If you’re a notary public looking to grow your business, you’re in a competitive market. Here are 7 ways to increase your notary business, and build a loyal customer base. If you wish to become a notary in New York, we can train you to pass the exam.
Here are seven proven ways to help you expand your notary business.
Leverage Digital Marketing and Online Presence
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Many potential clients turn to the internet first when searching for notary services. To capitalize on this, consider creating a professional website that highlights your services, location, and contact information. A website with clear calls-to-action and a user-friendly design can help convert visitors into clients.
Beyond just having a website, you should also invest time in search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure your business shows up in local search results when people search for “notary near me” or “mobile notary services.” Regularly posting on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn can also help you build your brand and reach a wider audience. Sharing tips on notarization, offering promotions, or even showcasing behind-the-scenes of your business can engage potential customers. Firstly, you may want to familiarize yourself with the most commonly notarized documents.
Expand Your Service Offerings
One of the best ways to increase your notary business is by offering more services. While basic notarizations are the core of your business, consider offering additional services like:
Mobile Notary Services: Many clients prefer the convenience of having a notary come to them, whether it’s at their home, office, or other locations.
Loan Signing Services: Specializing in loan document signings for mortgage companies, title companies, or real estate agents can be very lucrative.
Certified Notary Services: Provide services like Apostille, document authentication, and legal witnessing to meet the needs of international clients or businesses.
Business Document Notarization: Work with local businesses by offering notarization for contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
By diversifying the services you offer, you can tap into a wider range of clients and increase your overall revenue.
Network with Local Professionals
Networking is key to building long-term relationships that lead to a steady stream of business. Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, lawyers, accountants, and title companies all frequently need notary services. Establish relationships with these professionals and offer to help with their notarization needs.
Attend local business events or networking meetups to introduce yourself and build rapport with other business owners. If you offer reliable and professional service, you’ll likely become the go-to notary for many local businesses.
Build Strong Client Relationships
Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful in the notary business. Building and maintaining strong relationships with your clients can lead to repeat business and referrals. Always provide excellent customer service, be punctual, and ensure your work is accurate and professional. Going the extra mile, such as offering flexible hours or providing mobile services, can leave a lasting impression and create loyal customers.
Encourage satisfied clients to refer others to your business. You can even offer a small incentive, like a discount on future services, as a thank you for referrals.
Pricing
While it’s important to not undervalue your services, pricing competitively can help attract clients who are looking for affordable options. However, in New York what you can charge is controlled by the state. However, if you provide mobile notary services, consider charging a travel fee based on distance, but keep it reasonable to ensure clients still view your services as cost-effective.
Utilize Notary Directories and Apps
Many online platforms allow notaries to list their services in directories, making it easier for potential clients to find you. Websites like NotaryRotary, 123Notary, or Snapdocs are popular places to list your business. These directories typically attract people who are actively searching for a notary in their area.
Additionally, consider using notary apps and tools that streamline the process of getting hired. These apps connect clients with notaries, and some even allow you to accept jobs directly through your phone. By being active on these platforms, you can increase your exposure and get more business leads.
Offer Flexible Hours and Accessibility
Notary services are often needed outside of regular business hours, particularly by clients with urgent needs. Offering flexible scheduling, such as evenings or weekends, can help attract clients who need notarization but can’t take time off work during standard business hours.
Additionally, if you’re able to offer mobile services, you’ll be able to serve clients who need you to travel to their location. This added convenience can make your business more appealing to people who have busy schedules or find it difficult to visit a notary in person.
Conclusion
Increasing your notary business requires a combination of smart marketing, strategic networking, and an emphasis on customer satisfaction. By diversifying your services, building relationships, and maintaining an active online presence, you can set yourself apart from the competition and attract a steady stream of clients. With the right strategies in place, these 7 ways to increase your notary business can help you thrive and grow in the long term.
In an earlier blog we gave a few New York Notary exam sample questions. We will provide a link to those questions at the end of this article. For now, when preparing for the New York notary public exam it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of subjects you might encounter. The exam tests your knowledge of the laws and procedures governing notaries in New York. Here’s a look at some topics covered on the test. This article is designed to help you study effectively.
Topics Covered on the Notary Exam
Below you will find a list of various topics covered in the New York Notary Exam.
Definition and Responsibilities
A notary public is an official appointed by the state to serve as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. Their primary responsibilities include administering oaths, taking acknowledgments, witnessing signatures, and verifying the identity of the signers.
Legal Requirements
To become a notary public in New York, you must be at least 18 years old. Also, you must be a resident of the state or have a business in the state. Furthermore you must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. Additionally, you can not have any felony convictions (unless your rights have been restored).
