Becoming a Notary is a relatively easy process, one that has helped countless people start their own Notary signing agent businesses. The process of becoming a Notary varies somewhat from one state to the next, but it remains mostly the same across the country. If you want to learn about how to become a Notary, here are the basic steps that you must take.
Know the Qualifications
Each state has its own specific requirements for becoming a Notary, but theyy will all require you to be over the age of 18 and have no criminal record. Most states will also require you to be able to read and understand English. Aside from that, you will have to look into the requirements of your own state for anything more specific.
Complete and Submit Your Application
You will need to submit an application and pay a fee to become a Notary. This fee is usually around $100, but again, the price will vary from one state to the next.
Receive Training
California, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, and Pennsylvania all require applicants to receive training before becoming a Notary. Even if training is optional in your state, it is always a good idea to receive training from an approved Notary training course. Check with the Notary regulating agency in your state to find an approved training program. Training programs usually are three to six hours long.
Pass the Licensing Exam If Applicable
Most states don’t require you to complete an exam to become a Notary. The ones that do are Colorado, California, Hawaii, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Utah.
Buy A Surety Bond
Most states will require you to buy a surety bond to operate as a Notary. This protects your customers from any negligence or wrongdoing on your part and acts as a type of insurance.
Buy Your Notary Supplies
At the very least, all Notaries should have certificates, a stamp for sealing certificates, and a journal to keep a record of their notarizations. Even if your state doesn’t require you to have a journal, you should buy one anyway for your business records.
Source:
https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/how-to-become-a-notary-public