The outlets for finding partners to send you referrals is endless! Today, more and more documents are needing to be notarized. Here is a list of creative and unexpected locations or industries where notaries can find General Notary work:

1. Assisted Living Facilities – Frequent need for POAs, wills, and medical documents.
2. Hospitals and Rehab Centers – Often overlooked but critical for urgent notarizations.
3. Auto Dealerships – Titles and Bill of Sale notarizations, especially if your state requires notarization for titles or Bill of Sales.
4. Storage Unit Auctions – Legal paperwork for transferring ownership or lien enforcement.
5. Gun Shows or Firearm Dealers – Certain transfers may require notarized documents depending on state laws.
6. Tattoo and Piercing Shops – Parental consent forms for minors.
7. Wedding Venues or Planners – For name changes, prenuptial agreements, or marriage affidavits.
8. Immigration Lawyers or Paralegals – Supporting document notarizations.
9. Hotels – Often times, people end up needing a notary while traveling.
10. Travel Agencies or Passport Services – Notarizing travel consent forms for minors.

Final Tip: Always Be Your Own Billboard

One of the most powerful (and free) marketing strategies is simply talking about what you do. I recommend that literally everywhere you go, you pass out your business card and let people know you’re a notary. From the grocery store line to your yoga class, you never know who you’ll run into—or what unexpected types of businesses may need your services, sometimes on a regular basis. Notarization needs pop up everywhere, and being top of mind could make you the go-to notary in your community.

Starting your notary business can be exciting—but also overwhelming. One question I sometimes hear is:“Do I really need an LLC? And if I do… should I pay someone to set it up for me, or can I just do it myself?”

If you’re wondering the same thing, you’re not alone. Let’s break this down so you can confidently decide what’s right for you.

---

What Is an LLC and Why Notaries Should Care

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal structure that helps separate your personal assets (like your house, car, or savings) from your business liabilities. That’s especially important for notaries because mistakes or misunderstandings in your work could potentially open you up to lawsuits or financial loss.

Here’s why notaries should consider forming an LLC:

• ✅ Liability protection: Your personal assets are protected in case of a lawsuit.
• ✅ Professionalism: Clients see your business as more legitimate.
• ✅ Separate finances: You can open a business bank account and keep your finances clean.
• ✅ Tax flexibility: You may benefit from tax deductions or elect to be taxed differently.

In short: it’s a smart move if you’re treating your notary work like a real business—and you should be!

---

How to Set Up an LLC on Your Own

Yes, you can absolutely set up an LLC yourself—and in many states, it only takes an hour or two. Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:

✅ Step 1: Choose a Business Name

• It must be unique in your state.
• You can check availability on your states’ website.

✅ Step 2: File Articles of Organization

• This is the official paperwork that creates your LLC.
• You file it online (usually) with your states “Department of Commerce.”
• Filing fees range from $50–$300, depending on your state.

✅ Step 3: Appoint a Registered Agent

• This is the person (or company) who receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
• You can be your own agent in most states—or hire a service for ~$50–$150/year.

✅ Step 4: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

• This is like a Social Security Number for your business.
• It’s free through the IRS website.
• You’ll need this to open a business bank account and file taxes.

✅ Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement (if required)

• This document outlines how your business is managed.
• Required in a few states; optional but recommended in others.

✅ Step 6: Register for Any Necessary State/Local Business Licenses

• Some cities or counties require notaries to have a business license.
• Check your local requirements.

---

When It Makes Sense to Hire Help

There’s no shame in getting help—especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or strapped for time. You might consider using a service like LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, or Incfile if:

• You’re not comfortable navigating state websites and forms.
• You don’t want to make mistakes with paperwork.
• You want a done-for-you solution that includes EINs, operating agreements, and more.

If your business setup is more complex—like if you have partners or plan to expand into other services—you might even want to consult a business attorney for custom legal advice.