Recordkeeping
A notary journal serves as a record of all notarial acts performed. It should include the date and time of the act. It should include the type of act performed. You need a description of the document. Also, record the names and signatures of the parties involved, and any identification presented. New York Notaries must keep a journal.
Fees and Charges
As of recent regulations, the maximum fee a notary public can charge for most notarial acts in New York is $2. However, for certain acts, such as taking an acknowledgment or administering an oath, the fees may vary, so it’s crucial to consult the current fee schedule.
Ethical Considerations
Remember, a notary public must remain impartial and should not notarize documents in which they have a financial or personal interest. Doing so can result in disciplinary action or loss of notary status.
Identification Requirements
Acceptable forms of identification include a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, or any other form of ID that includes the signer’s name, signature, and photograph.
Common Errors
Chiefly, a common mistake is failing to verify the identity of the signer. Notaries must always check that the identification matches the name on the document being notarized.
Conclusion
So, preparing for the New York notary public exam requires a solid understanding of the duties, legal requirements, and ethical standards expected of notaries. Practicing with sample questions can enhance your confidence and ensure you are ready to serve as a reliable notary public in New York. Here is a link to our earlier article that provides a few notary sample questions.
Lastly, you can learn more about how to become a New York Notary by visiting the New York Department of State.
There are moments that could arise where your signer has power of attorney. As such, you are notarizing the document for the representative of a specific person. There are certain circumstances in which a person may have power of attorney. Power of attorney gives a person control over specific aspects of their life. Such a person is also called “the attorney in fact.”
Situations where power of attorney may exist
Maybe a parent is getting older and is no longer able to deal with their finances.
Someone may be in the armed forces and is deployed overseas, thus unable to handle their domestic affairs.
Someone may have a type of job that could entail the potential for serious injury, and they appoint a representative to handle their affairs should they become incapacitated.
A misconception is that the person is the power of attorney. This is not true. They are an agent who has the power of attorney. This seems like a small difference, but we need to make the point clear. Another point to make is that power of attorney ceases should the person represented becomes deceased So, the person who has power of attorney has the authority to sign on behalf of the principal without that person present. The term principal refers to the person being represented.
What’s Important
If asked to notarize a power of attorney document, it is important to know the rules which apply in your specific state. Some states require you to obtain a thumbprint of the signer. Okay, so someone comes to you to notarize a document for a principal. They should sign it with not only the principal’s name, but their own name. So, that person may sign with the principal’s name first, then their own name followed by the words, “Attorney in Fact.”
In notarizing where only an attorney in fact is present, you will only need to confirm the identity of the person present. Obviously, you cannot verify the identity of the person represented, who is not there. A key point here is that when the signer has power of attorney, they need to present the document to the notary. A photocopy is not acceptable, unless it is a certified copy.
Again, different states have different rules governing power of attorney. So, know your own state’s rules thoroughly Regarding New York, you can find an excellent article at evident.com.
Okay. You want to become a notary public. So, when picking you notary training course, there are certain criteria you should be aware of. It is important that you choose a provider who presents a program that will make sure you are fully prepared to pass the exam. Let’s look at some of the important things you should look for when choosing a training program. If you want to become a notary public in New York, you may want to read our article on How to Become a New York Notary.
Important aspects of picking a notary training program
Make sure the exam is specific to your State. Every State has various nuances to its notary laws. Certainly, it is imperative that your training provide a course designed specifically for your State.
Further, regardless of the State you live in, we recommend that you take your exam on a date that is relatively close to the date you complete the course. This is because all that knowledge you gained will be fresh in your mind.
You need to decide if you prefer a live classroom course, or an online course. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. In a classroom course, you can have live interaction with the instructor. The drawback is, these courses are completed in a day or two, meaning that you have to cram information in a shorter period. An online class gives you the flexibility of convenience in that you take bits and pieces of the course over time. This allows better retention of information. The drawback is that when not in a live environment, the luxury of interaction becomes lost.
Basically, in either type of class, you want to be sure you are provided a workbook, or class manual. This way, you can easily refer back to it to refresh previous topics you learned.
We offer online training for those wishing to become a notary public in New York State. Feel free to evaluate our course before picking a notary training program. Learn more about our Notary Training at: https://www.notarynewyork.org
You can learn more about notary requirements in New York by visiting ny.gov.
Also, you can also visit the National Notary Association website.
