Millions of documents require notarization each year. The responsibilities of Notaries are to verify identity, take an oath and add their seal to important paperwork.
Some Notaries earn six-figure incomes as Notary Signing Agents specializing in loan closings. The bulk of your income will come from the signing fees, which are around $75-$200 per loan signing. Here’s how to become a notary public in Florida.
Table of Contents
Education Requirements
A notary is a state official appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, or in some states, the legislature to act as a ministerial official who witnesses signatures on documents. The notary’s role is to ensure that a person signing an important document is who they say they are. The notary verifies this by examining official identification and ensuring that the signer is aware of all the document details.
Notaries are also responsible for screening people seeking notary services to ensure that the person seeking the service is a legitimate party who is not trying to commit fraud or any other illegal acts. Some states have regulations in place to protect consumers, and the notary public is a vital part of this protection.
The notary commissioning process varies from state to state, but most require an applicant to fill out an application, pay the state fee, take an education course, pass an exam, and file a bond, oath of office, and supplies. In Florida, for example, all first-time notary applicants must take a three-hour educational notary course and read Chapter 117 of the Florida statutes.
A notary public must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Florida or a legal permanent alien. A notary must be able to read and write the English language, understand the purpose of notarization, and have good character. A person convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors is disqualified. However, those who have a pardon or have had their civil rights restored may apply for the position.
Once an applicant is approved for a notary commission, they must take their $7,500 bond and order their notary seal from the bonding agency. The seal must include the notary’s name, commission number, and the state of Florida. All Florida notaries must have their seals approved by the state government before performing any notarial duties. The seal must be made of durable, non-fade ink and can be used on any document that the notary signs.
Bonding Requirements
The requirements for becoming a Notary vary from state to state, but all Notaries must be bonded and have the proper supplies. In Florida, this includes a Notary seal. The bond is designed to protect the public from damage caused by a Notary’s negligence or misconduct. It is not a replacement for Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, which all Notaries are required to have and maintain.
Once you complete a training course, pass the exam, and purchase your bonds, the next step is to submit your application to your local county clerk. You will need to include an affidavit from a non-relative who has known you for at least one year, attesting that you have passed all the training and testing requirements and are of good character. The affidavit must be notarized and sent along with your application to the Department of State.
When the state approves your notary commission, your bonding agency will notify you. Then, you can order your notary seal and other supplies. You will also need to renew your notary appointment every four years. Beginning the renewal process six months before your expiration date is best.
Some Notaries work at traditional offices or banks, while others may be self-employed. Some Notaries can be mobile, traveling to their customers’ homes or businesses to witness signatures and add their unique notary seal to documents.
The majority of Notaries in Florida are employed as full-time or part-time employees by law firms, banks, or financial institutions. The remainder of the notaries are private individuals who work as independent contractors for loan-signing companies or title agencies.
A notary’s salary depends on how many signings they can complete, the type of signings, and their experience. Most Notaries earn an average of $150 per signing, with more experienced notaries earning more than that.
Oath of Office
The oath of office is a ritual that marks the beginning of a public official’s tenure in the workforce. Whether it is administered in the Senate or House, by a judge or other person of authority, or at the presidential inauguration, it serves to remind the newly sworn-in individual of their commitment to serve and protect the citizens of their country.
Oaths of office date back to ancient times and have long been a part of the process of representative government. The Constitution itself provides that members of Congress “shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution.” Many state and local governments have also adopted the practice, making it a requirement for holding nearly all public offices.
For a Notary Signing Agent, the oath of office is a daily routine and an integral component of their job duties. Lenders, law firms, mortgage brokers, banks, schools, hospitals, and other businesses need documents notarized regularly, sometimes daily. This translates into endless income opportunities for Notary Signing Agents.
When you become a Notary Signing Agent with us, we will guide you through the process of becoming a Florida Notary so that you can be on your way to Six Figure Signing Agent income. We will provide you with the education, training, and tools to help you get started.
The oath of office is an important symbol of our nation’s history and of the process that led to the creation of our democratic form of government. During the debates at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, delegates to the convention discussed the nature of oaths of office. The question of whether or not federal officials should swear to uphold the Constitution was a major concern for Anti-Federalists. Proponents of the Constitution argued that while the oath of office should be taken seriously, it should not be treated as an obligation to uphold the laws of all states or any particular piece of federal legislation.
When you take your oath of office to become a Notary Signing Agent, you will sign and affix your Notary Seal to a Florida Notary Commission Certificate. You will also need a Notary Seal Stamp and supplies that are approved for use in Florida. The Seal will have your commission number, name, and expiration date of your commission printed in black ink.
Fees
A notary public acts as a state-appointed witness to the signing of important documents, like wills and power of attorneys. These services are often provided at local businesses, including banks and shipping stores. You can also get a document notarized through an online service such as Notarize or OneNotary. The fees for this service vary by state, but they are usually between $1 and $15.
To become a notary, you must meet your state’s qualifications. Most states require that you take a three-hour training course and pass an exam. Then, you need to pay your state’s application fee, purchase a notary bond, and buy your supplies. The costs for all of these items will vary from state to state, but in Florida, the notary bond is $50 for a four-year $7,500 bond, and the notary state filing fee is $39.
Some states may have additional requirements, such as requiring you to undergo special training before you can become a notary. In addition, some notaries must be members of a regulating body, such as the Society or Faculty of Notaries Public. Some notaries are commissioned for life, while others are commissioned for a shorter term of 3 to 5 years.
Depending on your state’s requirements, you may be required to obtain an Errors and Omissions insurance policy. This insurance protects you in case you make a mistake that results in damage to the person who signed your document. This is not a requirement, but it’s highly recommended, and the cost of the insurance is minimal.
Once you’ve completed all of your requirements, you should receive a pass slip in the mail from the Secretary of State’s office. Ensure that you sign and date the affidavit. Then, submit it to the appropriate county clerk along with a $60 check made payable to the “Secretary of State” for your commission.
Once you’ve completed the steps necessary to become a notary, you will be ready to begin your career as an official notary. This is a great way to earn some extra income, and it’s easy to do from the comfort of your home. Just follow all the rules, including taking the training course and buying a notary bond before you start working.