Launching and Running a Notary Business in Mississippi: Fees and Additional Charges
Introduction:
Are you considering starting a notary business in Mississippi? Being a notary public can be a rewarding profession that allows you 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 Mississippi, including the fees that may be charged for various notarial services, as well as additional charges allowed for mobile, loan closing, or remote online notarizations.
Definition of a Notary Public:
Before delving into the details of running a notary business, let’s first understand the role of a notary public. A notary public is an individual appointed by the state government to serve as an impartial witness in performing various official acts, such as administering oaths, certifying documents, and verifying signatures. Notaries play a crucial role in preventing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of important legal documents.
Launching Your Notary Business:
To launch your notary business in Mississippi, you must meet certain requirements set by the state. These requirements include being at least 18 years old, a resident of Mississippi or have a regular place of work or business in the state, and having a clean criminal record. Additionally, you must complete an application process through the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office and pay the required fees.
Fees for Notarial Services:
As a notary public, you are permitted to charge fees for the notarial services you provide. The fees charged by notaries in Mississippi are regulated by state law. According to the Mississippi Code, the maximum fees for notarial services are as follows:
1. Taking acknowledgments or proofs of any instrument or writing: $5
2. Administering an oath or affirmation: $5
3. Executing a jurat or taking an affidavit: $5
4. Certifying a copy of a document: $5
Additional Charges for Mobile, Loan Closing, or Remote Online Notarizations:
In addition to the standard fees for notarial services, Mississippi allows notaries to charge additional fees for certain specialized services. These additional charges are as follows:
1. Mobile Notarization: If a notary public travels to a location outside their regular place of work or business to perform a notarial act, they may charge a reasonable fee for travel expenses. This fee should be agreed upon and disclosed to the client before providing the service.
2. Loan Closing Notarization: Notaries who specialize in loan closings may charge higher fees due to the complexity and additional time required for these transactions. The fees for loan closing notarizations are negotiated between the notary and the client.
3. Remote Online Notarization: Recently, Mississippi has enacted laws allowing remote online notarizations. Notaries who provide this service may charge an additional fee for the use of technology and the secure online platform required for remote notarizations. The specific fee for remote online notarization may vary depending on the notary’s service agreement with their clients.
Conclusion:
Starting a notary business in Mississippi can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding endeavor. By understanding the requirements and fees associated with notarial services, you can ensure a successful launch and operation of your business. Remember to always provide exceptional service, maintain the highest ethical standards, and continue to stay updated on any changes in notary laws. If you’re interested in exploring other aspects of the notary profession, be sure to check out our other articles on our website.
Sources:
Mississippi Code Title 25, Chapter 33: Notaries Public
Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, Notary Public Information
