How Do You Become An Online Notary In Idaho?
Starting from January 1, 2020, Idaho Notaries gained the ability to register for remote online notarizations (RONs). To become a remote online Notary in Idaho, follow these steps:
- Have a commission as a Traditional Notary Public.
- Create an Account: Set up an account on the Idaho SOSbiz portal.
- Contract with a RON Software Provider: Partner with a RON software provider that aligns with state standards.
- Fill out the Remote Online Notarization form. This has a $30 filing fee.
- Submit your appication along with your RON provider’s notarial certificate to the Secretary of State.
- Upon receiving your authorization certificate from the Secretary of State, you are ready to begin performing RONs!
Once you’re authorized to perform RON in Idaho and approved and familiar with your platform, you can start performing Remote Online Notarizations. Be sure to stay current with all your states local Online Notary laws!
You also have the option of submitting your application via mail.
How to Become a Traditional Notary in Idaho (Get your Notary Commission)
Becoming a Notary Public in Idaho involves several key steps:
- Eligibility Check: Begin by ensuring that you meet all of Idaho’s eligibility requirements (details below).
- Obtain a Surety Bond: Prior to submitting your application, secure a six-year, $10,000 surety bond.
- Application Completion: Fill out your Notary Public Application Form and have it notarized.
- Submission: Submit your signed bond, the completed application form, and the $30 filing fee to the Idaho Secretary of State.
- Seal Purchase: After receiving your Certificate of Commission, acquire your Notary seal stamp.
- Consider E&O Insurance: Although optional, it is highly recommended to obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance for added protection.
- Continuing Education and Expert Guidance: While optional, it is strongly recommended to pursue continuing education courses or seek guidance from experienced Notary experts if you feel the need for further assistance.
Once you have your bond, seal, journal and commission you are ready to start performing notarial acts as a commissioned notary in Idaho.
What are the requirements to become a Notary in Idaho?
To become a Notary in Idaho, applicants must meet the following fundamental qualifications:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old.
- Literacy Skills: Possess the ability to read and write.
- Idaho Residency or Employment: Either be a resident of Idaho or employed within the state.
- Citizenship Status: Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident.
For further details, consult the Idaho Notary Handbook or the Idaho SoS Website.
Are Online Notaries Legal in Idaho?
Remote online notary (RON) services are now permanently legal in Idaho, allowing commissioned and licensed notaries to conduct remote notarizations. This change is made possible through Senate Bill 1111, enabling online commissioned notaries to provide their services in the state of Idaho.
Idaho Online Notary FAQ’s
Are There Training and Technology Requirements for Idaho Online Notaries?
- Training and Exam: Idaho does not mandate specific training or exams for online Notaries. However, the Secretary of State offers an optional training video on remote online notarization.
- Essential Tools and Technology: To perform online notarizations in Idaho, virtual Notaries should have a computer, webcam, microphone, and a secure internet connection. Your computer must support two-way audio and visual communication for RON services. Additionally, you’ll need to select a RON vendor that complies with Idaho’s requirements. While the Secretary of State does not provide a list of approved vendors, several reputable options, including BlueNotary. Ensure your chosen RON provider adheres to the National Electronic Notarization Standards, which Idaho has adopted.
- Digital Certificate and Electronic Seal: Obtain a digital certificate containing your electronic signature and an electronic seal. These are provided by BlueNotary. While optional in Idaho, having an electronic journal can also be beneficial for future reference.
Is a Second Surety Bond Required?
Idaho does not specify whether a second surety bond is necessary to apply for your online Notary commission. However, you must maintain a $10,000 surety bond for your traditional commission.
Is Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance Mandatory?
E&O insurance is not required in Idaho, but it is highly recommended. This type of insurance reduces your financial liability in case you make an error or omission on a notarized document that results in financial harm to the signer.
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 important to remember that when working as an online notary, you are responsible for adhering to the regulations set forth by the state. This includes making sure documents are properly 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 that are doing it online.
How Much Can You Expect To Make as a Notary in Idaho?
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.
Why Should You think about Becoming An Online Notary In Idaho
Becoming an Online Notary in Idaho is a simple way to offer convenient services and secure services to clients from wherever you are. Online Notaries offer faster booking and easier document completion turnaround times! Save clients and yourself time by working from home. What are you waiting for?
How do I Start Notarizing Online in Idaho?
A great place to start is the BlueNotary Free Training Group. There you will find advice from other Idaho notaries who’ve been through the process and can answer help 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 for finding clients.
BlueNotary is the best option for super simple onboarding and the independent notary looking to grow their own business. We even have training videos and a signing simulator to get you comfortable with the process.
Register and get started here: Sign Up.
