Starting or expanding a notary business requires more than just offering services—you need a clear business plan to ensure sustainable growth. A well-structured business plan helps you define your goals, set competitive pricing, market your services, and build a profitable notary business.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps of creating a business plan tailored to your notary business, whether you’re just starting or looking to expand.
Why a Business Plan Is Essential for Notaries
A business plan acts as a roadmap for your notary business, guiding decisions on services, pricing, marketing, and operations. Without a plan, you risk inconsistent income, lack of visibility, and difficulties growing your client base.
Key Benefits of a Notary Business Plan:
- Provides clear direction for growth and profitability.
- Helps determine pricing and service offerings.
- Outlines marketing strategies to attract clients.
- Assists in budgeting and expense tracking.
- Establishes long-term goals and milestones.
A business plan isn’t just for new notaries—it’s useful for mobile notaries, loan signing agents, and remote online notaries (RONs) looking to refine their business strategy.
Defining Your Notary Business Goals
The first step in your business plan is setting clear, measurable goals. Ask yourself:
- What type of notary services do you want to offer?
- How much income do you need to generate each month?
- Do you want to focus on general notary work, loan signings, or remote online notarization (RON)?
- Will you operate locally, remotely, or expand to multiple regions?
Example of Notary Business Goals:
Short-Term Goals (0-6 Months) | Long-Term Goals (1-3 Years) |
---|---|
Complete state licensing and certification. | Expand to multiple counties or states. |
Get first 10 repeat clients. | Establish a team of mobile notaries. |
Build a professional website. | Offer remote online notarization (RON). |
Set up Google My Business listing. | Partner with banks and real estate companies. |
Defining goals early creates a clear vision for business growth and success.
Identifying Your Notary Services
Different notary services cater to different clients. Decide which services you will offer based on demand, expertise, and state regulations.
Common Notary Services to Consider:
- General Notary Work – Acknowledgments, jurats, affidavits, oaths, and affirmations.
- Loan Signing Agent (LSA) – Specializing in real estate transactions for mortgage closings.
- Remote Online Notarization (RON) – Providing virtual notarization services where legal.
- Mobile Notary Services – Traveling to clients for in-person notarizations.
- Apostille Services – Assisting with document authentication for international use.
- Fingerprinting and Background Checks – Complementary services that increase revenue.
Once you choose your services, list them in your business plan and potential clients for each.
Setting Your Notary Pricing Strategy
Pricing is a critical component of your business plan. Considering your expenses, travel costs, and service demand, your fees should be competitive yet profitable.
Factors to Consider When Setting Prices:
- State-Allowed Notary Fees – Some states regulate the maximum fees you can charge.
- Travel Fees for Mobile Notary Work – Account for gas, time, and distance.
- Market Rates – Research competitor pricing in your area.
- Convenience Fees – Charge extra for after-hours, weekends, or urgent requests.
Sample Notary Pricing Table:
Service | Standard Fee | Additional Charges |
---|---|---|
General Notary Work (1 Signature) | $10-$15 | +$5 per extra signature |
Loan Signing Appointment | $100-$200 | +$25 for scanbacks |
Mobile Notary Travel Fee | $25-$50 | Adjust based on distance |
Remote Online Notarization (RON) | $25-$50 | +$10 per additional signer |
Apostille Processing | $100-$200 | Varies by state & document type |
Setting a transparent pricing structure avoids confusion and ensures clients understand what they’re paying for.
Creating a Marketing Strategy
A strong marketing strategy attracts clients and establishes your brand in the community.
Effective Marketing Strategies for Notaries:
- Create a Website – List your services, pricing, and contact information.
- Claim Your Google My Business Listing – Appears in local searches when clients look for “notary near me.”
- Leverage Social Media – Use Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to promote your services.
- Partner with Local Businesses – Build relationships with attorneys, realtors, and financial institutions.
- Join Notary Directories – Sign up on sites like Notary Rotary, 123Notary, and SnapDocs.
A well-executed marketing plan boosts visibility and attracts more paying clients.
Managing Business Expenses and Budgeting
Tracking expenses is essential for profitability. Your business plan should include a budget breakdown to manage costs effectively.
Common Notary Business Expenses:
- Notary Commission & Bond – Required by your state.
- Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance – Protects against liability claims.
- Notary Supplies – Stamps, journals, and acknowledgment certificates.
- Marketing & Website Costs – Business cards, domain name, hosting.
- Transportation Costs – Gas, mileage, vehicle maintenance for mobile notaries.
Sample Notary Business Budget:
Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Notary Commission & Bond | $50 – $150 |
Errors & Omissions Insurance | $100 – $500 |
Notary Supplies | $50 – $200 |
Marketing & Website | $100 – $300 |
Transportation (Mobile Notary) | $50 – $200/month |
Professional Memberships | $50 – $150 |
Keeping expenses organized and manageable ensures financial success.
Setting Up Business Operations
To ensure smooth operations, outline how your notary business will handle:
- Appointments & Scheduling – Use online booking tools like Calendly or Square Appointments.
- Client Communication – Have a professional email and business phone number.
- Record-Keeping – Maintain a detailed notary journal for compliance.
- Payment Processing – For convenience, accept cash, credit cards, and PayPal or Venmo.
Creating standard operating procedures ensures efficiency and professionalism.
Expanding and Scaling Your Notary Business
Once your business is running smoothly, consider scaling your services to increase revenue.
Growth Strategies for Notaries:
- Offer Additional Services – Apostille processing, fingerprinting, permit running.
- Expand to Remote Online Notarization (RON) – Serve more clients virtually.
- Hire Additional Notaries – Build a network of mobile notaries in your area.
- Partner with High-Volume Clients – Work with title companies, law firms, and real estate agents.
A scalable business model ensures long-term success and financial growth.
Build a Profitable Notary Business with a Strong Business Plan
A solid business plan is essential for establishing, growing, and scaling your notary business. You can build a successful and profitable notary business by defining your goals, pricing, marketing strategy, and operations.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Get more resources and expert guidance at the Notary Public Association.