Find a Notary Page
Public directory page for searching and discovering notaries based on location, services, and credentials.
## Page Overview
The Find a Notary page is a public-facing directory that allows anyone to search for notaries without creating an account. Results can be filtered by location, services offered, credentials, and more.
## Access
- **URL:** `/find-a-notary`
- **Authentication:** Not required (public access)
- **Navigation:** Main menu > Find a Notary
## Main Elements
### Search Bar
- **Location Input:** Enter ZIP code, city, or use current location
- **Radius Dropdown:** Select search distance (5, 10, 25, 50, 100 miles)
- **Search Button:** Execute the search with current filters
### Filter Panel
Collapsible panel with filter options:
- **Services:** Types of notarization offered
- **Specializations:** Areas of expertise
- **Credentials:** Certifications and verifications
- **Languages:** Languages spoken
- **Availability:** 24/7, weekends, holidays
- **Experience:** Years of experience range
- **Rating:** Minimum star rating
### Results Grid
Cards displaying matching notaries:
- Avatar or business logo
- Name and rating
- Location and distance
- Quick contact buttons
- View profile link
## Search Types
### By ZIP Code
1. Enter ZIP code in search field
2. Select radius from dropdown
3. Click Search or press Enter
### By City and State
1. Type city name in search field
2. Select state from autocomplete
3. Select radius from dropdown
4. Click Search
### By Current Location
1. Click "Use my location" button
2. Allow location access when prompted
3. Results automatically sort by distance
## Using Filters
### Adding Filters
1. Click "Filters" to expand filter panel
2. Select desired filter categories
3. Choose specific options within each category
4. Results update automatically
### Removing Filters
- **Individual Filter:** Click the X next to the filter tag
- **All Filters:** Click "Clear All Filters" button
### Filter Categories
#### Services
- Acknowledgments
- Jurats
- Copy Certifications
- Mobile Notary
- RON (Remote Online Notary)
- Loan Signings
#### Credentials
- RON Certified
- NNA Certified
- Background Checked
- Errors & Omissions Insured
#### Availability
- Available 24/7
- Available Weekends
- Available Holidays
#### Languages
Multi-select for languages spoken by the notary
## Understanding Results
### Notary Card Layout
```
+------------------+
| [Avatar] Name |
| Rating |
| Location|
| Distance|
| |
| [Email] [Call] |
| [Send Message] |
| [View Profile] |
+------------------+
```
### Distance Display
- Shown in miles from search location
- Sorted by distance (closest first)
- Displays "< 1 mi" for very close results
### Rating Display
- Star rating (1-5 stars)
- Review count in parentheses
- Only shown if notary has reviews
## Quick Actions
### Email Notary
- Opens default email client
- Pre-fills the notary's email address
- Write and send your message
### Call Notary
- Initiates phone call on mobile
- Displays phone number on desktop
- Respects notary's preferred contact number
### Send Message
- Opens contact form modal
- Fill in your details and message
- Notary receives email notification
### View Profile
- Opens full notary profile page
- See complete information and credentials
- All contact options available
## Search Tips
### Best Results
- Start with a larger radius, then narrow down
- Use specific filters for specialized services
- Check credentials if certification is required
- Verify service area matches your location
### No Results?
1. Increase the search radius
2. Remove some filters
3. Try a nearby ZIP code
4. Check for typos in location
## Rate Limiting
- **Search Requests:** 60 per minute per IP
- **Contact Forms:** 5 per hour per IP
- **Profile Views:** No limit but tracked
## Related Pages
- [Notary Profile](./notary-profile.md)
- [Notary Directory Guide](../../guide/modules/19-Notary-Directory.md)