Startup cost
$500–$3.5k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Notary Business
Decision Snapshot
Notary Public
Idea Score
69
Profit margin
41%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
12 wk–36 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Flexible
Part 1 - How to start a Notary business - Background
A notary public acts as a certified and legal witness, providing their signature in exchange for proof of identification. Standard notarized legal documents include contracts, mortgages, and property deeds. Notary public businesses serve customers either from a home office, brick-and-mortar establishment, mobile, or online.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Notary Public business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a notary business?
Training and licensure fees range from $90 to $225, depending upon the state in which you reside and its specific requirements. Bonds average $125 and last the life of your certification, which is typically four years.
In some cases, a notary mentor is required and may charge a fee for advising you. If this is the case, the NNA’s LinkedIn discussion group is a great resource for finding a qualified mentor.
If your vision includes a brick-and-mortar establishment, you will incur the standard expenses that come with leasing a building. If yours is a mobile business, be sure you have reliable transportation and the insurance required to do so.
Regardless of which path you choose, a website should be included in your initial budget. A simple site should be sufficient, unless you wish to host an online notary business. Simple sites can be built for less than $1,000, while more complicated and secure websites can run $3,500 or above.
What are the ongoing expenses for a notary business?
If you decide to open a brick-and-mortar business, budget for the standard overhead expenses that come with leasing an office.
The following are expenses you should budget for on a monthly basis:
- Fuel costs – mobile notaries spend much of their time traveling from customer to customer
- Website maintenance
- Marketing materials
- Fees for local and national associations
- Insurance
- Payroll and taxes
- Continuing education requirements vary from state to state – the standard is every four years
Who is the target market?
Notary businesses are cautioned against pigeonholing themselves into serving just one type of client. There are a number of different types of documents that require a notary; it is recommended that you target as many as possible when marketing to the public.
How does a notary business make money?
A notary business charges a fee for each document they notarize. Building a relationship with organizations that require a notary regularly is a great way to ensure a steady flow of income.
How much can you charge customers?
This depends upon what type of document you are signing and who your client is. Banks and credit unions often make their notary services available to customers free of charge, while you might charge $5-$10 for the same service. Loan signing agents earn $75 to $200 per appointment.
How much profit can a notary business make?
Once you have built a referral base and are getting regular signings each week, the business can be very profitable. Full-time notary signing agents work an average of forty to forty-five hours a week, including driving to appointments. This works out to fifteen signings per month. If your fee is $100 per signing, you will bring in an average of $6,000 per month or $78,000 annually. Since your overhead is low, much of those earnings turn into profit. To maximize profits, carefully consider your fee structure and payroll costs before bringing on another team member.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Implement the following strategies to maximize your profits:
- Offer bilingual notary public services
- Make your services available 24/7
- Offer additional services such as photocopying and printing
- Diversify to include as many specialties as possible. A few options are:
- Unclaimed assets
- Foreign documents
- Working with attorneys
- Working with structured settlement firms
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a notary business?
When not notarizing documents for clients, business owners spend their time networking and implementing ideas defined in their marketing strategy. Mobile business owners spend a portion of each day traveling to meet their customer’s needs.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful notary business?
Notary publics must complete a state training course and pass the state exam (specific rules vary from state to state). Once you have done so, you will need to mail your application in, along with a fee, to the state notary commission. Upon acceptance, you will swear the oath and purchase any required bonds. Some states also require a notary seal. The National notary Association (NNA) provides details regarding each state’s notary requirements, as well as real-life examples of situations you could be faced with in your public servant position.
What is the growth potential for a notary business?
Before opening your business, research other notary services in the area. Is there a demand for it? What other services do they offer? What hours are they available? Is your area in need of a mobile service? How many online notaries are available in your state? Tailor your services and hours around what your community is lacking to ensure your company grows to meet your business goals.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a notary business?
Notary public business owners offer the following professional advice:
- Join a local or national notary association. Attend workshops. This membership will help you stay current on new laws, network within the community, and tweak your marketing strategy.
- Make yourself available when other notaries are not. After five, on weekends, and during holidays are the perfect times to land business your competition is missing out on.
- If you choose to have a physical location, make your business more profitable by offering additional services.
- Diversify – Look into the various notary specialties and expand your services to include as many as possible.
How and when to build a team
If you plan on having a physical location, there are a few questions you will need to consider: Do you want to be a notary or would you rather hire someone to take on that responsibility? What hours do you want the notary available? What other services do you plan to offer? Do you want to be in charge of the additional services or would you rather oversee the enterprise? In many cases, notary public business owners choose to start small, hiring more employees as the business grows. If this is the case, however, prepare yourself for long hours.
Mobile and online notaries have a little more flexibility, as they do not have the added pressure of higher overhead costs. In this case, you could hire additional employees as the need arises. Before hiring anyone, check with your state to ensure they meet the notary guidelines.
Part 2 - Is a Notary business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Notary Public business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Notary Public Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Notary business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.