As the notary industry evolves, many professionals are looking beyond traditional notarizations to expand their offerings. Services like apostille facilitation, process serving, fingerprinting, and I-9 verifications are growing in demand and offer notaries new revenue streams and business opportunities.

But before you add these services to your business card or website, there’s one critical step you must take:

Make sure your insurance covers what you’re offering.

Why Diversifying Makes Sense

Let’s start with the positives. Expanding your services as a notary can help you:

• Attract new client types (e.g., law firms, title companies, HR departments)
• Increase your income during slower notary seasons
• Stay competitive in a saturated market
• Offer more value to existing clients

From mobile fingerprinting to facilitating apostilles for international use, there’s no shortage of ways to broaden your expertise.

But here’s the catch…

The Insurance Gap No One Talks About

Most notary Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance policies are very specific: they only cover you for mistakes made while performing a notarial act as defined by your state law.

That means:

• If you’re delivering documents as a process server and an issue arises, you’re likely not covered.
• If you’re assisting with an apostille and something goes wrong, your notary E&O probably won’t help you.
• If you fingerprint someone and there’s an error or complaint—again, you may be personally liable.

Many notaries don’t discover this gap until it’s too late.

What Can Go Wrong?

Let’s say a client hires you to process an apostille, and due to a misunderstanding or mailing delay, their document doesn’t reach its destination in time. They lose a business deal or immigration appointment and hold you responsible. Without proper insurance, you’re exposed—financially and legally.

Or maybe you’re serving legal documents as part of your process serving side hustle, and something goes awry in how it’s executed. Again, your notary E&O won’t step in.

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s how to make sure you’re truly covered when offering diversified services:

1. Review Your Policy Carefully
   Read the fine print of your E&O insurance and general liability policies. Look specifically for language that limits coverage to notarial acts.
2. Ask Your Insurance Provider Directly
   Call or email your agent and ask:
   “Does my policy cover [service]?”
   Be specific about what you’re offering.
3. Get Written Confirmation
   If they say you’re covered, ask for written documentation. It could save you a lot of trouble later.
4. Consider Additional Coverage or Riders
   Some companies offer riders or specialized policies for services like fingerprinting, process serving, or apostilles. Don’t assume—verify.
5. Keep Proof of Communication
   Maintain a paper trail in case questions or claims arise in the future.

Final Thoughts: Grow Smart, Not Risky

Expanding your services is an excellent way to grow your notary business—but it must be done responsibly. Make sure your business is just as protected as your clients are.

✅ Stay informed
✅ Ask the right questions
✅ Protect your hard work

Because at the end of the day, your professionalism isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how well you’re prepared to handle the unexpected.