---

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Paid Services

Here’s a simple breakdown of your options:

Option	Estimated Cost	Time Investment	Pros	Cons
DIY	$50–$300	Moderate (1–3 hrs)	Cheapest, empowering	Slight learning curve
LegalZoom / ZenBusiness	$150–$500+	Low (20–30 min)	Convenient, easy to use	Upsells and recurring fees
Attorney	$500–$1000+	Very Low	Tailored to your business	Expensive

---

Which Is Right for You as a Notary?

Ask yourself:

Question	If YES, consider…
Are you comfortable using online forms?	DIY
Are you short on time?	LegalZoom or similar
Is your business structure simple (just you)?	DIY
Do you want hand-holding and full setup?	Hire help
Are you forming a partnership or adding other services?	Attorney

If you’re a solo notary and you’re comfortable navigating basic websites, setting up your LLC yourself is absolutely doable—and you’ll save a few hundred bucks doing it.

---

Conclusion: You’ve Got This

Forming an LLC is one of the smartest business moves you can make as a notary. Whether you do it yourself or hire help, the most important thing is to take action. Don’t let indecision hold you back from treating your notary work like a serious business.

I will make the disclaimer (to cover myself) that you should always consult an attorney.

If setting up an LLC—or just running a notary business—feels like a legal minefield, there’s another option worth considering: a LegalShield membership.

I’ve personally had mine for over 13 years, and I wouldn’t be without it.

Here’s what you get with a LegalShield membership:

• ✅ Unlimited consultations with an attorney so you can ask questions and get clear answers.
• ✅ Contract and document review—perfect for notaries who want a second set of eyes before signing or sending anything.
• ✅ Letters and phone calls made on your behalf, including collection letters (this alone can pay for the membership!).
• ✅ AttorneyRepresentation for moving traffic violations (because life happens).
• ✅ A Will prepared for you at no additional cost (though many notaries may want to upgrade to a trust).
• ✅ Coverage for legal situations like being sued, getting divorced, adopting, or being audited by the IRS.
• Plus a 25% discount on eveything else! But generally if you use the membership correctly, you shouldn’t have any out-of-pocket expenses.

LegalShield is one heck of a deal!

I can explain it you in further detail if you’re interested.

There are business plans as well to help you with your business documents and other business issues.

There are no contracts, and it’s one of the smartest investments I’ve made in myself and my business.
👉 If a membership makes sense for you, click here to learn more.

When people first get into the notary business, they often hear about loan signings as the ultimate money-maker. And while it’s true that loan signings can be lucrative, I’ll be honest—I’d take general notary work all day, every day if I could get enough business. Here’s why.

The Simplicity of General Notary Work

General notary work is simple and straightforward. You show up, verify ID, watch someone sign a document, stamp it, and you’re done. No printing hundreds of pages. No scan backs. No racing to FedEx before the cut-off time. You’re not chasing down signatures or worrying if you initialed in the wrong spot, and you can charge a good fee for this. I often get paid more than signing companies want to pay for loan signings.

You also get paid on the spot. There’s no waiting 30 days for a check from a signing service. And there’s something really empowering about that—it makes you feel more in control of your business and your schedule. You’re not just a small cog in a larger loan process; you’re offering a direct service to your community.

Loan Signings: The Hidden Hassles

Now don’t get me wrong—loan signings can pay well, and once a title company or signing service likes your work, they’ll usually keep sending you jobs. But loan signings come with a long list of responsibilities:

• Printing large document packages (twice, one for the borrower).
• Following detailed instructions from multiple parties.
• Completing scan backs before you can drop docs.
• Making time-sensitive FedEx/UPS runs.
• The possibility having to go back to get a missed signature or correction.

It’s a lot more involved.

The Only Downside to General Notary Work

The one catch with general notary work? You have to consistently market yourself. Unlike loan signing companies that put you on their list and keep calling, general notary clients don’t just find you on their own—you have to help them find you.

That means staying on top of:

• SEO for your website
• Google Business Profile updates and reviews
• Paid advertising like Google Ads
• Networking and referrals
• Dropping off business cards to local businesses like law offices, assisted living centers, and shipping stores

It takes some hustle. But once you get that visibility, the work tends to flow in steadily. I love loan signings, but “general notary work” is so much more relaxing and pays better for the time you put into it.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both general notary work and loan signings have their place in a notary business.

