weekends, and holidays when clients need you most.

Passion may sound like a soft word, but it matters. When something goes wrong with a document or a client cancels at the last minute, passion keeps you looking for solutions instead of looking for the exit.

If you are not sure how passion fits into your decision, you may find it helpful to read How Passion Affects Your Business.

Ask yourself some direct questions.

• Are you prepared to deal with slow months?
• Can you handle the pressure of knowing your work affects legal and financial documents?
• Is your family on board with you working unusual hours and carrying that responsibility?
• Are You Moving Toward Something or Just Away From Something?

Many people think about starting a business because they are tired, underpaid, or stuck. That feeling is real, and it is tough when every workday drains you. But starting a notary public business just to leave a job can put you in a new situation you did not really choose.

It is worth asking yourself whether you are moving toward a business that genuinely interests you.

• Do you like careful, step-by-step work?
• Are you comfortable telling people “no” when a document or identification is not acceptable?
• Are you okay saying “I am not allowed to do that” when someone asks for legal advice?

If you are not sure what daily life in this business looks like, do not guess. Talk to people who already do this work.

Get an Inside Look Before You Commit

One of the smartest moves you can make is to speak with experienced notaries before you spend money or file any forms. They can tell you what really happens at the kitchen table, inside title offices, or on remote online appointments.

You might ask them about their busiest times of day, common problems with clients, and what they wish they had known before they started. A short conversation can save you months of trial and error.

To help you plan those conversations, see How to Find Critical Information from the Right People About the Business You are Planning to Start. Use that approach to go beyond surface questions and get an honest inside look.

Decide How You Want Your Notary Business to Look

Once you feel more confident that this business fits you, it is time to think about your model. There is more than one way to earn with a notary commission, and you do not have to choose the biggest version right away.

You might start small, working part time from home, and grow into mobile or specialized work later. Or you could aim from the start to work with title companies and lenders on real estate documents.

It also helps to decide whether you will work solo, bring in a partner, or involve investors. You can always start alone and bring on help later as the work grows.

• Home-based appointment notary: clients visit your home office at set times.
• Mobile notary: you travel to homes, offices, hospitals, and other locations.
• Specialized loan signing work: you handle loan document packages for title companies and lenders.
• Remote online notarization (RON): you notarize through approved audio and video platforms when your state allows it.

What You’ll Offer and Who You’ll Serve

A notary public business is built around services, not products. You witness signatures, confirm identities, and complete notarial certificates. Your commission gives you authority to perform certain acts defined by your state, and you build a business around those acts.

Your customers can be individuals, companies, or both. Some will see notarization as a simple formality. Others will be anxious because the documents affect homes, estates, or medical decisions.

Thinking about who you want to serve will guide how you structure your services, your hours, and your marketing.

• Common services (as allowed in your state):
  • Acknowledgments for real estate and financial documents.
  • Jurats for affidavits and sworn statements.
  • Oaths and affirmations.
  • Copy certifications where permitted.
• Typical document types:
  • Real estate closings, refinances, and loan documents.
  • Powers of attorney and health care directives.
  • Affidavits, consent forms, and school forms.
  • Vehicle title documents and bill of sale paperwork.
  • Trust and estate documents.
• Potential customer groups:
  • Individual residents in your area.
  • Real estate agents, title and escrow companies, and lenders.
  • Banks and credit unions.
  • Law firms and accounting firms.
  • Auto dealers, medical offices, and schools.

Check Demand and Profit Potential

Notary work shows up in many parts of life. That can be an advantage, but you still need to check whether your area can support another notary public business. It is tough when you set everything up and then discover that nearby banks or shipping stores already cover most of the need.

Take time to study who already offers notarization near you. Look at banks, title companies, shipping centers, and independent notaries. Pay attention to their hours, locations, and the services they list.

You want to see whether you can offer something different, such as flexible hours, home visits, or bilingual services. You also need to be sure that fees and volume can cover your business costs and still allow you to pay yourself.

• Review local listings and search results for notary services in your city.
• Ask potential customers what they struggle with now: limited hours, long waits, or lack of mobile options.
• Use resources like Supply and Demand to think through whether your idea fits the local market.

