Launching and Running a Notary Business in Georgia

Are you interested in starting your own notary business in Georgia? Becoming a notary can be a rewarding career path with the opportunity to serve your community and earn a steady income. In this article, we will explore the process of launching and running a notary business in the state of Georgia, including the fees that may be charged for various services and additional charges allowed for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.

1. Getting Started as a Notary

The first step to launching your notary business in Georgia is to become a commissioned notary public. To become a notary, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). These requirements include being at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Georgia, and able to read and write the English language.

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, you will need to complete an application and submit it to the GSCCCA. The application will require you to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and contact details. You may also be required to provide information about any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions.

After submitting your application, you will need to complete a notary training course approved by the GSCCCA. This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform notarial acts in accordance with Georgia law.

2. Understanding Notary Fees

As a notary in Georgia, you are entitled to charge certain fees for the services you provide. The fees that may be charged by notaries are regulated by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is always a good idea to check the latest fee schedule.

Some of the common fees that notaries may charge in Georgia include:

• Acknowledgments: A fee of $2.00 may be charged for each acknowledgment performed.
• Jurat: A fee of $2.00 may be charged for each jurat performed.
• Oaths and affirmations: A fee of $2.00 may be charged for each oath or affirmation administered.

It is important to note that these fees are for each notarial act performed. If you are performing multiple acts for the same document or individual, you may charge a fee for each act.

3. Additional Charges for Mobile, Loan Closing, or Remote Online Notarizations

In addition to the regular notary fees, Georgia law allows notaries to charge additional fees for certain specialized services.

For mobile notarizations, where the notary travels to the location of the client, you may charge a reasonable travel fee in addition to the regular notary fees. This fee is meant to cover the costs associated with travel, such as gas, mileage, and parking.

For loan closing notarizations, where the notary assists in the closing of real estate transactions, you may charge a separate fee for your services. This fee is negotiated between the notary and the parties involved in the transaction and can vary depending on the complexity of the closing.

With the increasing use of technology, remote online notarizations have become more common. Notaries who are authorized to perform remote online notarizations may charge a fee for this service. The fee typically covers the use of secure online platforms and identity verification processes.

Conclusion

Starting a notary business in Georgia can be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor. By becoming a commissioned notary public and understanding the fees that can be charged for various services, you can confidently launch and run your own notary business. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and fee schedules to provide the best service to your clients. If you’re interested in learning more about the notary business or other related topics, be sure to explore the other articles on our website.