If you’re new to the notary world, I highly recommend giving both a try—but don’t underestimate the power (and profitability) of good, old-fashioned general notary work.

www.watersmobilenotary.com

Starting out as a notary can feel overwhelming — there’s a lot to learn, and it’s easy to get tripped up if you don’t understand the different types of notarizations. Don’t worry! Mastering the basics is completely doable. This post will walk you through the most common types of notarizations so you can feel confident when that first client hands you a document.

1. Acknowledgments

What it is:
In an acknowledgment, the signer confirms that they willingly signed the document. They don’t have to sign it in front of you, and you don’t administer an oath, but they must appear before you to acknowledge that it’s their signature.

When it’s used:

• Real estate transactions (deeds, mortgages)
• Powers of attorney
• Other legal documents that might be recorded with the county

Key points:

• Verify the signer’s identity.
• The signer must personally appear before you.
• The signer can have signed the document earlier, as long as they confirm it’s their signature.

2. Jurats

What it is:
In a Jurat, the signer swears (or affirms) that the contents of the document are true.

When it’s used:

• Affidavits
• Depositions
• Sworn statements

Key points:

• The signer must sign in front of you.
• You must administer an oath or affirmation before notarizing.
• Identity verification is always required.

Tip: If a client asks, “Can you just notarize this form I already signed?” and it needs a Jurat, the answer is no — they’ll need to resign in front of you. If they already signed it, you could have them produce a new copy or sign the document again.

3. Oaths and Affirmations

What it is:
These are standalone acts where you administer a verbal oath (a promise to a higher power) or affirmation (a promise on personal honor) without any paperwork involved. I have only ever performed this one time, but if you work for an attorney or court you may be performing them often.

When it’s used:

• Swearing in witnesses for court
• Swearing in new public officials
• In some cases, preparing sworn statements

Key points:

• No document is necessarily involved.
• You must verbally administer the oath or affirmation.

4. Copy Certifications

What it is:
You certify that a copy of an original document is true and correct.

When it’s used:

• School diplomas
• Passports (in some states)
• Driver’s licenses

Important:

• Not all states allow notaries to perform copy certifications, and some limit the types of documents (e.g., no certifying copies of birth certificates or vital records — those must come from the issuing agency).
• Always double-check your state laws!

5. Signature Witnessing

What it is:
You watch someone sign a document and then notarize it. I

When it’s used:

• Some types of contracts
• Private agreements

Key points:

• The signer must sign in your presence.
• You verify identity and witness the act of signing.

As of now, states that specifically authorize notaries to perform signature witnessing as a distinct notarial act include:

• Colorado
• Delaware
• Georgia
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• North Dakota
• South Carolina
• Virginia

Important:

• In some other states, notaries can witness signatures informally (for example, if you’re just asked to be a witness and not notarize), but “witnessing a signature” as an official notarization type (meaning with a notarial certificate and seal) is only legal in certain states.
• California, Florida, Texas, and many others do not have “signature witnessing” as a separate authorized notarial act — those states mainly deal with acknowledgments and jurats.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the type of notarization required is crucial for every appointment. The signer may not always know what they need, so being able to explain the basics (without giving legal advice) will make you stand out as a professional.

Pro Tip: Always read the notarial certificate attached to the document — it will tell you what kind of notarization is needed. And when in doubt, refer the signer to the document issuer or an attorney for guidance.

The more you practice, the more second-nature this all becomes. Stick with it — you’re building a valuable skill set that can take you far in the notary business!

and what you can do to improve it

As a notary public, your financial health plays a significant role in your ability to run a successful business. While many people associate bad credit with personal financial struggles, it can also have a direct impact on your notary business in ways you might not have considered. Here are some key ways bad credit can affect your notary business and what you can do to improve your financial standing.

1.  Signing Companies not sending jobs to you

Did you know that many Signing and Title Companies will not send a notary with a low credit scores on assignments for them?  Daniel Lewis, who used to own a signing company called Lewis Signing Service, informed me that he used to have signing and title companies call him and want to check credit scores of the notaries in his database before working with them.  They cited the reason was that if the notary has a low credit score, it could create a conflict of interest.  The notary may seek to get out of their bad financial situation, if introduced to a viable opportunity.

