Many businesses, including accounting firms, banks, real estate agencies and attorney offices, offer notary services to their clients and employ at least one notary public. Notary public services include witnessing and signing documents, and asking each party for a sworn oath of authenticity.

Knowing your services and clientèle will help you determine if the convenience and professional courtesy of having a notary public on staff is critical or important in obtaining your business objectives. For an employee to become a notary public and provide your business with the necessary notary public services he or she will first have to meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

2. Applicant must be a citizen of the United States; or from a country that allows U.S. citizens to become a notary public there.

3. Applicant must be an official resident of the state in which he or she will obtain a license.

4. Applicant must be able to read and write English.

5. Applicant cannot have had a notary commission revoked within the last ten years if he wishes to provide notary public services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Follow the three-step process to get started with notary signing services

The National Notary Association (NNA) has a three-step process to simplify and assist you or your staff in becoming a licensed notary public. The NNA experts provide systematic guidance through the notary public process.

I recommend: The National Notary Association provides information to acquire notary public tools, as well as the official application.

Prepare for the notary public service exam

To prepare an applicant for the notary public service exam, the National Notary Association and Notary Public Central both offer a selection of notary training opportunities. By training and preparing for the exam, your organization will benefit by having proficient, well-trained notaries available on site. Trained notaries will be confident and perform their duties accurately and promptly, leaving you free from worry or future liability.

I recommend: National Notary Association and Notary Public Central will provide you with the necessary training information. The American Society of Notaries can direct you to a live or line course in your state.

Figure out the cost of notary services so you charge customers fairly

The cost of notary services depends on your state and the type of document you're notarizing. Each state has its own maximum fee; this is a regulated industry and you cannot charge more than the maximum.

I recommend: The American Society of Notaries gives notary service prices by state, along with other valuable information. Visit the United States Notary Association to search for information by state.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Your bank, accountant's office and attorney will typically notarize a document as a courtesy and waive the notary service price. The notary must witness your signature, so do not sign the document in advance.