What Many People Don’t Realize About My Business as a Notary Public in Victoria, BC
When someone learns that I’m a Notary Public, a phrase I often hear is, “I just need a signature.” Or sometimes it’s a variation of the same thing and they say, “It’s just a signature.”
The truth is, there is rarely such a thing as “just a signature.” Many people picture a notary as someone who simply witnesses a signature and adds a stamp to a document. In reality, the profession is far more complex.
In British Columbia, becoming a Notary Public requires completing a Master’s Degree in Applied Legal Studies from Simon Fraser University. Candidates are carefully vetted for their legal knowledge, ethics, judgement, and ability to operate a professional legal practice. The responsibility is significant because notaries help clients navigate some of life’s most important legal decisions.
What many people don’t realize, however, is that when a Notary opens an office, they are also starting a business. There are a lot of moving pieces as a Notary Public in Victoria, BC.
More Than Legal Work
A typical day in a notary office can involve helping a family purchase their first home, preparing a will for someone planning their future, notarizing documents for international use, or assisting a senior with powers of attorney or representation agreements.
These are important life moments, and clients rely on their notary for clarity, professionalism, and careful attention to detail. But behind the scenes, there is another side to the profession.
Like many small business owners, notaries must also manage staff, technology, accounting, marketing, office space, and regulatory requirements. Running a professional practice means wearing many hats.
When I opened my office more than thirteen years ago, I quickly learned that serving clients well requires both legal expertise and strong business skills.
Opening the Doors as a Notary Public in Victoria, BC
Starting a practice often begins modestly. In my case, I initially worked from a package office environment while I established my client base. It was a practical way to keep start-up costs manageable. Before long, however, the practice grew and it became clear that a dedicated office space would allow me to better serve clients.
Opening a professional office brings with it the familiar experiences many entrepreneurs face; like negotiating leases, planning renovations, installing technology systems, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. And like most business ventures, everything takes a little longer and costs a little more than expected.
But when the doors finally open and the first clients arrive, it is incredibly rewarding.
Technology in a Modern Notary Practice
The public often imagines legal offices as places filled with paper files and filing cabinets. While there is still documentation involved, modern notary practices rely heavily on technology. Secure digital record systems, document scanning, client communication platforms, and cybersecurity measures are all part of operating a responsible legal practice today.
Technology has made it easier to serve clients efficiently while maintaining the high standards of privacy and security required in our profession.
Building a Team
One of the most important steps in growing a practice is building a strong team. Hiring staff is both exciting and challenging. The right people help ensure that clients receive excellent service from the moment they walk through the door. Over the years I have been fortunate to work alongside talented professionals who care deeply about helping our clients.
A great team makes it possible for a practice to grow while still maintaining a welcoming and personal environment. My work as a Notary Public in Victoria, BC has been possible because of the talented team I’ve assembled to come alongside me in our friendly, yet professional work.
A Business Rooted in Community
Running a local professional practice also means being part of the community it serves. One of the aspects of my career that I value most is the opportunity to support local businesses and organizations. I currently serve as President of Think Local First, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting locally owned and operated businesses and community-rooted organizations in Greater Victoria.
Local businesses and organizations contribute to the character and resilience of our communities, and it is rewarding to be part of an initiative that celebrates that spirit.
Thirteen Years Later…
More than thirteen years after opening my doors, I continue to feel grateful for the trust clients place in our office.
Our practice has grown steadily over the years and was recently recognized as the 2025 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice “Best Law Office.” While awards are always appreciated, the true measure of success comes from the relationships built with clients and the opportunity to assist them at important moments in their lives.
Whether it’s helping someone purchase a home, plan their estate, or navigate legal documents, the work remains both meaningful and rewarding.
More Than a Signature
So, when someone tells me they “just need a signature” I smile. Because behind that signature is careful legal oversight, professional responsibility, and a commitment to ensuring that important documents are understood, properly executed, and legally sound.
Being a Notary Public is far more than witnessing a signature. It’s a profession built on trust, service, and community—and after more than a decade in practice, it remains an incredibly rewarding journey.
Do you need a Notary Public? We would love to partner with you through any of your life’s notable moments!
Schedule an appointment with us.
Author
Beverly Carter, Notary Public
Beverly Carter is the CEO and Founder of Carter Notary in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. With more than a decade of experience serving individuals, families, and real estate professionals, her office was recognized as the 2025 Times Colonist Readers’ Choice “Best Law Office.” Beverly is also President of Think Local First, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting locally owned businesses and organizations in Greater Victoria.