Many written documents need to be witnessed by a Notary Public in order to deter fraud and ensure that they are properly executed. A notary public is a public servant appointed by state government to witness the signing of important documents. The purpose of this is to identify signers to make sure they are not imposters and that documents are being signed willingly.

 

Becoming a notary public is a way to enjoy flexible hours and work out of your home. Requirements for becoming a notary vary from state to state. Most states require that you are over the age of 18 and have not had any felony convictions. Some states require a training program or seminar, or referrals from more than one person. There may be a state exam. To find out the requirements in your state, visit http://www.nationalnotary.org.

 

Once you become a notary public, if you want to work out of your home, consider starting a business as a Mobile Notary Public. A mobile notary public travels to homes, offices, and hospital rooms of people that need documents signed.  As a mobile notary public, you would provide a valuable service to people who are unable to travel to a notary, or just want the convenience of having the notary travel to where they are.

Each state mandates the amount that may be charged to notarize forms, but what isn’t mandated is how much you can charge for transportation. If you are charging $3 to notarize a document, you can add $8 or $10 for traveling expense when you travel to the client’s location as long as you disclose ahead of time that you will be adding a traveling expense. If you are traveling a considerable distance, your traveling expenses would increase. The services of a mobile notary public may be required at hospitals, nursing homes, and incarceration centers.

A way to make more money as a mobile notary public is to specialize as a loan signing agent.  A loan signing agent guides the borrower through the process of signing each document in the loan package and helps them understand exactly what they’re signing.  The agent also makes sure each document is signed properly. You may need to take an additional course to become a loan signer.  In some states, although training to become a loan signer is not required, being able to offer proof that you have been trained will help you to obtain more clients.

To find clients, advertise your services in local classified ads and bulletin boards. Contact lawyers and loan companies to offer your services. Consider putting up a website to advertise. Every Loan, Home Sale, Refinance and Power of Attorney requires the stamp of a Notary Public.   There are huge numbers of these documents drawn up daily; therefore the services of a Notary Public are in great demand and can offer you an opportunity for a lucrative home-based business.