How to Find a 24-Hour Notary When You Need One
Already a notary? Our self-paced online courses help you expand your services and grow your income. Browse courses →
Sometimes you need a notary at 2 AM. A last-minute real estate closing, a medical power of attorney for a hospitalized family member, an urgent affidavit for court. Most notaries work business hours, but options exist if you know where to look.
Where to Find a 24-Hour Notary
1. Mobile Notaries
Mobile notaries set their own hours. Many are available evenings, weekends, and overnight, especially signing agents who regularly handle late closings. Search “24-hour mobile notary near me” or “emergency notary” on Google.
2. Hospitals
Hospitals often have notaries on staff or on call, particularly for patients needing powers of attorney, advance directives, or HIPAA authorizations. Call the hospital’s patient services or legal department and ask.
3. Hotels
Large hotels, especially business hotels and convention hotels, sometimes have notaries on staff or can connect you with one. The concierge desk is your first call.
4. Online Directories
- 123Notary.com: search by zip code, filter for 24-hour availability
- Notary Rotary is another directory with availability notes
- Google Maps: search “notary near me” and check hours. Some shipping stores and office supply stores have extended hours.
- Snapdocs lists signing agents with availability (primarily for loan signings)
5. RON (Remote Online Notarization)
If your state allows RON and your document qualifies, you can get it notarized online at any hour. Platforms like Notarize and BlueNotary operate 24/7. The notary must be commissioned in a RON-authorized state, but the signer can be anywhere. See our RON state guide.
What to Expect from After-Hours Notary Service
After-hours notary service costs more. Travel fees of $50–$150 are common for late-night or emergency calls, on top of the per-signature notarization fee. Even “24-hour” notaries may not answer the phone at 3 AM, so leave a voicemail and text. Many mobile notaries respond faster to texts.
Some after-hours notaries may also decline complex documents. Simple acknowledgements and jurats are straightforward; loan packages may require scheduling during business hours.
Before You Call
- Have your documents ready and unsigned
- Have a valid government-issued photo ID
- Know what type of notarization you need (acknowledgement, jurat, copy certification). If you are not sure, tell the notary what the document is and they can advise.
- Know the signer’s location. Mobile notaries need an address for travel.
Pricing Examples
After-hours notary fees add up quickly. Here is what you might pay in a few common scenarios:
- 2 AM medical power of attorney at a hospital: $15 per signature (state max) + $100 emergency travel fee. Two signatures notarized = $130 total.
- An 11 PM real estate closing at a borrower’s home runs $125 to $175. The title company usually pays this directly.
- Saturday afternoon affidavit notarized via RON: $25 per notarization on Notarize.com or BlueNotary. No travel fee.
- Sunday evening, last-minute loan document: $150 signing fee plus a $50 weekend surcharge from the signing service.
RON is the cheapest option for simple documents, but not all documents qualify for remote notarization. Real estate closings often require an in-person notary depending on state law and lender requirements.
For Notaries: Offering 24-Hour Service
If you are a notary considering after-hours service, charge appropriately. Emergency and late-night calls should pay a premium. A $75 minimum travel fee for anything after 8 PM or before 7 AM is standard. Your time is worth more at 2 AM than at 2 PM.
Update your profiles on 123Notary, Notary Rotary, and Google Business Profile to show after-hours availability. This is how people find you. Decide whether you actually want to be available 24/7 or if you mean evenings and weekends until 10 PM, and communicate your actual hours clearly.
For non-signing-service clients (individuals calling you directly), collect payment before the appointment or upon arrival. No one wants to chase payment at 3 AM.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there such a thing as a 24-hour notary?
Yes, but they are not common. Mobile notaries who offer after-hours service and RON platforms (which are available around the clock) are your best bet for late-night notarizations.
How much does a 24-hour notary cost?
Expect to pay the state’s per-signature fee plus an after-hours travel fee of $50–$150 depending on the time, distance, and urgency. RON fees are typically $25–$50 per notarization.
Can I get something notarized at a hospital?
Yes. Many hospitals have notaries on staff or on call for patients who need medical powers of attorney, advance directives, and HIPAA forms notarized. Ask at the nurse’s station or patient services.
Can I use RON instead of finding a physical notary?
If your state allows RON and your document is eligible, yes. RON platforms operate 24/7. Check whether the receiving party (court, lender, title company) accepts RON-notarized documents before proceeding.
Does the UPS Store have a notary?
Many UPS Store locations have a notary on staff during regular business hours. They are not typically available 24 hours. Call ahead to confirm availability and hours.
