Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a notary in West Jordan, UT. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Maximum sign area 32 sq ft for commercial zones; electronic signs restricted
Required for any work affecting fire safety, accessibility, or building systems
Notaries typically low hazard but must have extinguishers, exits, and max occupancy posted
Required for all commercial alarm systems; notary offices with document storage recommended
A $10,000 surety bond is required for all applicants applying for a new notary public commission in Utah. The bond protects the public from financial loss due to improper notarial acts. The bond must be filed with the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Source: Utah Code § 46-1-202(1)(b) and DOPL Notary Guidelines.
Required for all LLCs. Annual renewal report also required (see separate entry).
All LLCs must file annually to maintain good standing.
Required for anyone performing notary acts. Prerequisites: 18+, Utah resident or work in Utah, no felony convictions, pass state exam, obtain $5,000 surety bond, purchase notary seal. LLC itself does not need separate notary license; applies to the individual notary.
Requires 4 hours continuing education every 4 years (renewal period). New bond and journal required.
Utah law requires employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt. LLC members are generally not considered employees unless they opt in. Source: Utah Code § 34A-2-201.
General liability insurance is NOT legally required by the State of Utah for notaries or LLCs. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. Some commercial landlords or clients may require proof of coverage. Not mandated by DOPL or Secretary of State.
E&O insurance is NOT legally required in Utah for notaries. However, it is highly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, mistakes, or omissions in notarial acts. The Utah Notary Public Handbook advises obtaining such coverage despite it not being mandatory. Source: Utah Notary Public Handbook, Utah Department of Commerce.
Utah requires all motor vehicles registered to a business to carry minimum liability insurance: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $65,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Applies only if the LLC owns or operates a vehicle. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use. Source: Utah Code § 41-12a-104.
Not required by Utah law. Only relevant if the LLC sells tangible goods. A Notary Public typically does not sell products as part of core services, so this is generally not applicable. No state mandate exists for product liability coverage for notaries.
Not applicable to standard Notary Public services. Required only if the LLC holds a liquor license (e.g., operates a mobile notary service at events where alcohol is served and sold). Standard notary practice does not involve alcohol service.
While not insurance or bonding, forming an LLC in Utah is a prerequisite for liability protection. Required for any business choosing LLC structure. This registration does not replace bonding or insurance but is foundational. Source: Utah Code Title 48, Chapter 2c.
Not legally required, but increasingly advisable for Notary LLCs using digital systems. May be required by clients or venues. Covers legal costs and damages from data breaches. Source: Utah Insurance Department Cyber Risk Guidance.
While single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner’s SSN, obtaining an EIN is recommended for business legitimacy and banking purposes. Notaries operating as LLCs may benefit from an EIN regardless of employment status.
Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 (partnership return); single-member LLCs are disregarded entities and report income on Schedule C. Notary income is included in this reporting. No federal income tax is paid at the entity level unless the LLC elects corporate taxation.
Notaries without employees are not subject to OSHA enforcement. Employers must provide a safe workplace, display the OSHA poster (available free), and report fatalities or serious incidents. Most small offices face minimal requirements unless handling hazardous materials (not typical for notary services).
Notaries offering mobile services only may have limited obligations. However, if clients visit a home office or the notary maintains a public-facing website, ADA accessibility standards apply (e.g., accessible entrances, communication methods, digital accessibility under Title III). No federal license, but compliance is mandatory.
Required if the notary business uses a DBA. Publication in newspaper may be required in some counties.
Most notary services are exempt from sales tax in Utah. However, if the LLC sells tangible goods or provides services that are classified as taxable (e.g., document preparation with notarization), registration may be required. See Utah Code § 59-12-103(1)(a)(i) and Utah Admin. Code R59-400-301.
All employers in Utah must register for state income tax withholding, even if only employing one person. Applies to wages paid to employees performing work in Utah.
Employers with at least one employee working at least one day in a calendar quarter are generally liable. Independent contractors are not counted. See Utah Code § 35A-4-201.
Utah does not impose a corporate income tax on C corporations only. However, LLCs are pass-through entities and generally not subject to entity-level income tax. However, if the LLC elects to be taxed as a C corporation, it must file Form TC-20. Most notary LLCs will be disregarded entities or S-corps and report income on owners' individual returns (Form TC-40). No separate registration is required beyond initial business setup unless withholding applies.
While not a tax per se, this is a mandatory annual obligation for all LLCs. Failure impacts good standing and may affect tax compliance status. Required under Utah Code § 17-1-801.
Not all cities in Utah require a local business license. For example, Salt Lake City requires all businesses operating within city limits to obtain a business license. See Salt Lake City Code 5.04.020. Other cities like Provo and Ogden have similar requirements. Check with the city or county clerk where the business operates.
Utah does not levy a franchise tax or gross receipts tax on businesses. This distinguishes it from states like California or Washington. LLCs are subject only to federal and state income tax on pass-through income and any applicable sales or withholding taxes.
Single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner’s SSN, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for liability separation. Required for all multi-member LLCs and those electing corporate taxation.
All notaries must be commissioned by the state, post a $10,000 surety bond, and renew commission every 4 years. Application requires bond submission and background check. E&O insurance is not required but recommended.
Notaries operating as LLCs require a business license if in unincorporated areas; check city requirements if within city limits
Professional services like notaries classified under "Business & Financial Services"; zoning approval required prior to license issuance
Notaries qualify as home occupation if no customer visits or <25% of floor area used; no exterior signage allowed
Must verify property zoned for professional office use (e.g., CN, CP zones); home-based allowed with restrictions
Applies to all U.S. employers. Notaries with employees must complete Form I-9 for each employee, verify identity and work authorization, and retain records for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.
FLSA sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. Applies to most businesses with employees. Notaries without employees are not subject.
Notary services do not involve the use or disposal of hazardous materials, emissions, or regulated substances. Therefore, EPA regulations (e.g., RCRA, Clean Air Act) do not apply. This is not a generic business requirement.
All businesses must avoid deceptive or misleading advertising under Section 5 of the FTC Act. Notaries must truthfully represent services (e.g., not claim to provide legal advice unless licensed as an attorney). Online marketing, social media, and printed materials must comply. This applies regardless of business structure or location.
FMLA requires eligible employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. Most small notary businesses will not meet the employee threshold. Not specific to notary services but applies if conditions are met.
There are NO federal licenses required to operate as a Notary Public. Notary commissions are issued exclusively at the state level (Utah Department of Commerce). Federal agencies such as ATF, FDA, FCC, DOT, and FAA do not regulate notary services. This is a state-regulated profession.
Most notaries do not qualify as MSBs. However, if a notary business also offers services like check cashing or international money transfers, it may be required to register with FinCEN and comply with AML regulations. This is not inherent to notary services but may apply if business model expands.
Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions Insurance for West Jordan notaries ranges from $500.00 to $2000.00, and it's a one-time requirement to protect your business from potential claims.
No, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is free, but it is a required step for operating a notary business as an LLC.
This requirement from the Federal Trade Commission ensures your business accurately represents itself and adheres to advertising standards; currently, there is no associated fee.
Federal income tax filing for your LLC is required, and the frequency depends on your business structure; it can be a one-time setup or an annual obligation, with fees varying based on your income and deductions.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires reporting of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) to prevent financial crimes, and the associated fees can vary depending on the complexity of your business structure.
Permit Finder asks follow-up questions to give you an exact list of permits.
Find Your Permits