For the most part, it is easy to become a notary public, and it is important to consider this as a source of a side income or part-time job. Unlike years ago, you can now take this service on the road. It is possible, and even easy, to do this. You can fit this work into your current job schedule, so you are working part time, but you are doing it in your spare time. You can also make yourself available at certain hours. Perhaps you can do this work in the evening and on weekends, if you have a typical 40-hour a week job. You can become a notary public in a short amount of time. The following are the main things you need to do.
You must have an E & O surety bond
E & O stands for errors and omissions. This insurance protects the public from mistakes that may be made that can cost your customers money. It is a common form of insurance that is used in professions like the legal profession. In the field of notary work, it is a bond that you need to purchase. It functions that same as an insurance policy. Each state is different in the minimum amount of the bond that is required. You can look up the specifics for your state in a notary directory . You will likely need to obtain this bond at the same time you send in your application.
The rest is simple
You simply need to fill out your application and pay a fee. The fee in most states is usually small. Sometimes there is a course that you need to take, but if this is true, you will likely be able to take it online. Typically, the material only takes a couple of hours to go through and learn. If this is a requirement, then you will need to get a certificate of completion. However, if you are in a state that does not have this requirement, they are likely to have recommended study guides or reading material, so you will understand how to do your new job.
Last but not least, you will need to buy a notary stamp and a record book for all of your transactions.