How to Be a Notary Public

Freelancing Full or Part Time

Sep 8, 2009 KC Morgan

Freelancing, whether full or part time, provides lots of opportunities for professionals. Learn how to be a notary public, and get started with self-employment.

Looking for a way to earn with self-employment? Try freelancing, full or part time, to earn extra income independently. Looking for a way to get started? Find out how to be a notary public. Anyone can learn this skill, and start creating their own career.

What Does a Notary Public Do?

The truth is, most people never think about (or even hear about) a notary public until they actually need one. A notary public is often needed when important contracts are being signed, and they’re actually much more in-demand that many professionals realize. Anyone can learn how to take advantage of this widespread need.

The first step in learning how to be a notary public is all about finding out what they actually do. A notary public witnesses the signing of important contracts and other documents, stamping a seal onto the signed paper to prove their involvement. The notary public will check identification before witnessing the signing, then verify that the document is legal and accurate. This skill can be parlayed into a full or part time self-employment career. Try freelancing and other opportunities to learn how to make money as a notary public.

Notaries must keep their own certification up-to-date. Some states require renewal every year. To become a notary, check with local state government to learn the requirements. Often, getting started with this skill requires only certification and related fees.

Full-Time Freelancing as a Notary Public

A professional notary public can find many opportunities out there. Through self-promotion and advertising, even something as simple as hanging a sign in the front yard, they can drum up business every so often from random individuals. It’s even possible to enjoy full-time freelance work as a notary public. After all, many businesses and professionals need important documents signed and notarized every single day.

Banks, shipping companies, law offices, schools…there are many professional institutions which avail themselves of the services of a notary public. Some may even keep a full-time notary public on staff at all times, or call in independent notaries as needed. Professionals looking for full-time work can find positions locally, while freelancers can create new contacts and leave their contact information on file to find work as it comes.

Making Money as a Notary Public

Being a notary public, whether as a self-employed freelancer or on-staff, full-time employee, often differs from other types of jobs. In many cases, notaries earn not by the hour but by the document. Traveling notaries and signing agents who work for themselves may charge document and travel fees, which could boost rates up to $200 per signing. For standard documents, a notary public may charge anywhere from $10 to $50. Generally, these fees depend upon local competition, as many notaries set their own rates and fees.

The copyright of the article How to Be a Notary Public in Self-Employment is owned by KC Morgan. Permission to republish How to Be a Notary Public in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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