You may ask, Can I notarize a document if the client is not present. The answer is YES and NO. It depends on the State in which you are commissioned. Where the answer is YES, there is a huge “BUT.” The client must sign the document in front of a Subscribing Witness. This person then signs a document that states that they have witnessed the signing of the absent person. The notary would issue an oath to the subscribing witness, where they swear that they watched the client sign the document. One example might be when the signer has Power of Attorney.
Rules for Accepting a Subscribing Witness
Again, the subscribing witness must swear they saw the client sign the instrument
The subscribing witness then signs a form called a Proof of Execution
The notary then completes the notarization with the wording required by his or her State
You need to exercise extreme caution when you are asked to fulfill a Proof of Execution. Since you cannot absolutely identify the signer, the potential for fraud can increase dramatically. This is why some states do not even allow Proofs of Execution. Many other states have serious restrictions on Proofs of Execution. So, it is most important that you know your State’s law regarding the use of a subscribing witness. If you live in New York, you can accept a subscribing witness. If you would like to download the certificate, you can do so at ny.gov.
To your good fortune, it would be extremely rare when a notary client is not present. Many notaries we know have never had to accept a request for a Proof of Execution. But, should you receive such a request and, you are not totally familiar with your State law governing this notarial service, don’t be afraid to decline service. But remember, we must act in a professional manner. Too many things need to be addressed, and the client needs to be in your presence. For example, what if there is a name irregularity?
Please feel free to read our other notary articles. You will find lot of valuable information that will aid you in your pursuit of your notary public career.
There is something you should know if you wish to become a notary public in New York. Notaries public are subject to notary discipline. Yes, all notaries know this. But, anyone who wishes to become a notary public needs to understand the sanctions imposed for misconduct. So, in New York, notary misconduct can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the nature of the transgression.
Case Study
One of the more serious sanctions a notary can face is the revocation or suspension of his or her commission. If a notary commits fraud, the consequences are even more serious. The case of New York v Nathan Frankel alleged that the notary notarized a forged deed. You can read the entire transcript by clicking on the link in the previous sentence. Anyway, the court determined that the complaint did not establish enough evidence to support the claim that Mr. Frankel knowingly notarized a false deed. So, the case was dismissed. But, had the court found for the complainant, the defendant would have been convicted of a felony.
Notary Misconduct
The discipline for notary misconduct varies according to the offense. Let’s look at just a few.
Failure to administer an Oath. This could result in revocation of the notary’s commission
Falsely acting as a Notary Public. This would be a misdemeanor in New York
Making False Statements. This can be fraud, which is a felony
Any misrepresentation on a notary application. This would result in revocation.
Issuing a false certificate. This would be a misdemeanor. But, issuing a false acknowledgement would be considered forgery.
The above are just a few examples where notary discipline can come into play. The smart notary knows the laws of his or her state. They then conduct themselves in a manner to avoid any hint of violating the law. To learn more about notary responsibilities, I recommend you visit Michael Closen’s you tube video.
This article is directed to anyone who desires to become a notary public. As stated, most commissioned notaries are well-aware of the laws that govern them. To read more of our notarial blogs, visit our blog page.
If you wonder what to record in a notary journal, allow me to put you at ease.
Most commercial journals contain the necessary categories already printed for you.
This facilitates your need to remember every critical item to record. However, it is important that whatever journal you purchase has specific information. Let’s review them.
Information to Record in a Notary Journal
The time and date of the notarization
The method of identification that the constituent presents to you
The specific location where the notarization took place
The type of document that you are notarizing
The constituent’s name
The constituent’s contact information
The Signer’s willingness and competence
The signer’s signature in your journal
The notary fee that you charge for the notarization
Any added information that you think could be important
Should circumstances be such that you need to refuse notarization this should also be recorded in your journal. Firstly, a notary should never refuse service. But there are many reasons one may refuse service to a document.
Reasons to Refuse Notarization
Perhaps the signer appears intoxicated
The signer may be drug-induced due to illness or lifestyle
Further, maybe the signer shows signs of cognitive impaired. This client must understand what it is they are signing
So, if the notary believes the constituent is under duress or influenced by someone who could benefit from the notarization
In such circumstances, the notary needs to record the refusal in his or her journal. This record should be as accurate as possible. Remember, your journal could be accessed in the future because it is a public record. Also, the accuracy of your journal entry could come into play should there be a future investigation or litigation.
These days, you can use an “e-journal”. Companies like Jurat provide such a service.
To perform remote notarization in New York, you first must register as a remote notary with the state. To do so, you must first become a New York Notary Public. We advise that you learn more and visit the New York State Division of Licensing Services.