Estimate Your Startup Costs

Before you register anything, you need a clear picture of what it takes to open the doors. Notary work does not require heavy machinery, but you still have fees, equipment, and setup costs to consider.

Start with a list of everything you need to legally work as a notary and to operate as a business. Then add items for your chosen model, such as a printer for loan packages or equipment for remote online notarization.

Once you write your list, you can research prices, compare options, and decide where to invest more and where to keep it simple. For more structure on this process, you can use Estimating Startup Costs.

• State application and commission fees.
• Required education, exam, fingerprinting, and background checks where applicable.
• Notary bond (if required in your state).
• Notary stamps, embosser, journal, and secure storage.
• Computer, phone, printer, scanner, and internet service.
• RON platform fees if you plan to offer remote services.
• Transportation expenses for mobile work.
• Website, domain name, business cards, and basic marketing.

Choose a Business Structure and Register Properly

Next, you need to decide how you will legally structure the business. Many notaries begin as sole proprietors under their own name.

Others choose a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation for structure and separation between personal and business activities.

The right choice depends on your situation, including taxes, risk level, and long-term plans. You do not have to decide alone. An accountant or attorney can help you choose the approach that makes sense for you.

You also need to follow your state and local rules for registering the business name and obtaining any general business licenses. For an overview of the process, you can review How to Register a Business.

• Confirm whether you will start as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, S corporation, or LLC.
• Check name rules and confirm that your business name is available in your state.
• If you use a trade name, see whether you must file a “doing business as” registration at the state or county level.
• Look up your city or county’s requirements for a general business license or registration.
• If you rent a commercial space, ask whether a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required for your use.

Secure Your Notary Commission and Related Requirements

Your business cannot operate without a valid notary commission from your state. This process sits beside your business registration, not instead of it. You may be approved as a notary public as an individual, even if your business structure is separate.

Each state has its own rules. Some require education, an exam, or a bond. Others have simpler steps. What they all share is the expectation that you will follow the law closely once you are commissioned.

Do not rely on secondhand advice here. Always verify the exact process with your state’s official notary office or Secretary of State.

• Review your state’s eligibility rules for becoming a notary public.
• Complete any required training course and exam.
• Submit your notary application and pay the fee.
• Obtain and file your notary bond if your state requires one.
• Follow instructions for taking an oath and filing your commission with the correct office.

Essential Equipment and Tools for a Notary Public Business

Once your commission is on track, it is time to gather the tools you need to work safely and professionally. Your equipment list will depend on whether you operate from home, on the road, or online.

Some items are tied directly to your commission, like your seal and journal. Others are general office tools that support scheduling, copying, scanning, and communication.

Start with the essentials and add more only when you need them. You can always upgrade as your business grows.

• Commission and compliance items
  • Official notary commission certificate.
  • Notary bond documents, if your state requires a bond.
  • Copy of your state notary handbook or guidance materials.
• Seals and stamps
  • Primary notary stamp or seal that meets state format rules.
  • Backup stamp or embosser for emergencies, if allowed in your state.
  • Ink or stamp pad refills.
• Recordkeeping and security
  • Notary journal or record book (paper or electronic, depending on state rules).
  • Locking cabinet, safe, or lockbox for journals, seals, and any sensitive documents.
  • Calendar or scheduling tool for appointments.
• Office and document tools
  • Computer or laptop for email, documents, and research.
  • Printer that can handle letter and legal-size documents, especially for loan packages.
  • Scanner or multi-function printer for sending scanned documents when needed.
  • Paper, file folders, envelopes, and labels.
  • Pens suitable for signing legal documents.
  • Sticky notes or tabs to mark signatures and initials for complex signings.
• Technology and software
  • Reliable internet service.
  • Email account dedicated to the business.
  • Basic office software for documents and spreadsheets.
  • Accounting or bookkeeping software, or a simple system you understand.
  • Scheduling software, if you want online booking.
  • Remote online notarization platform account, if your state allows RON and you choose to offer it.
• Mobile notary kit
  • Reliable vehicle or transport arrangement.
  • Organized briefcase or bag for your journal, stamp, and documents.
  • Portable scanner or mobile scanning app, if you need to send documents from the field.
  • Phone with navigation and communication apps.
• Client-facing materials
  • Business cards with your contact details and core services.
  • Printed information sheet with your hours, service area, and fee structure.
  • Simple website or landing page with your contact information and booking method.

