Freelance Notary Public Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s world, the demand for freelance notary publics continues to grow.
As industries evolve and document verification needs intensify, the call for proficient individuals who can authenticate, execute, and ensure the validity of important documents becomes increasingly crucial.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a freelance notary public?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the ideal candidate profile,
- Or simply curious about the complexities of notary public services,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable freelance notary public job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Freelance Notary Public Duties and Responsibilities
A Freelance Notary Public acts as a third-party witness to not only the signature of a document but also the fact that all parties who signed did so willingly and under their own power.
This impartiality is essential for the notary public to serve in the public’s interest.
Freelance Notary Publics are primarily responsible for witnessing and authenticating a variety of legal documents, with daily duties and responsibilities including:
- Verify the identity of individuals signing documents to prevent fraud
- Witness the signing of important documents to confirm all signatories are willingly entering into an agreement
- Administer oaths and affirmations in depositions and other situations
- Ensure all documents are filled out completely and signed where required
- Record and maintain a log of all notarial acts performed
- Use a notary seal to authenticate the signing of documents
- Keep up-to-date with notary law and guidelines, ensuring adherence at all times
- Provide independent, impartial, and confidential notarial services
- Charge fees for services rendered according to local or state regulations
- Act as a responsible custodian of notarial records and notary supplies.
Freelance Notary Public Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a certified and experienced Freelance Notary Public to join our team.
The Freelance Notary Public’s responsibilities include verifying the identities of individuals participating in transactions, ensuring the presence of all necessary signatures on a document, and administering oaths when necessary.
Our ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, impeccable integrity, and a thorough understanding of notary laws and principles.
Responsibilities
- Verifying the identity of individuals who are parties to the documents that are to be notarized
- Ensuring that parties to a transaction are entering into agreements knowingly and willingly
- Keeping a log of all notary services performed and maintain a secure storage of official notary supplies
- Administering oaths and take affidavits
- Complying with all state notary public regulations and guidelines
- Providing excellent customer service to clients
- Conducting oneself in a professional manner
Qualifications
- Certified Notary Public in your state of operation
- Experience as a Notary Public, legal assistant, paralegal, or related field is a plus
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Impeccable attention to detail
- High level of professionalism and integrity
- Availability to travel to client locations for notary services
Benefits
- Flexible working hours
- Opportunities to network with various professionals
- Access to ongoing training and development
- Competitive compensation per notary act
Additional Information
- Job Title: Freelance Notary Public
- Work Environment: This role requires traveling to clients’ locations and may include weekend and evening hours.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Notary Manager or directly to clients.
- Pay: Pay is based upon the number of notary acts performed and is competitive with market rates.
- Location: [City, State] or remote
- Employment Type: Freelance
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, notary commission details, and a brief introduction about yourself to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Freelance Notary Public Do?
A Freelance Notary Public is a certified professional who operates independently to witness the signing of legal documents and verify the identity of signers, ensuring all parties are entering agreements knowingly and willingly.
They are responsible for authenticating important legal documents, such as wills, deeds, affidavits, and power of attorney.
They confirm the identity of the signer, check their mental state to ensure they understand the contents of the document, and look for any signs of coercion.
A Freelance Notary Public might also be called upon to administer oaths in depositions or other situations, acknowledge documents, and perform civil marriage ceremonies in some states.
They play a crucial role in the prevention of fraud as they certify that the documents are being signed by the designated individuals and that those individuals are doing so voluntarily.
Freelance Notary Publics typically work outside of a traditional office setting and may travel to meet clients in various locations, such as homes, offices, or other convenient public locations.
Their duties include maintaining a detailed record of all notary services they provide, often in a specialized notary journal, to ensure all actions can be accurately recalled if ever needed.
Moreover, they are expected to stay updated on laws and regulations relating to notarial acts to ensure their practice is always compliant.
Freelance Notary Public Qualifications and Skills
A Freelance Notary Public should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications to execute their job effectively, such as:
- Strong knowledge of notarial law and practice to ensure all notarizations are executed correctly and lawfully.
- Excellent attention to detail to accurately review the documents for proper notarial language and completeness before notarizing.
- Exceptional communication skills to explain notarial acts and procedures to clients, and to interact effectively with individuals from different cultural backgrounds or those who may have special needs.
- Integrity and honesty as they are responsible for authenticating the signing of important documents.
- Organizational skills to manage client appointments, keep track of notarized documents, and maintain an up-to-date notarial journal.
- Customer service skills to provide a professional and positive experience to clients, answering their questions and guiding them through the notarization process.
