Types of Notary Publics and What They Do
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Not all notaries do the same work. A notary who handles mortgage closings has a different role than one who works in a hospital or one who notarizes documents over video call. Here are the main types of notary publics and what distinguishes them.
General Notary Public
A general notary public is the standard commission most people think of. General notaries verify the identity of signers, witness signatures, administer oaths, and take acknowledgements. They handle affidavits, powers of attorney, deeds, contracts, and other everyday documents.
General notaries typically work from a fixed location, an office, bank, shipping store, or their home. Requirements to become one vary by state but usually include being 18 or older, a state resident, passing a background check, and in some states, completing training and passing an exam. Most commissions last 4 years.
Mobile Notary Public
A mobile notary is a general notary who travels to the client. The notarial work is the same, the difference is location. Instead of the signer coming to you, you go to them.
Mobile notaries charge a travel fee on top of the standard notary fee. Common clients include:
- Homebound individuals who cannot travel
- Hospital patients who need powers of attorney or advance directives notarized
- Real estate agents who need documents signed at a client’s home or office
- Businesses that need multiple documents notarized on-site
The commission requirements are the same as a general notary. The difference is the business model. You need reliable transportation, a flexible schedule, and willingness to drive.
Notary Signing Agent (NSA)
A notary signing agent specializes in real estate loan document signings. When someone buys a house or refinances, a signing agent meets with the borrower to walk them through 100+ pages of loan documents, ensure everything is signed and initialed correctly, and notarize the required documents.
Signing agents must understand loan documents: promissory notes, deeds of trust, closing disclosures, HUD-1 settlement statements, and more. They are not giving legal advice, but they need to know what each document does and where the borrower needs to sign.
Becoming a signing agent requires:
- A current notary commission
- Signing agent training (covering loan documents, the closing process, and error prevention)
- A background check (required by most title companies and signing services)
- Certification through a recognized provider (optional but recommended. Many signing services require it)
Signing agents are typically paid per signing ($75–$200) rather than per notarization. The work is usually scheduled through signing services or directly through title companies and lenders. Learn how to become a signing agent.
Electronic Notary (E-Notary)
An electronic notary (e-notary) performs notarizations on electronic documents using a digital signature and electronic seal instead of a physical stamp. The signer and notary still meet in person, the difference is that the document is digital rather than paper.
E-notarization is not the same as remote online notarization. In e-notarization, the signer appears physically before the notary. In RON (below), the signer appears via video call.
Most states that have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) allow e-notarization. The notary typically needs to register with the state and use approved e-notarization software.
Remote Online Notary (RON)
A remote online notary (RON) performs notarizations over live video call. The signer and notary do not meet in person, the entire notarization happens online through an approved RON platform.
The process typically works like this:
- The signer uploads their government-issued ID
- The platform performs credential analysis (checking the ID for authenticity) and knowledge-based authentication (KBA, the signer answers questions only they would know)
- The notary and signer connect via live video
- The signer signs electronically and the notary applies their digital seal
- The session is recorded and stored
As of 2026, over 40 states have enacted RON laws. Some states allow RON for any notarial act; others restrict it to certain document types. Notaries who want to offer RON typically need additional state authorization and must use an approved technology provider. Learn about becoming an online notary.
Specialized Notary Roles
These are not separate commission types. They are notaries who focus on specific clients or settings:
- Hospital notaries: Mobile notaries who specialize in healthcare settings. They handle advance directives, medical powers of attorney, and other documents for patients who cannot leave the facility.
- Military notaries: Commissioned officers, enlisted paralegals, and military lawyers who serve as notaries for service members and their families under 10 U.S.C. § 1044a. Military notaries can operate worldwide and are not restricted by state boundaries.
- Immigration notaries: Notaries who assist with immigration-related documents such as affidavits of support and certified translations. Note: In many Latin American countries, “notario público” is a licensed attorney, a very different role from a U.S. notary public.
Quick Comparison
| Type | In Person? | Extra Training | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General notary | Yes | State requirements only | $5–$15 per signature |
| Mobile notary | Yes (travels to client) | Same as general | Notary fee + $25–$75 travel |
| Signing agent | Yes (travels to borrower) | Loan document training + background check | $75–$200 per signing |
| E-notary | Yes | E-notarization registration | Varies by state |
| RON | No (video call) | RON authorization + approved platform | $25–$50 per notarization |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of notary?
A general notary public is the most common type. Most notaries start with a standard commission and may later add mobile services, signing agent training, or RON authorization.
Is a signing agent the same as a mobile notary?
No. A mobile notary travels to clients for any type of notarization. A signing agent specializes in real estate loan document signings and requires additional training and a background check. Most signing agents are also mobile notaries, but not all mobile notaries are signing agents.
What is the difference between e-notarization and RON?
In e-notarization, the signer appears in person but signs an electronic document. In RON (remote online notarization), the signer appears before the notary via live video call: no in-person meeting is required.
Do I need a separate commission to be a mobile notary?
No. A mobile notary uses the same notary commission as a general notary. “Mobile” describes the business model (traveling to clients), not the commission type.
Can any notary perform remote online notarizations?
No. You must be commissioned in a state that authorizes RON, register with your state (if required), and use an approved RON platform. Check your state’s specific requirements before offering RON services.