Skills You Need – and How to Fill the Gaps

You do not have to be perfect at everything to start a notary public business. You do need a small set of core skills, and you should be honest about the areas where you will need help or training.

Some skills are technical and tied to notary law. Others are about people, communication, and organization. If you do not have a skill yet, you can learn it or bring in help as the business grows.

The key is to know where you are strong and where you will need support, so you do not get caught off guard when work picks up.

• Core skills for notary work:
  • Attention to detail when reviewing documents and certificates.
  • Ability to follow state rules and procedures exactly.
  • Comfort reading legal language and instructions, even if you do not give legal advice.
  • Clear verbal communication to explain what signers must do.
  • Calm decision-making when you need to refuse a notarization.
• Business skills:
  • Basic bookkeeping and recordkeeping.
  • Simple scheduling and time management.
  • Professional phone and email etiquette.
  • Willingness to ask questions and seek expert help when needed.
• Ways to fill skill gaps:
  • Take notary education courses approved by your state.
  • Use online resources to learn business basics and pricing.
  • Hire professionals for tasks like accounting, website design, or brand identity if these are not your strengths.

What a Typical Day Might Look Like

Understanding the daily routine helps you decide whether you want this lifestyle. It is one thing to like the idea of stamping documents, and another to handle back-to-back signings on a busy day.

Your schedule will vary depending on your model. A home-based notary may have shorter windows of activity.

A mobile notary may spend more time driving than stamping. Remote online notarization will keep you near your computer during your chosen hours.

Picture yourself in these situations and see how they feel. Does the work sound natural to you, or does it make you tense?

• Core daily tasks:
  • Answering calls, texts, and emails from new and existing customers.
  • Verifying identification and confirming document readiness before appointments.
  • Checking documents for completeness according to your state’s rules.
  • Completing notarial certificates and applying your seal.
  • Recording each act in your journal, if required.
• Extra tasks for mobile and loan signing work:
  • Printing document packages ahead of appointments.
  • Driving to and from customer locations.
  • Shipping or delivering completed documents to title companies or other offices.
• Extra tasks for remote online notarization:
  • Verifying technology, camera, and audio before sessions.
  • Using the platform’s identity verification tools.
  • Ensuring recordings and electronic certificates are stored properly.

Write Your Business Plan

Even if you are not asking for a loan, a simple business plan keeps you focused. It gives you a place to think through your market, your pricing, and your step-by-step setup.

Writing things down forces you to make real choices instead of “seeing how it goes.” That alone can prevent a lot of stress later.

You do not have to write a complex document. Start with your model, your services, your target customers, and your financial picture. For structure and ideas, see How to Write a Business Plan.

• Describe your notary services and target customers.
• List your startup costs and expected monthly expenses.
• Outline your pricing and expected volume.
• Note your marketing ideas and basic goals for the first year.

Set Up Banking, Insurance, and Professional Support

From the beginning, treat your notary work as a real business. Keeping your finances organized and your risks managed will make it easier to grow and to sleep at night.

Opening a separate business account helps you track income and expenses more clearly. Insurance protects you from certain lawsuits or claims, depending on the coverage you choose.

You do not need to do all this alone. Accountants, insurance agents, and other advisors can help you set things up correctly. If you want ideas for building a support group, see Building a Team of Professional Advisors.

• Open a business bank account once you have your registration and identification numbers in place.
• Talk with an insurance professional about general liability insurance and errors and omissions coverage for notary work, then decide what fits your risk level and budget. You can learn more about business coverage in general at Business Insurance.
• Consider working with an accountant or tax professional to set up your books from day one.

Set Your Pricing and Policies

Your state will usually set the maximum fee you can charge per notarial act. Within that limit, you can decide how you structure your pricing and whether you will charge separate travel or convenience fees when allowed.

Clear policies protect you and your customers. They help avoid arguments about fees, identification, and what you can and cannot do by law.

Think through these points now, before someone is sitting across the table with an urgent document and strong opinions.

