What Is a Mobile Notary? What They Do, What They Charge, and How to Become One
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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). Our hospital notary guide covers what this work involves
- 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, with facility-specific ID rules (see notarizing for inmates)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a mobile notary and a regular notary?
The commission and authority are identical. A mobile notary travels to the client; a traditional notary has clients come to them. Mobile work adds a travel fee on top of the per-signature charge.
How much does a mobile notary charge?
The notarization fee is set by your state, typically $5 to $25 per signature. The travel fee is unregulated in most states and commonly runs $25 to $75 depending on distance, time, and urgency.
Do I need special training to be a mobile notary?
A notary commission is the requirement, and some states demand training or an exam for that. Nothing extra applies to mobile work itself, but signing agent training is worth it if loan signings are the goal.
Can a mobile notary notarize in another state?
Generally no: a commission is valid only in the issuing state. A handful of states allow border-state or reciprocity notarization under narrow conditions.
How do I find a mobile notary near me?
Search for a mobile notary near you and check Google Business Profiles, then cross-check directories like 123Notary and Notary Rotary, or platforms like Snapdocs.