Steps for remote notarization in New York
First, the notary must identify the signer. The signer must show acceptable identification as if they were in your office. The signer must also be in the State of New York at the time of the remote notarization.
The notary service must be done in “real-time.” Just as with standard notarization, the notary must witness the signing. However, it must be done through a secure audio/video technology, such as As such, you, or your employer, must sign up with DocuSign (or a competitive company. A monthly fee can range from $10 to $40 per month. Naturally, this will vary by the plan you choose.
Once the constituent completes the signing. It is sent electronically to the notary.
At this time, the notary affixes his or her stamp to the document and returns it to the constituent.
Remote notarization was put into place because of Covid-19. But, the state decided to amend the law and make it permanent, effective February 01, 2023. It is Senate Bill S1780C
Once you are registered with the state, you will be able to perform remote notarizations from the comfort of your computer. This is merely an outline of how to perform remote notarization. We can’t stress enough that you familiarize yourself with the law. Again, visit the link above at the New York Division of Licensing Services.
It seems likely that over time remote notarizations will have an impact on a mobile notary’s business. The need for a notary to drive to a specific location will become less necessary since the service can be done on a local computer.
We intend to produce more articles on this aspect of notarial service. So, please come back and look for updated blog articles.
. Our goal is to help you prepare for the New York Notary Exam.
I’m sure that most notaries know that they need to identify the mental competence of a client before notarizing the document.
We do this by observing the signer. Engaging in conversation will usually help us to affirm that the individual is competent to complete the notarial process. Let’s remember, we are not a psychologist. It is not our job to assert a professional opinion. However, giving today’s world, with its hunger for litigation, we need to take adequate precautions to protect ourselves. Therefore, we need to determine that the signer has an understanding as to why they appeared in front of us, and that they want a document executed.
Simply put, we not only have a legal responsibility, but also an ethical one, to prevent potential fraud. We need to make sure they person before us is not a minor, and that they are not signing the document under duress.
As I’ve stated above, we are not psychologists. Furthermore, we are only spending a few minutes with the individual. But, we need to exercise reasonable care to identify the mental competence of the signer.
Factors that could affect mental Competence
There are many factors that could affect a person’s mental competence. For Example:
Alcohol – Although unlikely, but not impossible, the signer could appear before you in an intoxicated state.
Drugs – Even prescription and over-the-counter drugs can affect mental competence. It’s not just illegal drugs that we need to be concerned with.
The Elderly – We certainly cannot deprive someone of their right to obtain a notarization. But, as we all know, as people age their ability to process and understand information becomes diminished. So, if an elderly person appears before us, we need to assess their understanding of why they are there.
So, we need to remember to identify the mental competence of the signer before notarizing any document.
Our blog discusses several topics to aid the notary in his or her professional career. If you wish to become a notary in New York, you can visit the Department of State Website.
We offer online notary training to help you pass the notary exam and become a notary public in New York. Visit our home page to find out more.
In New York, and for that matter, every other state, the personal appearance of the signer before a notary is required. Notaries must understand and implement this requirement without exception. Failure to require a personal appearance not only devalues the office but it is in direct violation of the law. Think about it, how else can a notary confirm that the signer is who he or she claims to be? What’s also important is that a notary must avoid exposure to liability.
Why is a personal appearance before a notary so important?
Only when the client is present can the notary:
Assess whether or not the client is signing of his or her own free will.
There is no other way that a notary can witness the act of signing the document.
There is no other way that the notary can satisfactorily positively identify the signer.
In addition, the notary cannot ask the signer to sign his or her journal if the signer is not present to do so. It is prudent for the notary to keep a journal that records the notarial service. When the client signs the notary’s journal, any question related to the signer’s presence can be eliminated.
Covid presented some new definitions to the term, “personal presence.” Several states have allowed remote notarizations. In New York State, remote notarization became permitted. That is, if said notarization falls in line with the State’s rules.
Methods for remotely identifying a signer in New York
The notary has personal knowledge of the signer
by means of communication technology that facilitates remote presentation by the signor of an official, acceptable form of ID, credential analysis, and identity proofing; or
Through oath or affirmation of a credible witness who personally knows the signor, and who is either personally known to the notary or identified by the previously referenced means of communication technology.
Retail software can be purchased by notaries public to perform identify proofing and credential analysis.
Or visit our website to read our other articles related to becoming a notary in New York. Or, check out our notary answers to frequently asked questions.
To perform remote notarization in New York, you first must register as a remote notary with the state. To do so, you must first become a New York Notary Public. We advise that you learn more and visit the 
I’m sure that most notaries know that they need to identify the mental competence of a client before notarizing the document.