• Look up your state’s allowed notary fees per act, including any special rules for remote online notarization.
• Decide whether you will charge travel fees for mobile work and how you will quote them.
• Create a simple written list of acceptable identification types.
• Write down your reasons for refusing notarization, based on your state’s guidance.
• Use resources like Pricing Your Products and Services to think through how your pricing fits your costs and your market.

Create Your Brand, Website, and Marketing Basics

Your notary public business does not need fancy branding to get started, but it does need to look trustworthy and clear.

People are trusting you with important documents. They need to feel confident that you take your work seriously.

At minimum, you want a clear name, consistent contact information, and a simple way for people to find and reach you. Over time, you can add more marketing tools if you wish.

If branding and websites are not your strengths, you can learn the basics or hire help. Either way, keep things simple and professional.

• Choose a business name that follows your state’s rules and does not give the impression that you are an attorney if you are not.
• Register a domain name that matches your business name as closely as possible.
• Create a simple website or landing page. If you need help getting started, see How to Build a Website.
• Order business cards to hand out to customers and local offices. For ideas, see Business Cards.
• If you operate from a storefront, consider a clear, readable business sign. You can review Business Sign for planning tips.
• Use Create a Marketing Plan and How to Get Customers Through the Door to think through how people will find you.

Plan Your Location and Service Area

Your location decisions will look different depending on your model. A home office may be enough for scheduled appointments. A storefront might make sense if you are in a busy commercial area. A mobile model focuses less on where you sit and more on where you are willing to travel.

It is tough when you set up in a place that is hard for customers to reach or not allowed by local zoning. That is why it is important to think through location early.

You do not have to guess. You can learn more about choosing a location at Business Location and then confirm local rules with your city or county.

• Decide whether customers will visit you, you will go to them, or both.
• Check local zoning and home-business rules before seeing customers at your home.
• If you rent office space, confirm permitted uses and ask about a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) if needed.
• Define your mobile service area and any travel fees tied to distance.

Pre-Launch Readiness and Go-Live Checklist

By this stage, you have made many decisions and taken several steps.

Before you announce your services, it helps to pause and make sure everything lines up. A short checklist can prevent you from starting before you are ready.

Think of this as your final review. You want your commission, tools, and basic marketing all in place. You also want to be confident about your procedures for identification, recordkeeping, and fees.

If you feel uncertain about any part of the process, this is the perfect time to ask questions, get advice, or adjust your plan. It is easier to correct your course now than after you are busy.

• Legal and registration:
  • Your business structure is set and registered as required.
  • Your notary commission is issued and active.
  • Your notary bond is filed if your state requires one.
  • Any needed city or county business licenses are approved.
• Financial and risk:
  • Your business bank account is open.
  • Your bookkeeping system is ready for use.
  • Your chosen insurance coverages are in place, if you decided to obtain them.
• Tools and processes:
  • Your seal, journal, and secure storage are ready.
  • Your printer, scanner, phone, and internet are working reliably.
  • Your RON platform is approved and tested, if you are offering remote services.
  • You have sample scripts for greeting customers, checking identification, and refusing improper requests.
  • Your invoicing and payment methods are set up and tested.
• Marketing and launch:
  • Your website or profile shows your services, area, and contact details.
  • You have business cards ready to share.
  • You have told key contacts, such as real estate agents or local offices, that you are available.
  • If you plan a small launch event, you can use ideas from Grand Opening to organize it.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Notary Public Business

Every business has tradeoffs. Looking at both sides now helps you make a clear decision instead of a rushed one. The goal is not to talk you into or out of this business, but to help you see it plainly.

Some people appreciate the structure, the calm work, and the chance to help with serious documents. Others feel limited by the rules, fee caps, and responsibility that come with this role.

Use this section as one more lens. If the pros feel exciting and the cons feel manageable, that is a good sign that you are on the right path.

• Pros:
  • Clear, well-defined duties based on state law.
  • Lower equipment needs than many other businesses.
  • Flexibility to work from home, on the road, or online, depending on your state’s rules.
  • Demand from a wide range of customers and industries.
  • Ability to start part time and grow as you gain experience.
• Cons:
  • Strict legal rules and procedures you must follow every time.
  • State-set fee limits can cap income per notarization.
  • Liability for errors and potential penalties for improper acts.
  • Irregular income, especially at the beginning.
  • Evening and weekend work may be needed to meet customer needs.