2. Higher Bond and Insurance Costs

Notaries are required to obtain a surety bond to protect the public, and in most cases, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. If you have bad credit, insurance companies may see you as a higher-risk individual, leading to increased premiums or even denial of coverage. This can make it more expensive to stay in compliance with state requirements and protect yourself from potential legal issues.

3. Difficulty Getting Business Loans

If you plan to expand your notary business, invest in marketing, or purchase new equipment, you may need financing. Bad credit can make it difficult to secure a business loan, and even if you do qualify, the interest rates may be significantly higher. This can limit your ability to grow and take advantage of new opportunities.

4. Limited Access to Business Credit Cards

Many notaries use business credit cards to manage expenses, purchase supplies, or handle travel costs for mobile notarizations. With a low credit score, you may struggle to get approved for a business credit card with favorable terms. Instead, you could be stuck with high-interest rates or be forced to use personal funds, which can blur the lines between your business and personal finances, creating a liability risk.

5. Challenges Leasing Office Space

If you’re a notary who wants to work from an office instead of a home-based setup, landlords often run credit checks before approving lease agreements. Bad credit could result in higher security deposits, stricter lease terms, or outright denial, making it harder to secure a professional workspace.

Steps to Improve Your Credit and Strengthen Your Business

If you’re dealing with bad credit, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to rebuild your financial health and protect your notary business:

• Check Your Credit Report: Obtain a copy of your credit report and dispute any inaccuracies.
• Pay Bills on Time: Set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure all bills are paid promptly.
• Reduce Debt: Work on paying down outstanding balances, starting with high-interest debts first.
• Establish a Business Credit Profile: Open a business bank account and apply for a small business credit card to start building business credit separately from personal credit.

Work with a Credit Counselor: If necessary, seek professional guidance to develop a plan for improving your credit score.

Final Thoughts

Bad credit doesn’t have to define you or your notary business, but it can create unnecessary hurdles if left unaddressed. By proactively managing your credit and making smart financial decisions, you can ensure that your business remains stable, professional, and positioned for success. Take control of your financial future today and watch your notary business thrive.

---

Jocelyn Waters is a seasoned Notary Public, Escrow Agent, and Certified Loan Signing Specialist based in St. George, Utah. With over 17 years of experience, she has successfully conducted more than 25,000 mortgage closings and real estate transactions, along with over 15,000 general notarizations, including wills, trust documents, powers of attorney, and auto loan purchases.

Beyond her notarial work, Jocelyn is a financial planner and real estate investor.  She is also the co-author of “Amplify Your Notary Income,” a guide aimed at helping notaries expand their business and increase their earnings. In her personal life, Jocelyn enjoys mountain biking, pickleball, traveling, hiking, camping, and boating. She is a mother of two and is a wonderful wife.

If you are interested in getting your Will & Trust set up, please email me @ watersnotary@gmail.com I work with a network of attorney’s in all 50 states that do it for an incredible price, and you can do it over zoom, and have the Mobile Notary come to you, so you never have to leave the house! It’s nice to be on the receiving end of that for once, right?

Also, if you want to become a Mobile Notary to do Trust Signings for this company, let me know!

Mastering the I-9 Form Verification for just $29.95

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS OUR BUSINESS eBook REVISED

Here is everything you have ever wanted to know about Notary services (and then some).

1. Types of Notarial Acts:

A Notary Public in Utah is authorized to perform various services, such as:

• Acknowledgments: Verifying that a person signing a document is doing so voluntarily and understands the document.
• Oaths and Affirmations: Administering oaths or affirmations, typically for sworn statements or affidavits.
• Jurat: Certifying that a person swore or affirmed to the truth of a document before the Notary.
• Copy Certifications: Certifying that a copy of a document is an accurate reproduction of the original (though Notaries in Utah cannot certify the authenticity of original documents).
• Witnessing Signatures: Verifying that the person signing the document is the same person who is supposed to sign, and witnessing that signature.

