The best ways to accept payments as a notary.

Taking the plunge and opening your own notary business allows you to make extra income and help the people in your community. If you are thinking about adding the qualification of “notary public” to your resume, it is important to first learn what this profession entails. Furthermore, you should understand nuts-and-bolts details, including the most effective ways to get paid for your services. 

What does a notary do?

Simply put, a notary is a person who is authorized to witness legal documents such as affidavits, trusts, licenses, estates, deeds, and powers of attorney. They are also entrusted to verify the authenticity of the signatures obtained. Having a notary present helps to minimize fraud while providing assurance that any agreements made were entered into willingly and knowingly. Although notaries are public officials who are appointed by a government authority such as a court, they receive no financial compensation for that aspect of their work. That is why many notaries also choose to go into business for themselves.

Qualifying as a notary.

Each state has its own requirements for those wishing to become a notary. However, doing so generally involves undergoing a background check, passing an exam, and submitting a fee. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in the state they are applying in.

Tips for succeeding as a notary entrepreneur.

Bolster your notary enterprise with the same level of planning and preparation that you would put into any other sort of business. Here are some of the most important elements that you should include.

• Conduct research that enables you to understand your industry, your competition, the costs involved, and how you can network and market yourself.
• Develop comprehensive business and marketing plans, including goals and cost estimates. Do your best to anticipate obstacles and demonstrate how you will overcome them.
• Begin to market your business through networking with other notary professionals and organizations, as well as through social media.
• Continue to focus on improving your knowledge and your company through ongoing education, working with a mentor, engaging in self-improvement strategies, and keeping your focus on goal-setting.
• Get the equipment and support you need to succeed.

As a notary, you provide important services that are sought after by private individuals and public agencies alike. Taking the time to lay the groundwork for your business will help to ensure that you have the necessary infrastructure to become a reliable fixture in your area.

Using diverse payments to take your notary company to the next level.

Of course, you can run your entire operation from your home or a small office. However, becoming a mobile notary is one way to set yourself apart from your stationary competitors. When you can accept payments anywhere with the use of a mobile card reader, you make it all the more convenient for potential customers to use your services.

Technology has now made it both affordable and easy to take your notary business on the road. It can happen with the help of a mobile card reader that attaches to your smartphone and works with a payment processing app that you download into your hand-held device. Without compromising security or client confidentiality, you can accept payments with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your clients’ payment information is just as safe as if they had completed the transaction in your office.

There are no restrictions on what types of payments you can and cannot accept as a notary. Enabling your customers to remit your fees using a mobile card reader is a great way to your suite of payment choices.

We live in an era in which a flexible and personalized buying experience is often the key element that inspires long-term loyalty. As a notary public, you are no doubt not the only professional of your type in your area. But you can place your business on the top tier if you demonstrate your willingness to be creative and technology-forward in providing services of the highest quality. In a profession where reliability, stability, and availability are prime hallmarks, providing maximum payment options can become an indispensable tool in your arsenal.