How to Become a Mobile Notary Public
Already a notary? Our self-paced online courses help you expand your services and grow your income. Browse courses →
A mobile notary public is a commissioned notary who travels to clients instead of requiring them to come to an office. Mobile notaries handle the same notarial acts as any other notary: acknowledgements, jurats, oaths, but they deliver the service at the client’s home, office, hospital, or any other location.
What You Need to Get Started
- A notary commission. You must meet your state’s requirements (typically 18+, resident, no felony convictions, background check, and in some states a training course and exam). Apply through your Secretary of State’s office.
- A notary stamp and seal. Your state may issue one or both. Required for every notarization.
- A notary journal: Required in most states. Record every notarization: date, type of act, signer’s name, ID used, and fee charged.
- Reliable transportation. You will be driving to clients. A reliable car is essential.
- Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, not legally required in most states, but recommended. Protects you if a notarization is challenged.
- Loose certificate forms: Acknowledgement and jurat certificates for documents that do not have pre-printed notarial wording.
Startup Costs
Starting a mobile notary business is relatively inexpensive compared to other businesses:
- Notary commission: $10–$100+ (varies by state; includes application fee, bond if required, training/exam costs)
- Notary supplies (stamp, journal, certificates): $30–$75
- E&O insurance: $30–$100/year
- Business cards: $20–$50
- Website: $10–$20/month (or free with Google Business Profile)
Total startup cost: typically $100–$400, not including your vehicle.
Maximum Allowable Fees
Most states set a maximum fee per notarial act. For example, California allows $15 per signature, Florida allows $10, and Texas allows $6 for the first acknowledgement and $1 for each additional. Check your state’s fee schedule.
On top of the per-signature fee, mobile notaries charge a travel fee. This is separate from the notary fee and is not regulated by most states. Typical travel fees:
- Local (within 10 miles): $25–$50
- Extended (10–30 miles): $50–$75
- After hours / weekends: $50–$100+ additional
Some states require you to disclose the travel fee upfront and separate it from the notary fee on your receipt.
How to Get Clients
Direct Outreach
- Real estate agents and mortgage brokers. They constantly need documents notarized for closings
- Title companies and escrow offices. They hire mobile notaries for loan signings (especially if you become a signing agent)
- Law firms, for affidavits, depositions, and client signings
- Hospitals and nursing homes: Patients frequently need powers of attorney and advance directives notarized
- Banks and financial institutions, for loan modifications and other document signings
Online Presence
- Create a Google Business Profile. This is how most people find local notaries. Include your service area, hours, and phone number.
- List yourself on notary directories: 123Notary, Notary Rotary, and the NNA directory all send client leads.
- Join neighborhood groups: Nextdoor and local Facebook groups are effective for finding clients who need a notary nearby.
Mobile Notary vs. Signing Agent
These are not the same thing. A mobile notary handles any type of notarization and travels to the client. A notary signing agent (NSA) is a mobile notary who has completed additional training to specialize in real estate loan document signings.
| Mobile Notary | Signing Agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Notarization types | Any | Loan documents specifically |
| Extra training | No | Yes (loan docs, closing process) |
| Background check | Varies by state | Required by most title companies |
| Pricing | Per signature + travel | Per signing ($75–$200) |
| Typical income | Part-time supplemental | Full-time income possible |
Becoming a signing agent is the path to higher earnings as a mobile notary. Learn how to become a notary signing agent.
How Signing Agents Get Work
- Signing services: Companies that connect signing agents with lenders and title companies. They send you assignments, you complete the signing, they pay you. This is the most common starting point.
- Title companies: Work directly with local title and escrow companies. Pays more than signing services (no middleman), but takes longer to build relationships.
- Banks and lenders. Some hire signing agents directly for mortgage applications and refinancing.
To do loan signings, you will need a dual-tray laser printer (one tray for letter-size, one for legal-size) and a scanner for returning scanned copies of signed documents. See printer recommendations for signing agents.
Related Reading
- How to Become a Notary Signing Agent
- Signing Agent Jobs: Where to Find Work
- How Much Does a Notary Make?
- Types of Notary Publics and What They Do
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate license to be a mobile notary?
No. A mobile notary uses the same notary commission as a general notary. “Mobile” means you travel to clients. It is a business model, not a different license.
How much does it cost to start a mobile notary business?
Typically $100–$400, not including your vehicle. The main costs are your notary commission, supplies (stamp, journal, certificates), E&O insurance, and basic marketing materials.
Can I charge a travel fee as a mobile notary?
Yes, in most states. The travel fee is separate from the notary fee. Most states require you to disclose it upfront and list it separately on your receipt. Check your state’s rules.
What is the difference between a mobile notary and a signing agent?
A mobile notary handles any notarization and travels to clients. A signing agent is a mobile notary with additional training in real estate loan documents. Signing agents earn more per job ($75–$200 per signing vs. $5–$15 per notarization).
How do mobile notaries find clients?
The most effective methods are creating a Google Business Profile, listing on notary directories (123Notary, Notary Rotary), joining neighborhood groups on Nextdoor and Facebook, and reaching out directly to real estate agents, title companies, law firms, and hospitals.
