Advertising your services

If you are trying to build or increase your business, advertising your Notary Services could be one way. Before doing any sort of advertising, you should check your State's Notary Law. In Florida, Subsections 117.05(10) & (11), of the Florida Statutes are your guide if you aren't an attorney and are advertising in a foreign language. Your advertisement must contain the following notice in English and the language used in the ad:"I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice." Another interesting rule is that you cannot translate the term "Notary Public" into any other language than English. These rules apply to all print ads of any kind, radio ads and TV ads. Also, you should not use your notary seal in any advertising. Your seal is only to be used on notarized documents.

This would be a good time to know your limits and authorities as a notary. Review your rules and don't advertise for services you are not authorized to perform (for example the preparation of legal documents, give advice or notarize items such as photographs, etc). Know the fees you are legally allowed to charge for your services and do not exceed them (the max in Florida is $10 per notarial act and $20 for solemnizing marriage) and keep records of each transaction in a log, or whatever record keeping is best for your successful business.