Recently, I set up a remote mailbox to help with starting an official business. I've been freelancing for three years! It was time.

During the process, I had to work with a virtual notary to "verify my identity and provide consent to the location I selected to receive and manage postal mail & packages on your behalf." It was a bizarre experience. I paid $25 to Zoom with a very nice notary named Fatima from Texas. All she did was read out the form I was signing and say, "Here, you're saying you're agreeing to do this specific thing. Do you understand?

I said, "Yes, thanks," and then I'd virtually sign and we'd move on.

Later I found out that people like Fatima are virtual notaries not because they're full of notarial passion, but because it's a pretty sweet remote gig that pays fairly well. Intrigued, I decided to dig deeper.

If you, like Fatima, are looking for a side hustle that could potentially bring in some relatively stress-free money, have you considered becoming a notary? It's not as glamorous as some other side hustles, but it's a pretty chill job. It's flexible. It's remote.

Because we no longer live in the 1900s, you may not even know what a notary is. I certainly didn't pre-Fatima.

In this article, I'll dive into the world of notaries and explore how you can become one yourself. Grab a beverage of your choice and let's learn about:

• the benefits of becoming a notary

• the qualifications required

• the training you'll need

• how to find jobs once you've got your commission

If you still like the sound of the high-flying notary lifestyle after reading everything in this article, you'll have the tools you need to become a notary extraordinaire. Let's get started!

What is a Notary?

Oh boy, get ready for a riveting explanation of what a notary is. Are you ready?

A notary is someone who notarizes stuff.

For the scholars among you who aren't satisfied with that surface-level explanation, let's dig a little deeper. According to Merriam-Webster, a notary is "a public officer who attests or certifies writings (as a deed) to make them authentic and takes affidavits, depositions, and protests of negotiable paper."

And for a final definition, according to me, a notary is a fancy person who makes sure important documents are legit. They stamp stuff, sign stuff, and generally make sure you're not trying to pull a fast one.

You can usually find notaries at banks, law offices, and other places where important paperwork gets signed. Fatima was there to make sure I was who I said I was, and I legally consented to let that mailbox be my virtual mailbox.

So, if you ever need a document notarized, now you know who to call. And if you're still thinking about becoming a notary yourself, keep reading.

What Does a Notary Do?

Other than guiding hapless freelancers into their virtual mailbox journeys, what do notaries actually do? Here are a few examples of common tasks that notaries might be asked to perform:

Basically, a notary exists to make documents legit and official.

Why Become a Notary?

Short answer: flexibility and an additional stream of income.

You set your own rates and work from the comfort of your own home. Plus, with the need for notaries in various industries, you can count on a consistent flow of business. I was not Fatima's only customer that day by far.

But that's not all. As a notary, you'll also gain valuable experience interacting with clients and handling important legal documents. And don't forget the prestige that comes with being a Public Official. You might even get a fancy seal to stamp on documents, even if it's a virtual one.

So, if you're looking for a side hustle with perks and potential, consider becoming a notary.

How to Become a Notary - Qualifications

So, young grasshopper, you're ready to become a notary and start raking in the dough. But it's not as easy as finding the right link and signing up. You'll need to meet specific qualifications. Remember, you're an important Public Official! They don't let just anyone become a notary.

1. You gotta be a legal resident of the state where you're planning to be a notary. Sorry, digital nomads, you can't just bounce around the country notarizing documents willy-nilly.

2. You must also be a legal adult (18+ years old) and able to read and write in English.

3. You'll also need to prove you're not a criminal. Make sure your federal criminal record is clean.

4. Finally, and probably hardest on this list of requirements, some states ask you to pass a state-administered exam. The pass rates are low — in Louisiana, for example, rates vary between 2% to 25%. It's not impossibly tough, but do remember to study if you’re in one of the states that require an exam.

Once you meet the first three qualifications, you're ready to apply for your notary commission. I recommend not just winging it -- you'll need to get training. Fatima made it look easy, but I'm sure she was a trained expert.

Notary training

Different states have different requirements for notary education, so be sure to check what's required in your state. Fatima in Texas, for instance, was not required to even pass a test, though training was provided. But regardless of whether it’s necessary or not, I recommend it. You want to be the best notary you can be, right?

Lucky you, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to the training options available. You can take online courses, attend community college classes, or even attend workshops. The best part? Like being a notary, you can often complete the notary training on your own schedule.

Pro Tip: Check with your state's Secretary of State website to see if they offer approved notary education providers in your area.

Applying for a Notary Commission

Let's take a look at the nitty-gritty of applying for a notary commission.

First, check your state's requirements for becoming a notary. Every state is different; there's no such thing as a federal notary. I mentioned the four most common requirements, but some states have weird ones. A Texas Notary, for example, is required to maintain a Notary surety bond of $10,000 throughout their 4-year commission. This bond acts as a protective measure, making sure that the public in Texas is safeguarded against any potential financial losses resulting from any mistakes or improper actions you might make as a Texas Notary.