2. Requirements for Utah Notary Services:

When visiting a Utah Notary, make sure you have the following:

• Identification: The Notary will need to verify your identity. Acceptable forms of ID include a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.
• Documents Ready: The document you want notarized should be complete and signed in front of the Notary, but not before. You must sign in the Notary’s presence unless the Notary is performing a witness function.
• Payment: Notaries in Utah can charge a maximum fee of $10 per notarial act. However, this fee may vary depending on the type of service and location, so be sure to confirm before proceeding.

3. Utah’s Notary Conflict of Interest Rules:

As mentioned, Utah law prohibits a Notary from notarizing documents where they are a party to the transaction or have a direct financial interest in the document. They also cannot notarize for immediate family members (e.g., spouse, parent, child, or sibling).

This ensures that the Notary is unbiased and not influenced by personal or financial interests in the transaction.

4. Remote Online Notarization (RON) in Utah:

Utah is one of the states that allows Remote Online Notarization (RON). This means that, in some cases, you can have a document notarized remotely via a video call with a Notary Public, as long as the Notary is registered and authorized for RON in Utah.

• You must be in the state of Utah when the notarization occurs, but you can be at any location within the state.
• The process usually involves using a secure online platform to prove your identity and sign electronically.
• RON is often used for real estate transactions, legal documents, and other situations where an in-person meeting with the Notary is difficult.

5. Notary Recordkeeping:

Utah Notaries are required to maintain a journal of notarial acts. This journal should include details such as:

• The date and type of act performed.
• The names of the individuals involved.
• A description of the document notarized (but not the content).
• A statement of the type of identification used (e.g., driver’s license, passport).

This helps ensure transparency and can be used as evidence in case of disputes. Notaries may charge a fee for providing a copy of their journal entry.

6. Witness Requirements in Utah:

Some legal documents require witnesses in addition to notarization. Notaries in Utah may not act as a witness in these cases, since they have a duty to remain impartial. If you need a witness to sign along with the notarization, you’ll need to arrange for someone else to be present.

7. Real Estate Transactions:

Utah Notaries are commonly used in real estate transactions, especially for deeds, mortgages, and other property-related documents. If you’re closing on a home or involved in any property transfer, a Notary will be required to verify your signature and ensure the transaction is legitimate.

8. Limitations on Notarizing Documents in Utah:

• Personal Interest: Notaries cannot notarize documents in which they have a personal or financial interest. If the Notary stands to gain or is part of the transaction, they must refrain from notarizing.
• Family Restrictions: Utah’s laws restrict Notaries from notarizing documents involving immediate family members (e.g., spouse, parent, sibling). In situations where you need a notarization for a relative, you’ll need to find another impartial Notary.

9. Where to Find Notaries:

• Banks: Many banks and credit unions offer free Notary services to customers.
• Public Offices: County offices, courthouses, and other government buildings often have Notaries available.
• Mobile Notary Services: You can also find mobile Notaries in Utah who will come to you for notarizations, particularly helpful if you are unable to travel. These services may charge extra for travel.
• Online Platforms: For remote notarizations, services like Notarize and DocuSign Notary offer platforms where you can connect with a Notary from anywhere in Utah, provided the document type is eligible for remote notarization.

10. Common Documents That Require Notarization in Utah:

• Powers of Attorney (for both general and medical purposes)
• Real estate deeds and mortgage documents
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Contracts and business agreements
• Wills (although Notaries cannot witness or certify a will in Utah)

11. Notary Availability and Hours:

Notaries in Utah generally work during regular business hours, but many are available by appointment outside standard times. Mobile Notaries can offer more flexibility for late or weekend notarizations.

---

Key Takeaways for Utah Notary Users:

• Always bring valid photo ID and your document ready for notarization.
• Understand the fees and make sure you’re aware of the maximum allowed charges.
• Know the laws about family members and conflicts of interest to ensure your Notary is eligible to serve.
• Consider remote notarization if you can’t meet in person with a Notary.
• Always ensure that the Notary maintains a record of your notarization for your future reference.