Notary Public

Notary publics usually add this service on to a related business. Witnessing signatures and administering oaths will bring you a small fee each time, but you will not become a magnate by this route alone. A surprising number of transactions must be notarized, though, so if you can draw in foot traffic or position yourself next to a business related to your services (such as a photocopy shop, license bureau, or post office), it can be well worth the trouble of obtaining the license. Check the requirements in your area, since they differ from state to state.


Start-up costs are minimal and include only the license fee and your seal (not more than $500). A sign directing people to your location will bring walk-ins to have you witness their signatures. Fees are low, but so is the cost of providing the service.


Why not? What do you have to lose? If people are going to pay notary public fees, why not have them pay you? Creativity in developing an associated service will enable you to make a business enterprise out of the enthusiasm for having things notarized that runs throughout American bureaucracies. Document typing is one possibility. Dreams of glory may pass you by, but the challenges are negligible too.


Approx. cost of start-up:$100 to $200


Approx. potential earnings:$6,000 to $10,000


Typical fees: $10 per requested service


Where to promote: Yellow Pages, local newspapers


Qualifications: License, usually upon recommendation of two lawyers


Things needed:Seal


Required staff:No


Hidden costs: Mileage, if you travel to customer locations