Being a Notary Public is a Great Asset

Why Become a Notary

Want to enhance your resume?  Why not become a Notary Public. Most employers expect their paralegals to be notaries and trust they know what they are doing!  Being a Notary Public is definitely an asset.

According to the National Notary Association, here are the top five reasons why you should consider becoming a Notary Public:

 

Make Additional Income

While Notaries are appointed by their states and serve as public officials, they charge their clients directly and the revenue is theirs to keep. That’s why tens of thousands of people hit the streets as “mobile Notaries” in their communities. Most states regulate how much a Notary can charge for an individual notarization (for example, $10 in California and Florida), but many clients often need more than one signature notarized. You’re also allowed to charge additional fees for items such as travel, supplies and other expenses.

Become a Notary Signing Agent

If you like the idea of being a Notary to make additional income, becoming a Notary Signing Agent  (NSA) is right up your alley. An NSA is a trained and certified professional who handles the notarization of loan documents in real estate closings. For the mortgage finance industry, NSAs serve as the critical final link between the banks and the borrower to complete the loan. They are hired directly by title companies and signing services as independent contractors to ensure that real estate loan documents are signed by the borrower, notarized, and returned for processing. Notaries make a considerable amount of extra income from this line of mortgage finance work, in addition to their work as a mobile Notary.

Improve Your Resume/Skill Set

Notaries are in high demand in a variety of industries, including banking, finance, medical, legal, government, insurance, technology … the list goes on. In fact, just about every industry uses the services of Notaries, so becoming one will add to your marketable skill sets, improve your resume and increase your value as an employee. In the workplace, Notaries serve two general functions: Notarizing documents in the back office for co-workers and bosses, or notarizing for customers in a bank or their local photocopy and shipping shop. Many employers value employees with Notary skills to handle their document authentication needs and provide customers with top-notch service.

Enjoy a Flexible Schedule

If you choose the mobile Notary/Notary Signing Agent route, you will have the flexibility to set your own hours. It’s a perfect line of work for home-based entrepreneurs, moonlighters, stay-at-home parents (who can do mobile notarizations in the evening) or anyone looking to make some additional income. Many people who need notarizations request them after normal business hours, so you can make the most of your evenings, or arrange a time that’s right for you.

Help Your Community 

America’s Notaries are known for their spirit of helping those in need. If you are the type of person who enjoys giving back to your community, being a Notary is a great way to support that passion. Many types of people need notarization services but cannot afford them, like the elderly, homeless, disabled and college students. These groups typically need notarizations for powers of attorney, residency affidavits, advance medical directives, college transcripts and enrollment verifications. Notaries often hold events at community centers, retirement homes and campuses to provide free or low-cost notarizations. It’s also a great way to network and market yourself for paying clients.

Requirements to Become a New York Notary

• 18 years of age.
• State resident or have an office or place of business in New York.
• Must read, write and understand English.
• Be of good moral character.
• Must have the equivalent of "common school education".
• No conviction of a felony or certain misdemeanors unless an executive pardon or a parole board certificate of good conduct has been received.

The Chamber Coalition (NACC, AAICC and HAICC) has partnered with the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates to offer a 3-hour Notary Public Training Program. This seminar, which is open to students, alumni, and the general public, covers everything you need to become and serve as a Notary Public for the State of New York.  The Training Program is presented by Brian Figeroux, Esq., Senior Partner of the Law Firm of Figeroux & Associates. To register for the Chambers’ notary training program visit www.nacc.nyc or call 718-722-9217.