Hi everybody! I’m a newbie here and I’m looking forward to getting started. Please excuse me if this has been asked before, but I couldn’t come up with anything on a search.
How many of you started your business before accepting jobs? Do you need one?
I’m not worried about starting one, I just know that takes a bit of time and I’d like to start rolling now. Ive been seeing jobs on signing order that I want to grab but I’ve been hesitant thinking that I have to put a business together first.
I’m self employed. I didn’t need a business name to start working.
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@was9447 Have you reviewed this thread that contains a Step-By-Step Guide?
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@was9447 Don’t know where you’re located, but check with your local and state authorities. Here in Florida, in my county, I had to have a business license from my county to conduct my business. If you have to do something at the state level, your first step there will probably be to confirm that your chosen business name is available (not already in use by another entity).
Again, your local and state authorities can best answer your question. Welcome and best of luck to you.
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I can’t quite tell what you’re asking in your question, about being a “business owner”. I am a business owner, but I also accept signing orders. A big part of being a signing agent is having a strong understanding of your state’s notary statutes, how to fill out the notarial certificates correctly, and clear understanding of the loan signing processes. As for business operations in your local area, check with the SBA and S.C.O.R.E representatives for guidance
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I didn’t need to create an LLC or DBA
you can be a sole proprietor without it.
It is important to have proper loan signing agent training, though
My personal opinion: nothing wrong with paying for training as long as you are getting the training that you need
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@was9447 As I often express on the Notary Cafe forum:
- Always employ critical thinking skills
- Make decisions from a business owner viewpoint (not an employee)
- Research & follow the Regulations & Statues within your own State for owning, launching, & operating a business
- Utilize your individual State Notarial Handbook for insights & guidance for establishment of a foundational baseline to operate from for your business decisions
- Undergo a reputable professional training program; i.e., Notary2Pro
- Review the Signing Order [SO] instructions in detail prior to reaching out to the hiring entity for clarifications
- Seek out the guidance & support of fellow business owners via a reliable & professional online format; i.e., Notary Cafe
GENERAL DECISION GUIDELINE:
- Employ critical thinking skills.
- Consider the source
- Evaluate the potential ulterior motive
- Trust your instincts
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Im in Pennsylvania. I did this work for almost 2.5 years before forming an actual business. I did decide to form an actual LLC this January though as I am putting an office up on the property I live on so I can do vehicle title transfers. As far as loan signings though, no, you shouldnt need to form a formal business to be self employed.
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It helps to know what state you are in, William. Start there. Do not just jump into this blindly.
**Follow the notary and business rules for YOUR STATE.
For example, I am in Washington. Yes, I am a business owner. And if you are working as an independent contractor notary signing agent, you would be considered a business owner too.
Current notary laws and rules for Washington State:
- Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions (Chapter 18.235 RCW)
- Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts (Chapter 42.45 RCW)
- Practice and procedure (Chapter 308-08 WAC)
- Notaries public (Chapter 308-30 WAC)
Best of luck to you!
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Never had one, might get one later if I branch out. So far I don’t conduct signings in my home office and I have no fixed place of business other than the surrounding counties. Once you are qualified and accepting offers, you are in business. No need for special ceremonies, secret handshakes or burnt offerings.
Not sure what you’re asking. As others have posted … first and foremost, please check your state’s notary laws and regulations for any requirements.
If you’re asking if you need any licenses, please check with your local and state authorities. I’m in California and I’ve always had a business license (issued by county of my residence).
One of the first things I always recommend any newbie is to get a EIN (easily obtained from IRS). Hiring entities will be requesting your social security number or EIN in order to issue you a 1099 at the end of the year. It’s best, IMO, to give an EIN rather than having your SS# floating around everywhere.
When I first started this business in January 2006, first I obtained an EIN and once that was issued, I obtained my business license then I went to my bank and opened a business account. This latter was done in order to keep my business funds and accounts separate from my personal ones.
My understanding is that LLC or incorporation is recommended depending on your net worth.
In my opinion, all of us notaries/signing agents are business owners UNLESS you’re only it as a hobby. 
percent.