Getting Ready to Take the Next Step

If you have read this far, you are already taking a thoughtful approach. That alone puts you ahead of people who rush in without understanding what is at stake.

From here, your next steps are simple, even if they are not always easy: decide whether this business truly fits you, learn what your state requires, and build a plan that matches your life and your resources.

Remember, you do not have to do everything yourself. You can bring in professionals for accounting, legal questions, branding, or web design.

You can learn new skills at your own pace and stay focused on serving your customers well from day one.

101 Tips for Running Your Notary Public Business

Running a notary public business means balancing strict legal rules with everyday customer needs. When you are new, it helps to have clear guidance you can actually use, not vague ideas.

The tips below are designed for first-time entrepreneurs in the United States who want practical, real-world ways to run a safe, reliable, and professional notary service.

You can use them as a checklist to strengthen your systems, support your clients, and grow at a pace that fits your life.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Before you commit money to supplies, read your state’s notary handbook cover to cover so you understand exactly what you can and cannot do in your jurisdiction.
2. Confirm how your state appoints notaries, what qualifications they require, and how long a commission lasts so you can plan renewals in advance.
3. Decide whether you want to focus on general walk-in work, mobile appointments, loan signings, remote online notarization, or a mix, because each option demands different tools and schedules.
4. Check whether your current employer has conflict-of-interest rules about side businesses or notarizing for co-workers before you set up your service.
5. Talk with at least three working notaries in your state about their busiest days, their slow seasons, and what they would do differently if they started again.
6. Build a simple personal budget that assumes slow months at the start so you know how much savings you need before depending on notary income.
7. List the types of documents you are comfortable handling and the ones you want to avoid at first, then design your services around that comfort level.
8. Decide whether you will operate under your own legal name or a business name, because that choice affects your branding, bank accounts, and registration steps.
9. Choose whether you want to start the business part time or full time, and set clear hours you can realistically maintain week after week.
10. Sketch a rough service area and maximum drive time for mobile work so you do not promise coverage that will exhaust you or damage your profit.

What Successful Notary Public Business Owners Do

11. Successful notary owners block time each week to review state updates, industry bulletins, and new case examples so they stay ahead of rule changes.
12. They create a repeatable script for every appointment that covers identification, document readiness, and the nature of the notarial act, which reduces mistakes and confusion.
13. They track where every appointment came from, such as search engines, title companies, or referrals, and adjust their marketing toward the most productive channels.
14. They invest in high-quality stamps, journals, and printers so their tools do not fail in the middle of a signing.
15. They build strong relationships with escrow officers, real estate agents, and law offices by being on time, prepared, and easy to schedule.
16. They keep their journal and seal secured at all times, even at home, and treat those items as professional instruments, not casual office supplies.
17. They develop backup plans for power outages, printer failures, and internet issues so they can still complete appointments safely when something goes wrong.
18. They continually refine their travel routes and appointment scheduling so they can handle more work without rushing clients.
19. They calculate their minimum profitable fee for each type of service and politely decline work that falls below that level.
20. They build personal resilience by setting boundaries around working hours and rest days so they do not burn out during busy seasons.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