Once you've confirmed that you meet the qualifications, it's time to fill out the application. This can typically be done online, but you’ve got the snail-mail option too in most states.

You'll have to give them your name, contact deets, and social security number. You may also need to submit a background check and provide references.

You'll also need some cash handy as there is a fee associated with applying for a notary commission. This can be as little as $25 to as much as $200, depending on your state. In Massachusetts, for instance, it's $60.

After you submit your application and pay the fee, you'll need a good dose of patience. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for the agency to get back to you, depending on the volume of applications being processed. Remember, some of these agencies still rely on snail mail. This is not a digitally advanced institution.

Once you've been approved, you will receive your notary commission, which typically includes a certificate and an official seal. Congratulations, you're now a notary!

Notary supplies

Now that you're officially a notary, it's time to get your supplies! And no, a quill and parchment paper won't cut it. You'll need a few essential items to properly notarize documents.

First and foremost, you'll need a notary seal. This is a stamp that you'll use to emboss your official notary information onto documents. Order a high-quality stamp, because you'll be using it a lot. And trust me, nothing says "professional" like a crisp, clean notary seal. Many states point you in the right direction. Here is Texas’s, for example.

You'll also most likely need a notary journal to keep track of all your notarizations. This is where you'll record the type of document, the signer's name, and any other relevant info. It's important to keep accurate records because you never know when you might need to reference a past notarization.

Every state is a little different in terms of the info they ask you to record. Check and double-check to make sure you’re doing your duty.

Finally, you'll need to invest in some notary certificates. These are pre-printed forms that you can fill out and attach to the document you're notarizing. They include your official notary information and the details of the notarization, so you don't have to hand-write everything out.

If you want to really up your notary game, consider getting a notary bag to keep all your supplies together. You'll feel like a notary superhero with all your gear at your fingertips.

You can always choose to invest in a good quality notary kit to ensure you have all the essential supplies. I like the Massachusetts Notary Supply Kit, for example. It includes everything you need to get started.

"A good notary is only as good as their notary supplies." - Notary proverb, probably.

How to find a notary job

Congratulations, you're now a fully-fledged notary, with supplies and everything! So, how do you find those coveted notary jobs? How can you become the next Fatima?

First up, start by building a network of contacts. Let your friends, family, and coworkers know that you're now a notary and offer your services. You never know who might need a document notarized. (Although it's worth highlighting that for friends and family, you probably won't get paid to stamp something. My mom has notarized something for me in a pinch and she did it for free/love.)

Next, it's time to look online. Create a website or social media page advertising your notary services. Consider fringe services, like being available outside of regular business hours and willing to travel to clients if needed.

Establishing relationships with local businesses is another great idea. Reach out to attorneys, real estate agents, and financial advisors - anyone who might need documents notarized on a regular basis.

And don't forget about networking events and business conferences. These are great opportunities to meet new people and spread the word about your notary services.

Remember, the key to finding notary jobs is to be proactive. Don't wait for clients to come to you - go out and find them!

Finally, you can consider looking for part-time gigs at places like BlueNotary which outsource regular notarizations. It might not be as well-paid, but you'll have steady work, and you won't have to go out looking for it all yourself.

Notary frequently asked questions

Thinking about becoming a notary but not satisfied with what I told you above? Not to worry, I've got FAQs.

How much money can I make as a notary?

This obviously depends on how much demand there is for notarization in your area. How many signatures can you fit into an hour? That is up to you and your speedy fingers.

Massachusetts reports an average annual salary of around $60k for notaries, while the national average is $55k.

Do I need to renew my notary commission?

Don't rest on your laurels. Most states require notaries to renew their commission every 4 to 10 years. The renewal process typically involves completing additional training and paying a fee.

What do I do if I'm asked to notarize a document I'm not comfortable with?

Look, you are a Public Official now, as I keep saying. If you're at all hesitant about notarizing a document, trust your gut. As a notary, you are responsible for verifying the identity of signers and ensuring they understand the contents of the document they're signing. If you have any doubts about the legality or validity of a document, it's best to say no.

What if a signer doesn't speak the same language as me?

In most cases, notaries are only authorized to notarize documents in the language they are comfortable speaking. If a signer doesn't speak the same language as you, it's important to find a notary who can communicate effectively with them.

How long does it take to become a notary?

The time it takes to become a notary varies by state, but it typically takes a few weeks to a few months to complete the application process and receive your commission.

What happens if I make a mistake during a notarization?

If you make a mistake during a notarization, you should make a note of the error in your notary journal and document the correction. If the mistake is significant enough to affect the legality of the document, you may need to contact an attorney.

Do I need to keep a journal of all my notarizations?

Yes, in most states, notaries are required to maintain a journal of all the notarizations they perform. This journal should include information such as the date of the notarization, the type of document being notarized, and the name of the signer.

Now that you have a better understanding of what it takes to become a notary, it's time to get started! Remember, as a notary, you have the power to provide an important service to your community while also earning some extra cash on the side.