Crystal Rae
There are tons of benefits to becoming a legal notary, the most notable of which is bringing in some extra income.
The question is, how do you become a legal notary? You may be surprised at how simple the process is.
Different states have slightly different requirements, so you’ll need to make sure that you cover any courses or certifications your specific state may require (and not all of them do). That said, we can give you a basic rundown of what you’ll need to do to become a legal notary.
Read on to find out how to become a legal notary in five easy steps.
1. Complete Notary Education
Even if your state doesn’t require a specific notary education course, we do recommend that you take a few online courses before applying. That way, you understand what your duties will be, where you can perform notarizations, who you can perform notarizations for, how much you can charge, and more. If possible, seek out a state-specific notary education course that will cover state-specific rules and regulations.
2. Submit Your Legal Notary Application
In many states, becoming a legal notary is as simple as applying to become one. This application will come with a fee that tends to range between $20 and $120, depending on where you live. If possible, it’s recommended that you apply online, as this can speed up the process.
3. Submit Notary Bonds
Most states do require notary bonds. Notary bonds operate as an insurance plan for the public in the event that your notarization leads to financial loss. The bond can then pay for those damages so that you don’t have to.
In addition, it is also recommended that notaries get Errors & Omissions insurance. If you make an honest error as a notary, this insurance will help cover those damages, as well.
4. File at the County Level if Required
Depending on where you live, you may need to file as a legal notary at the county level after your state application is approved. In rare cases, you may even have to apply at the county level. You may need to file at the county level in a designated amount of time, so make sure you follow state and county rules closely.
5. Get Your Notary Supplies
Once all of your paperwork is in order, it’s time to get your notary supplies, namely notary stamps. Make sure that your supplies are in compliance with state laws. Self-inking notary stamps are the most popular choice, and you can find the best notary stamps here.
Becoming a Legal Notary Is Simple and Beneficial
Becoming a legal notary isn’t as complicated as you may think, and the benefits are hard to beat. If you want to expand your resume and bring in additional income, becoming a legal notary may be the right choice for you.
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