You need a document notarized, but getting to a notary office means taking time off work, finding parking, and sitting in a waiting room. A mobile notary comes to you instead—your house, your office, even the hospital if that’s where you are.
That convenience costs extra. How much extra depends on where you live, when you need service, and what documents you’re getting notarized. Understanding these costs helps you decide whether paying for mobile service makes sense or if you should just drive to the bank.
Understanding Mobile Notary Services
Mobile notaries are commissioned by the state just like any other notary public. The difference is they travel to meet you instead of making you come to them.
They bring their notary stamp, journal, and any forms needed to verify your identity and witness your signature. The actual notarization works exactly the same—checking your ID, watching you sign, applying their seal. You’re just paying extra for the travel and flexibility.
Common documents mobile notaries handle:
- Real estate closing documents (deeds, mortgages, refinances)
- Power of attorney forms
- Healthcare directives and living wills
- Loan documents
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Estate planning documents
- Business contracts
Mobile notaries are especially useful when you’re selling a house but can’t get to the title company, when an elderly parent needs documents notarized but can’t travel, or when you’re juggling a work deadline and can’t take two hours off to get something notarized during business hours.
Some mobile notaries specialize in loan signings and work regularly with title companies and mortgage lenders. Others handle general notarization and will come for any type of document.
Factors Influencing Mobile Notary Costs
Several things determine what you’ll pay when hiring a mobile notary.
Location and Travel Distance
The farther the notary drives, the more you pay. A mobile notary who travels five miles across town charges less than one who drives 30 miles out to a rural property.
Most mobile notaries have a service radius—typically 15-25 miles from their base location. Within that radius, they charge a standard travel fee. Beyond it, they either won’t come or they’ll charge significantly more.
Urban areas usually have lower travel fees because there are more mobile notaries competing for business and trips are shorter. In cities, you might pay $25-40 for a mobile notary to come to you. In rural areas where the nearest mobile notary is 40 miles away, that travel fee could hit $75-100.
Some mobile notaries charge a flat trip fee regardless of distance within their service area. Others charge per mile (typically $0.50-2.00 per mile each way). Ask upfront how they calculate travel fees.
Type of Document
Simple documents like a single power of attorney or affidavit are straightforward—the notary checks your ID, watches you sign, stamps it, done. Fifteen minutes tops.
Real estate loan signings are different. You’re signing 20-40 documents, the notary has to ensure every signature, initial, and date is in the right spot, and mistakes can delay a closing by days. These appointments take 1-2 hours and require a notary who’s trained specifically for loan signings.
Because of the complexity and time involved, loan signings cost more—typically $100-200 for the appointment. That covers both the notarization and the notary’s expertise in handling mortgage documents correctly.
Standard notarizations (one or two documents) usually cost the base notary fee plus travel. Multiple documents might get you a slight discount since the notary is already there.
Urgency and Availability
Need a notary at 7 PM on a Saturday? That’s going to cost extra.
Standard hours (typically 9 AM – 5 PM Monday-Friday) get you standard rates. After-hours service (evenings and weekends) adds $25-75 to the total cost depending on the notary.
Same-day or emergency service costs even more. If you call at 2 PM needing someone there by 3 PM, expect to pay a premium—often $50-100 extra on top of regular fees.
Scheduled appointments booked a few days in advance are cheapest because the notary can plan their route and fit you into their schedule efficiently.
Some mobile notaries won’t do rush jobs at all. Others specialize in emergency service and charge accordingly. You’re paying for their flexibility and willingness to drop what they’re doing to help you meet a deadline.
Average Cost of Mobile Notary Services
Here’s what you’ll typically pay for mobile notary services across the country.
Base appointment fee: $50-100 for the notary to show up at your location during regular business hours. This usually covers notarizing 1-3 documents.
Per-signature notary fee: This is set by state law and ranges from $2-15 per signature depending on where you live. The mobile notary can’t charge more than the state maximum for the actual notarization.
Travel fee: $25-75 depending on distance. Some notaries include this in their base fee if you’re within a certain radius.
Total for a typical appointment: $75-150 for mobile notary service during regular hours with 2-3 documents.
Cost Variations by State
State law caps what notaries can charge per signature, but these limits don’t apply to travel fees or mobile service charges.
California: $15 maximum per signature. A mobile notary in LA might charge $15 per signature plus a $50-75 mobile fee.
Florida: $10 maximum per signature. Mobile fees typically add $40-60.
Texas: $6 per signature for acknowledgments, $6 per jurat. Travel fees run $30-50 in cities.
New York: $2 per signature (yes, two dollars). Mobile notaries make their money on the travel fee, often charging $75-100 to come to you.
Pennsylvania: $5 per signature. Mobile service adds $40-60.