21. Create a written procedure for handling every new appointment from the first inquiry through payment so you are not improvising under pressure.
22. Use a single calendar system to track all appointments, travel time, and follow-up tasks, and check it at set times each day.
23. Build a standardized checklist for each signing that includes identification verification, journal entry, certificate wording, and seal placement.
24. Keep a dedicated lockable container in your vehicle so your journal and stamp never sit loose on a seat or floor during mobile work.
25. Set up a consistent file naming method for scanned documents and confirmations so you can locate proof of completion quickly when needed.
26. Separate business funds from personal funds in different bank accounts from the very beginning to simplify tax reporting and financial tracking.
27. Create simple written instructions for any support help you use, such as virtual assistants or reception services, so they handle calls and messages in a consistent way.
28. Schedule regular times to reorder supplies such as paper, toner, and stamp ink so you never run out the day you have a large loan package.
29. Establish a secure system for storing completed journals for the full retention period required in your state.
30. If you offer remote online notarization, document your process for identity proofing, audio and video recording, and record storage in line with platform and state rules.
31. Design a standard invoice format that clearly separates notarial fees from permitted travel or convenience charges so your records match state fee rules.
32. Keep written procedures for correcting your own errors, such as a missed seal or wrong date, that follow your state’s guidance on corrective certificates.
33. Review your expenses at least quarterly and look for recurring costs that do not add value, such as unused software subscriptions.
34. If you grow to use schedulers or staff, train them on confidentiality, how to speak about your services, and which questions only the notary can answer.
35. Create a simple year-end checklist that covers record review, license renewal dates, tax preparation, and equipment replacement planning.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

36. Understand that notary laws are set at the state level, so advice that works in another state may be illegal in yours.
37. Learn which documents are most common in your area, such as real estate transactions, auto title transfers, or estate planning, so you can tailor your skills to real demand.
38. Recognize that real estate cycles, interest rates, and lending trends can strongly affect loan signing volume for notaries.
39. Know that many states set maximum fees per notarization, which means your profit often comes from efficiency, added services within the law, and travel fees where allowed.
40. Study your state’s rules on acceptable identification, credible witnesses, and journal requirements so you can refuse improper requests with confidence.
41. Be aware that some states require separate registration, extra training, or technology approvals before you can offer remote online notarization.
42. Learn how long you must keep your journal and any electronic records so you do not destroy evidence you may need for future questions or disputes.
43. Understand that notaries can face civil liability or administrative penalties for improper acts, even when no one complains immediately.
44. Recognize that technology providers, lenders, and title companies may change their standards quickly, especially around remote notarization and security.
45. Keep in mind that the public often misunderstands what a notary can legally do, so you must know your limits better than your clients do.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

46. Start with a clear service description that spells out the types of notarizations you perform, your hours, and your service area so people know exactly when to call you.
47. Claim and complete your business profile on major search platforms with accurate contact information, hours, and a short description of your services.
48. Use a simple website to answer basic questions about what to bring, how identification works, and how to schedule, which cuts down on back-and-forth messages.
49. Include high-quality photos of a professional work area or neutral backgrounds so your online presence feels trustworthy.
50. Make it easy for clients to contact you by offering at least two methods, such as phone and email or text, and respond within a set time frame.
51. Network with local real estate agents, escrow officers, and law firms by introducing yourself, sharing your card, and asking what they need from a notary partner.
52. Attend local business events or association meetings to meet professionals who regularly use notaries, and follow up promptly with anyone who shows interest.
53. Ask satisfied clients if they would be willing to leave a short honest review on major review sites, and make the process simple for them.
54. Consider listing your services on notary directories that align with your state’s advertising rules, especially those used by title and signing services.
55. Share short, helpful posts on social media about what to expect at a notarization or how to prepare documents, staying within the limits of your license.
56. Create a simple referral system where you thank clients or professionals who send work your way, staying within legal and ethical boundaries.
57. Offer extended hours or weekend availability if your research shows that working clients in your area struggle to get documents notarized during regular office hours.
58. Highlight any language skills, specialized training, or experience with certain document types to stand out from other notaries in your region.
59. Track which marketing activities actually lead to appointments and drop the ones that cost time or money without bringing in business.
60. Review your online presence regularly to make sure your phone number, email, hours, and service area are still correct, especially after any change in your business.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

61. At the start of every appointment, clearly explain your role as an impartial witness, not a legal adviser, so clients understand what you can and cannot do.
62. Ask simple screening questions before travel, such as who will be signing, what identification they have, and whether the document is fully filled out, to avoid wasted trips.
63. Speak calmly and plainly about identification requirements, especially with clients who may be unfamiliar with formal paperwork.
64. When a client is nervous about a serious document, slow down and walk through the signing steps so they do not feel rushed.
65. If you must refuse a notarization, clearly explain the legal reason and, if appropriate, suggest who they can contact for guidance, such as the document issuer or an attorney.
66. Keep your tone steady and respectful even when clients are frustrated, because your professionalism will often calm the situation.
67. Confirm pricing, including any travel or after-hours charges that your state allows, before you begin the appointment so there are no surprises at the end.
68. After complex appointments, send a short thank-you message and confirm that the client received any tracking numbers or confirmations they needed.
69. Maintain clear records of phone calls and messages that change times, locations, or instructions so there is no confusion later.
70. Learn how to work smoothly with witnesses, interpreters, or caretakers while still ensuring that you communicate directly with the signer when required by law.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

