What Is a Mobile Notary? What They Do, What They Charge, and How to Become One
Published September 10, 2024 · Updated May 21, 2026
A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to the client’s location to perform notarizations, instead of requiring the client to come to them. The notarization itself is the same: verifying identity, administering oaths, witnessing signatures. The difference is convenience: you go to the client.
Mobile Notary vs. Traditional Notary
| Traditional Notary | Mobile Notary | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Office, bank, shipping store | Travels to client’s location |
| Hours | Business hours typically | Evenings, weekends, by appointment |
| Cost | Per-signature fee only | Per-signature fee + travel fee |
| Best for | Routine notarizations | Signers who cannot travel (hospitals, offices, homes) |
| Revenue potential | Limited | Higher — travel fees + signing agent work |
What Mobile Notaries Notarize
- Real estate documents: Deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, refinancing packages
- Powers of attorney: General, durable, springing, medical
- Affidavits and sworn statements: For court proceedings, insurance claims, government filings
- Loan documents: For signing agents who handle mortgage closings
- Healthcare directives: Living wills, HIPAA authorizations, Do Not Resuscitate orders
- Business documents: Contracts, corporate resolutions, partnership agreements
Common Settings
- Hospitals and nursing homes: Patients who cannot leave but need documents notarized (POA, advance directives, financial documents)
- Private residences: Elderly clients, homebound individuals, busy professionals
- Offices: Corporate clients who need multiple documents notarized on-site
- Coffee shops and libraries: Neutral locations for clients who prefer not to meet at home
- Correctional facilities: Inmates who need legal documents notarized
Mobile Notary Pricing
Mobile notaries charge two fees:
- Notarization fee: Set by your state (typically $5–$25 per signature). Some states have no maximum.
- Travel fee: Not regulated in most states. Common range: $25–$75 depending on distance, time of day, and urgency.
For loan signing work, the fee is a flat rate per signing (not per signature). Signing services typically pay $75–$125. Direct title company work pays $125–$200.
How to Become a Mobile Notary
- Get commissioned as a notary in your state. See our 50-state guide.
- Get your supplies: Stamp, journal, E&O insurance, business cards.
- Set up a Google Business Profile so people searching “notary near me” can find you.
- Set your travel fees. Research what other mobile notaries in your area charge.
- Start accepting appointments. List yourself on signing platforms (Snapdocs, NotaryDash) and directories (123Notary, Notary Rotary).
- Consider signing agent training if you want to do loan signings. It pays significantly more than general notary work. See our guide to becoming a signing agent.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Mobile Notary Public
- How to Start a Loan Signing Agent Business
- 10 Tips for Starting a Notary Business
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a mobile notary and a regular notary?
The commission and authority are the same. The difference is that a mobile notary travels to the client, while a traditional notary has clients come to them. Mobile notaries charge a travel fee in addition to the per-signature notarization fee.
How much does a mobile notary charge?
The notarization fee is set by your state (typically $5–$25 per signature). The travel fee is not regulated in most states and ranges from $25–$75 depending on distance, time, and urgency.
Do I need special training to be a mobile notary?
You need a notary commission, which may require training or an exam depending on your state. No additional training is required for mobile work specifically. However, signing agent training is recommended if you want to do loan signings. It pays more and requires familiarity with loan documents.
Can a mobile notary notarize in another state?
Generally, no. Your notary commission is valid only in the state that issued it. A few states have reciprocity agreements or allow notarizations in bordering states under specific conditions, but this is the exception.
How do I find a mobile notary near me?
Search Google for “mobile notary near me”: notaries with Google Business Profiles will show up. You can also check directory sites like 123Notary and Notary Rotary, or signing platforms like Snapdocs.
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