Tampa’s Notary Kiosk Brings Bilingual Services to the Community

When most people see a brightly painted truck parked downtown, they expect food to be for sale. But outside the Tampa courthouse, one yellow truck is serving something unexpected: notary services!

In fact, when Sara Román made a downpayment for a parking spot across from the courthouse, the manager assumed she’d be bringing in a food truck. Instead, Román drove up in a big truck she’d just purchased and painted with her image, offering notary services. And The Notary Kiosk was launched!

Located at 946 E. Twiggs St., Román’s business offers notarizations, fingerprinting, document prep, scanning and faxing, UPS/FedEx services, and interpretation help. It’s a one-stop shop for essential paperwork needs. She also offers virtual notary sessions and plans to take the truck on the road to reach underserved communities. One of her main goals is to offer services to Spanish-speaking clients, who need these services and who haven’t had access.

Román began this venture in June with just $73 and donated office supplies, after putting out a plea to the community. Before starting her business, she spent years in community engagement with the University Area CDC and other organizations, such as Moffitt Cancer Center, United Way Suncoast, Veterans Administration and AmeriCorps; she made countless contacts and developed resources she’s sharing with others.

“This truck isn’t just about notarizations,” Román says. “It’s about meeting people where they are and making services accessible for everyone, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked.”

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Román moved to Tampa at 19 while caring for her mother who’d had a liver transplant. Over the years, she worked at Moffitt Cancer Center and the Veterans Administration, in addition to University Area CDC. Román earned her bachelor’s degree from Springfield College while raising her family.

She has become a connector who helps Spanish-speaking families navigate complex systems, a mission she continues today through The Notary Kiosk. More information: 813.328.0886 and www.NotaryLatina.com.