- Proficiency in using office equipment such as computers, printers, scanners, etc., to create, print and store notarized documents digitally.
- A notary public license from the state in which they operate, to demonstrate their authority to perform notarial acts.
Freelance Notary Public Experience Requirements
Aspiring Freelance Notary Publics are typically required to complete a state-approved notary education course, which provides a good foundation of knowledge about the notarial laws and principles, and equips them with practical skills needed for the job.
Usually, individuals may have prior administrative or clerical experience, often in legal or real estate offices, where they get exposed to notarization tasks.
This kind of experience can be quite beneficial and could count towards the experience requirements for some jobs.
Candidates with 1-2 years of experience may have been involved in entry-level notary or clerical roles, gaining on-the-job experience in handling simple notary tasks, such as acknowledging signatures, administering oaths, or certifying copies of documents.
Freelance Notary Publics with 3-5 years of experience often have a solid understanding of notary laws, ethics, and procedures.
They may have worked on more complex notary assignments like loan signings, trust documents, or power of attorney forms.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are usually considered experts in their field.
They may have vast experience in various types of notarial acts, and may even have some experience in training or supervising less-experienced notaries.
At this point, they may be ready to take on higher-level roles or responsibilities, such as becoming a notary instructor or running a mobile notary business.
Freelance Notary Public Education and Training Requirements
A Freelance Notary Public typically requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Many states require a notary to complete a notary public education course, and these courses can often be completed online or at a local community college.
The coursework generally covers notary duties, ethics, and law.
After completing a course, applicants must pass a state-administered exam before they can be commissioned as a notary public.
Additionally, notaries must undergo a background check and fingerprinting process.
This is to ensure that the individual has no criminal history that might compromise their integrity as a Notary Public.
Some states require notaries to also obtain a surety bond, which serves as financial protection for those who might suffer a loss resulting from a notary’s misconduct or mistake.
In terms of additional training, many notaries pursue advanced training in specific areas like mortgage signing or immigration document preparation to enhance their professional skills and services.
Even after initial training and examination, Notaries are required to maintain their knowledge through continuous education as notary laws and regulations can often change.
While not required, professional certifications from notary organizations can boost credibility and increase opportunities for a freelance notary public.
Freelance Notary Public Salary Expectations
A Freelance Notary Public earns an average salary of $36,000 (USD) per year.
This may vary depending on the volume of notarizations performed, years of experience, and the specific state in which they operate.
Certain states might have higher rates for notarial acts, and some freelance notaries may also charge additional travel fees for mobile services.
Freelance Notary Public Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Freelance Notary Public need?
A Freelance Notary Public needs excellent attention to detail to verify the identities of the people signing the documents.
They should have good communication skills to clearly explain the legal implications of the documents.
Additionally, they need to possess administrative skills for organizing, keeping track of the notarized documents, and maintaining their notary equipment.
Do Freelance Notary Publics need to have a degree?
A degree isn’t necessarily required to become a Freelance Notary Public.
However, they must meet certain qualifications that vary from state to state.
Typically, these qualifications include being at least 18 years old, having no criminal record, and passing a notary public exam.
Some states may require notaries to complete a short training course before taking the exam.
What should you look for in a Freelance Notary Public’s resume?
The first thing to check in a Freelance Notary Public’s resume is their certification and the state in which they are authorized to operate.
It’s also important to look for experience in handling various types of documents.
Skills such as attention to detail, communication, and organizational skills are crucial for this role.
Any additional experience in legal, real estate, or business settings could also be beneficial.
What qualities make a good Freelance Notary Public?
A good Freelance Notary Public should be reliable, honest, and maintain the highest degree of integrity as they are dealing with sensitive legal documents.
They need to be punctual, professional, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the notarization process.
Good communication skills are also crucial as they need to interact with clients and explain legal jargon in a clear and understandable manner.
Is it hard to become a Freelance Notary Public?
Becoming a Freelance Notary Public can be challenging as it involves passing a state-specific examination, fulfilling the state’s requirements, and getting a notary public commission.
However, once these steps are completed, starting a freelance career can offer flexibility and the opportunity to serve clients in various industries.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve illuminated the truly important role of a freelance notary public.
Surprised?
It’s not just about stamping documents.
It’s about validating crucial legal procedures, one notarization at a time.
With our comprehensive freelance notary public job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.
But why stop there?
Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to precision.
Remember:
Each notarized document plays a pivotal role in the grand scheme of things.
Let’s validate that future. Together.
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