When I first started as a notary, I was a bundle of nerves, convinced every little mistake would land me behind bars. But guess what? While I've made my fair share of blunders, I’m still here, thriving in my notary business—and, no, I’ve never been to jail! I’m sharing these lessons so you can avoid my early mistakes and gain confidence as you build your notary business.
1. Forgetting to Sign or Initial Crucial Documents
One of my earliest and most stressful mistakes was forgetting to sign or initial a document. It seems minor, but forgetting this step can lead to rejected notarizations and frustrated clients. Double-check every document before you hand it back to the signer—this simple step can save you a lot of time.
2. Using the Wrong Date on Official Paperwork
I once used the wrong date on a set of documents—it’s easy to get mixed up, especially when you're busy. But in the notary world, dates are crucial. Using the wrong date can cause delays or even nullify the document. Always check the date and make sure you’re using the correct one for both the notarization and your notary certificate.
3. Skipping Journal Entries (Yikes!)
In the beginning, I sometimes forgot to fill out my notary journal after appointments. But keeping a proper journal is not only required in many states and provinces, it’s also your legal protection. If any issue comes up about a notarization, your journal serves as proof of what took place. Now, I’m diligent about documenting every notarization.
4. Showing Up Unprepared for Appointments
There’s nothing more embarrassing than showing up to an appointment without the right tools. Early on, I forgot to bring extra certificates, didn’t have enough pens on hand or didn't have payment methods ready—big oops! Preparation is key. Now, I keep a fully stocked notary bag so I’m never caught off guard.
If you want to know exactly what to pack for every appointment, my Notary 101 Course includes a complete checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared every time.
5. Overlooking Key Details
Once, I nearly missed an important detail on a real estate document, which could have delayed the entire transaction. Luckily, I caught it just in time. Notaries play a crucial role in important transactions, and even the smallest error can lead to costly delays for your clients. Always review documents carefully before and after signing to avoid costly mistakes.
6. Relying Only on Online Marketing, Missing Local Clients
For a long time, I focused exclusively on online marketing, thinking it was the best way to reach clients. But I later realized I was missing out on local opportunities. Some of my best clients have come from in-person networking. Don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face connections—get involved in your community, attend events, and partner with local businesses.
7. Accidentally Posting My Notary Seal Online
In my early days, I used to post pictures and videos on social media that included my notary seal. Big mistake! Your notary seal is like your personal ID, and it should be protected. Publicly posting your seal can lead to fraud or misuse. Now, I’m extremely careful about what I share online, and you should be too.
8. Not Asking the Right Questions Before Appointments
In the beginning, I’d show up to appointments without asking important questions first—like whether the signer had a valid ID or if witnesses were required. This led to a couple wasted trips. Now, I always ask these questions ahead of time to ensure everything is in order before the appointment. A little preparation goes a long way.
9. Ignoring Continuing Education
For a while, I thought that once I became a notary, I didn’t need to keep learning. But notary laws and best practices change frequently, and continuing education is essential for staying current. Plus, ongoing education can open up new opportunities, like adding services such as apostilles or fingerprinting. Stay sharp by regularly updating your knowledge.
If you’re looking to brush up on your skills or start fresh, my Notary 101 Course is a great way to get up to speed with the latest notary best practices and avoid common mistakes.
10. Letting Imposter Syndrome Hold Me Back
In the beginning, I was so afraid of making mistakes that I almost didn’t start at all. It’s easy to feel like you’re not ready or that you’ll mess up, but don’t let imposter syndrome stop you. Every notary makes mistakes; the important thing is to learn from them and keep moving forward. If I can overcome the fear of failure, so can you.
Mistakes are a part of the journey, but they don’t have to derail your notary career. By learning from these lessons, you can avoid common pitfalls and build a successful, confident notary business.
If you're ready to fast-track your notary success, check out my Notary 101 Course. This course is packed with everything you need to confidently run your business, from notarization techniques to basic marketing strategies. You’ll learn how to avoid costly mistakes and build a notary business that fits your life, whether you’re doing it part-time, full-time, or as a side hustle. Let’s make your notary dreams a reality!
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