How to Become a Traditional Notary in Kansas
To obtain a Kansas Notary Public Commission, simply follow these steps:
- You’ll need a $12,000 surety bond to act as a safety cushion in case of mistakes. Think of it as insurance for your notary work!
- You’ll need a special notary seal and a journal to keep a record of your notarizations.
- Complete the notary public application form.
- Find a current notary public to witness you signing the oath of office section on your application. They’ll also add their official seal (don’t worry; they can help you through this step).
- Mail your completed application, along with an impression of your notary seal (made with your new stamp!), the surety bond information, and a $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State’s office.
- Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a certificate, a handy wallet card with your info, and a notary handbook delivered to your home address. Hold off on any notarizations! You can’t officially perform them until you receive this package.
- Consider Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. This acts like extra protection in case you’re ever sued for a mistake during a notarization.
- Keep learning and growing (optional but recommended). There are always opportunities for continuing education for notaries. Take advantage of them, or seek guidance from experienced notaries if you want to feel even more confident in your role.
- Once you have everything (bond, seal, journal, and commission), congratulations! You’re officially a Kansas Notary Public, ready to serve your community.
By following these steps, you can successfully become a Notary in Kansas.
Are You a Business in Kansas In Need of a Notary?
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What are the requirements for Becoming a Notary in Kansas?
To become a Notary in Kansas, individuals must meet these fundamental qualifications:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You should either be a resident of Kansas or a resident of a neighboring state who is consistently employed or conducts business in Kansas.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- It’s essential to have no felony convictions and not have had a professional license revoked.
For further details, consult the Kansas Notary Public Handbook or the Kansas SoS Website.
Who oversees Notary Publics in Kansas?
The Kansas Secretary of State, located in Topeka, KS, issues Notary Public commissions.
Who can I notarize documents for?
Avoid notarizing anything for yourself or documents in which you have a financial interest. Furthermore, while Kansas law allows notarizing for family (spouse, kids, parents, etc.), it’s best to steer clear if there’s any question about your impartiality. Finally, if you notarize as part of your job, your employer might have limitations on who you can help during work time.
What kind of supplies will I need?
The State of Washington has a $12,000 surety bond requirement for each practice term consisting of four years. Get it in your head as guards for blunders – if you commit an error notarizing a document, the bond will compensate for any damages that proceed not more than the bond amount.
Along with that, notaries often get errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, although it is usually not a must. Legal fees for cases in which mistakes ever occur during notarization are also included.
Kansas Online Notary FAQs
Are training and an exam mandatory for Kansas online Notaries?
Yes, the Kansas Secretary of State mandates that Notaries undergo a designated course of study and successfully pass an examination. Proof of completion is a necessary component of the application.
What tools and technology are essential for performing online notarizations?
To offer remote Notary services, you will require a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. Additionally, you must select a RON technology provider approved by the Secretary of State. While the SOS does not endorse specific third-party vendors, BlueNotary meets state requirements.
Is an additional surety bond necessary?
No, an additional surety bond is not required.
Is errors and omissions (E&O) insurance mandatory?
No, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is not mandatory, but it is indeed recommended. When a surety bond acts as a shield for the public from your mistakes, E&O insurance provides cover from the costly legal fees that may be incurred if the signer files for legal action.
What Do I need to do if I move or change my name?
Perhaps you relocated or opted for a different name; in such a situation, your notary public information should match with that of the Secretary of State. Here’s what you need to do:
If you move, the Secretary of State should know within 30 days. In addition, you must notify your surety by letter as well. However, it’s great that there’s no cost for the upgrade. There is no handier “Notary Public Change of Address” form which you can mail or fax to the Secretary of State’s office.
On a different note, if you wish to have a name change, write the “Notary Public Name Change Application” together with a bond company acknowledgment of your name change and an impression of your new seal of oath.
By keeping your information up-to-date, you’ll avoid any complications while performing notarizations.
How can I renew my Notary Public Commission in Kansas?
It’s basically the same as the one you submitted when you first became a notary.
- You might also need to get a new bond. Your existing bond might still be valid, but you can always get a new one for peace of mind.
- Consider getting a new stamp with your renewed commission expiration date.
- If your current notary journal is full, this is a good time to grab a fresh one.
By following these steps, your Notary Public Commission will be renewed, and you can keep helping people get their documents notarized!
Is Online Notarization Legal in Kansas?
Certainly, online notarization is entirely lawful for Kansas residents. The Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (RULONA) explicitly permits and legalizes RON (Remote Online Notarization) for individuals residing in Kansas. However, there are specific requirements for obtaining a notary certificate, which are crucial for individuals seeking the services of a remote online notary to fulfill before proceeding.
What to Expect as a Notary?
As in other professions, the amount of work an online notary receives can vary widely. Generally the busiest time is tax season, when documents such as tax returns need to be signed and notarized. However, there is also a steady demand throughout the year from businesses and individuals in need of authentication services. There are many businesses that need consistent notarizations. Did we mention there are over 1.25 billion notarizations performed annually?
It is worth remembering that working as an online notary; you are accountable for compliance with the rules laid out by the state. This encompasses documents that are rightfully notarized and witnessed. Always ensure documents contain all of the necessary information. The most successful online notaries spend some time doing their own client acquisition and sales funneling, especially those who are doing it online.
How Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in Kansas?
As you gain more experience and have notarized more documents, you will be able to earn even more by taking on loan signings (where the industry standard is $150 per session) and other creative packages and invoicing clients outside of BlueNotary. You will be able to earn a very decent income – all from the comfort of your home office.
BlueNotary lets you bill your clients at your own rates. This makes your earnings very flexible, depending on your ability to build a network.
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Kansas?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There, you will find advice from other Kansas notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer your questions.
Becoming an online notary can be a great way to supplement your income and make a positive impact on the community. As an online notary, you get to decide which platform to use to find clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and for independent notaries looking to grow their own businesses. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