71. Set a target response time for calls and messages during business hours and include it in your voicemail or email signature so clients know what to expect.
72. Create a simple policy for how you handle late arrivals, no-shows, and last-minute cancellations, and share it with clients before you schedule.
73. Decide in advance how you will handle your own mistakes, such as offering a free correction visit when the error is clearly yours, in line with your state rules.
74. Keep your voicemail greeting and email replies friendly, concise, and up to date with your current hours and any temporary changes.
75. Ask clients at the end of a successful appointment whether everything made sense and if there was anything you could have done better.
76. Track client feedback in a simple log so you can spot patterns and adjust your procedures when the same issue comes up more than once.
77. Dress in a way that matches the level of professionalism your market expects, especially for appointments in offices, hospitals, or high-end residences.
78. Arrive a few minutes early for in-person appointments to account for parking, elevators, and unexpected delays, which reassures clients that you respect their time.
79. For remote online sessions, send joining instructions and technology requirements in advance so clients do not scramble at the last minute to connect.
80. Periodically review your policies, scripts, and reminders to make sure they are still clear, kind, and easy for stressed clients to understand.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

81. Print only the pages you truly need for a signing and store digital copies where allowed, which saves paper and reduces supply costs.
82. Choose energy-efficient equipment and enable sleep settings on printers, scanners, and computers to cut power use during long workdays.
83. Plan your mobile appointments in clusters by neighborhood or corridor so you reduce drive time, fuel use, and wear on your vehicle.
84. When replacing equipment, recycle or donate old machines through programs that handle electronics responsibly.
85. Create digital templates for confirmations, invoices, and scripts so you are not rewriting or reprinting the same information over and over.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

86. Bookmark your state’s official notary information page and check it regularly for updates to laws, forms, and allowed fees.
87. Join at least one reputable notary association or training provider so you receive alerts and education on changes that affect your work.
88. Set a recurring reminder to reread your state handbook and any remote notarization guidance at least once a year.
89. Watch or attend training sessions on new technologies such as remote online platforms and digital certificates before you add them to your services.
90. Keep a short list of trusted sources for tax, business, and compliance information so you do not rely on casual social media advice for serious decisions.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

91. Track monthly appointment volume and revenue so you can spot slowdowns early and adjust your marketing or service mix.
92. When real estate activity drops, look for other sectors that still need notarization, such as healthcare, education, or small business contracts.
93. If your state introduces new rules or technologies, start with a small test group of services or clients before rolling changes out across your business.
94. Watch how new competitors position themselves and adjust your own strengths, such as availability or specialized skills, instead of racing to undercut fees.
95. After any major disruption, such as a technology failure or policy shift, review what happened and update your procedures to reduce the chance of a repeat.

What Not to Do

96. Do not give legal advice, explain the meaning of complex clauses, or choose notarial certificates for clients unless your state explicitly allows it and you are qualified to do so.
97. Do not notarize signatures when the signer is not present, appears confused, or seems pressured, even if someone insists that it will be fine.
98. Do not skip journal entries in states that require a journal, and avoid leaving any required detail blank just because the appointment feels routine.
99. Do not leave your stamp, journal, or blank certificates in an unlocked car, shared office drawer, or any place where others can reach them.
100. Do not ignore letters, calls, or emails from your commissioning authority, even if you are busy, because delayed responses can put your commission at risk.
101. Do not stop learning once you receive your commission; treating notarization as a one-time training event makes it more likely that you will overlook new rules or best practices.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, National Notary Association, National Association of Secretaries of State, DocuSign, OneSpan, NotaryCam, Washington State Department of Licensing, New York State Department of State, Internal Revenue Service, Growthink, State of Michigan