The notary fee goes to the actual notarization. The mobile/travel fee compensates for their time and gas. These are separate charges, and reputable mobile notaries will break them down clearly on their invoice.
Additional Fees and Surcharges
Beyond the base cost, watch for these extras:
After-hours premium: $25-50 for evenings or weekends
Rush/emergency service: $50-100 for same-day urgent requests
Mileage beyond service area: $0.50-2.00 per mile each way
Printing/scanning documents: $5-20 if you need the notary to print or scan documents
Waiting time: Some charge $20-40 per hour if they arrive and you’re not ready
Multiple locations: If the notary has to go to two different addresses in one appointment, expect an additional fee
Always ask for a complete price breakdown before booking. A good mobile notary will tell you exactly what you’ll pay—no surprise charges when they arrive.
-minute requests get charged heavily. If you can plan ahead and visit a traditional notary, you’ll save money.
Potential for price gouging. Some mobile notaries charge excessive fees knowing people are desperate or don’t know better. Research typical rates in your area.
Online notarization might be cheaper. Remote online notarization via video call costs $25-40 and takes 15 minutes. If your documents qualify for online notarization, it’s often less expensive than mobile service.
Tips for Reducing Mobile Notary Costs
You can minimize what you pay for mobile notary services with some planning:
Schedule during business hours. Weekday daytime appointments avoid after-hours surcharges. If you can take a lunch break for the appointment, you’ll pay less.
Book ahead. Give the notary a few days notice instead of calling for same-day service. You’ll avoid rush fees.
Bundle documents. If you have multiple items to notarize, do them all in one appointment. The notary is already there—take advantage of it.
Choose a closer notary. Don’t pick someone 30 miles away when there’s a mobile notary 10 miles from you charging less for travel.
Have everything ready. Documents should be filled out completely (except your signature), and all signers should be present with valid IDs. Delays cost money if the notary charges waiting time.
Compare quotes. Call 2-3 mobile notaries and ask for their complete fee structure. Prices vary, and you might find one that’s $30 cheaper for the same service.
Check if online notarization works. Remote online notarization is legal in all states and the vast majority of situations now and costs $25-40. If your document qualifies, this is cheaper than mobile service.
Ask about package deals. Some mobile notaries offer discounts if you’re a repeat customer or if you’re bundling multiple services.
Know your state’s maximum fees. This prevents overcharging on the notarization itself. If a notary in California tries to charge you $25 per signature, that’s illegal—the cap is $15.
Don’t sacrifice quality for price. An inexperienced mobile notary who makes mistakes on your real estate closing documents can cost you thousands in delays. Sometimes paying more for a reputable, specialized notary is worth it.
Discover the Power of BlueNotary:Integrate your Business, Title Company, or Law Firm to Satisfy your Customers and Decrease TurnaroundGet a document Notarized/Sign-upJoin the Free Notary Training Facebook Group
Conclusion
Mobile notary services cost more than traditional options, but the convenience often justifies the expense. Expect to pay $75-150 for a typical mobile appointment during regular hours, with additional charges for after-hours service, rush requests, or long-distance travel.
The key to getting fair pricing is understanding what influences costs—location, document type, timing, and state regulations—and shopping around before you need service. Having a reliable mobile notary’s contact information saved for when you need it prevents making desperate choices under time pressure.
For routine notarizations where you can visit a bank or UPS Store, the cheaper option makes sense. For situations where mobility is an issue, time is critical, or specialized expertise is needed, mobile notary services provide value that outweighs the higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mobile notary service?
A mobile notary travels to your location—home, office, hospital—instead of you going to them. They perform the same notarization functions but come to you. This helps people with mobility issues, busy schedules, or when multiple signers need service in one place.
How much do mobile notary services typically cost?
Expect $75-150 per appointment during business hours. This includes the state-mandated notary fee ($2-15 per signature) plus travel/mobile fees ($25-75). Loan signings cost $100-200. After-hours, rush service, or long distances add $25-100 more.
What factors can influence the cost of mobile notary services?
Travel distance, document complexity, timing, and urgency all affect price. Longer trips, loan signings, evenings/weekends, and same-day requests cost more. Urban areas with more competition generally have lower prices than rural areas with limited options.
Why should someone choose a mobile notary over online notary?
Mobile notaries are better for multiple signers in one location, complex document packages, elderly people uncomfortable with technology, situations requiring original paper documents, and when you need personal guidance. Online notaries are cheaper ($25-40) and faster for single simple documents.
How can clients manage and reduce mobile notary expenses?
Schedule during business hours, book ahead to avoid rush fees, bundle multiple documents into one appointment, choose a closer notary, and have everything ready when they arrive. Compare quotes from 2-3 providers and know your state’s maximum notary fees to prevent overcharging.
