Finding a notary when you need one is annoying. You’re busy, the bank closes at 5 PM, and you need this document notarized today. That’s where mobile notaries come in.
A mobile notary drives to you—whether that’s your home, office, hospital room, or coffee shop. They bring everything needed to notarize your documents on the spot. No more taking time off work or rearranging your schedule around someone else’s office hours.
Mobile notaries have become increasingly popular, especially with more people working from home and juggling packed schedules. Instead of you traveling to them, they come to you. It’s that simple.
If you’re looking for an option even faster, you can simply click the link below and get your document(s) notarized online!
What Is a Mobile Notary?
A mobile notary is a state-commissioned notary public who travels to meet clients at their location instead of working from a fixed office.
They perform the same services as any notary public:
- Witness signatures
- Verify identities with government-issued ID
- Administer oaths
- Certify documents
The difference? They come to you.
Mobile notaries handle all types of documents: real estate closings, loan signings, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, affidavits, and business contracts. If it needs notarizing, they can do it—just not in their office.
Like all notaries, mobile notaries must hold a valid state commission. They follow the same legal requirements and standards. The “mobile” part just means they’re willing to drive to your location.
Why Use a Mobile Notary?
You Don’t Have to Go Anywhere
This is the obvious advantage. The notary comes to your house, your workplace, or wherever is convenient for you. No driving across town, no sitting in waiting rooms, no hassle.
This convenience matters most when:
- You’re stuck at home caring for kids or family members
- You have mobility issues or health problems
- You’re in a hospital or nursing home
- You work long hours and can’t leave during business hours
- The document signing involves multiple parties in one location
It Saves Actual Time
Mobile notaries eliminate commuting time. You’re not driving to a bank, waiting for the one notary who works there to finish with other customers, then driving back.
For busy professionals, this is huge. Instead of blocking out an hour (or more) for a 5-minute notarization, you schedule the mobile notary to come during a break in your day. You keep working, they show up, you sign, they leave. Done.
They Work on Your Schedule
Many mobile notaries offer evening and weekend appointments. Some even provide same-day or emergency service.
Traditional notaries? Most work standard business hours. Mobile notaries understand that life doesn’t always happen between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday.
Real estate closings, loan signings, and urgent legal matters often need to happen outside regular hours. Mobile notaries make that possible.
How to Find a Good Mobile Notary
Not all mobile notaries are created equal. Here’s how to find a reliable one.
Check Online Reviews
Start with Google and Yelp. Look for mobile notaries with:
- Consistent 4-5 star ratings
- Recent reviews (within the last 6 months)
- Multiple reviews mentioning punctuality and professionalism
- Specific details about positive experiences
Watch for red flags:
- Lots of complaints about showing up late or not at all
- Reviews mentioning unprofessional behavior
- Very few reviews (could be brand new or inexperienced)
Ask People You Know
Personal recommendations beat online reviews. Ask friends, family, or coworkers if they’ve used a mobile notary they’d recommend.
Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and attorneys often work with mobile notaries regularly. They know who’s reliable and who to avoid.
Check Professional Associations
The National Notary Association (NNA) maintains a directory of certified mobile notaries. Members must meet specific professional standards and stay current with training.
Other reputable associations include:
- American Society of Notaries
- State-specific notary associations
Membership in these organizations suggests the notary takes their work seriously and stays updated on regulations.
Verify Their Commission
Every notary must hold a valid state commission. Ask for their commission number and verify it with your state’s notary regulating authority (usually the Secretary of State’s office).
A legitimate mobile notary will have no problem providing this information.
What Services Do Mobile Notaries Offer?
Mobile notaries handle pretty much any document that needs notarization.
Loan Signings
This is a huge part of mobile notary work. When you’re buying a house, refinancing, or getting a home equity loan, someone needs to witness you sign dozens of pages.
Mobile notaries who specialize in loan signings:
- Meet you at your home or a neutral location
- Walk you through each document
- Verify your identity
- Witness all signatures
- Ensure every page is properly signed and dated
- Return documents to the title company or lender
Many loan signings happen in the evening after work or on weekends when title companies are closed. That’s where mobile notaries shine.
Real Estate Documents
Beyond loan signings, mobile notaries handle:
- Deeds
- Property transfers
- Lease agreements
- Rental contracts
- Real estate disclosures
They ensure all parties are present, everyone understands what they’re signing, and state requirements are met.
Legal Documents
Mobile notaries regularly notarize:
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits
- Sworn statements
- Court documents
- Contracts and agreements
- Adoption papers
These documents often need notarization urgently. A mobile notary can meet you same-day, sometimes within hours.
Healthcare Directives
Planning for the future means getting healthcare directives in order:
- Living wills
- Advanced healthcare directives
- Medical powers of attorney
- DNR orders
Many people create these documents at home or in healthcare facilities. Mobile notaries make it easy to get them properly notarized without additional stress.
How Much Does a Mobile Notary Cost?
Mobile notary fees have two parts: the notarization fee and the travel fee.
Base Notarization Fees
States regulate how much notaries can charge per signature. According to the National Notary Association:
- Most states allow $5-$15 per signature
- California caps fees at $15 per signature
- Some states allow higher fees
- A few states have no maximum
So if your document needs two signatures notarized, you’ll pay the per-signature fee twice.
Travel Fees
This is where mobile notaries make their money. They charge for coming to you.
Mileage-Based Fees:
- $0.50 to $1.00 per mile from their location to yours
- Calculated round trip in most cases
Flat Travel Fees:
- $20-$50 regardless of distance
- More common in urban areas
- Usually covers a certain radius (like 10-15 miles)
Examples:
- Mobile notary charges $10 per signature + $0.75/mile
- You need one signature notarized
- Notary drives 20 miles round trip
- Total cost: $10 + $15 = $25
Additional Fees
Some situations cost extra:
After-Hours Service: $25-$75 additional
- Evenings (after 6 PM)
- Weekends
- Holidays
Rush/Same-Day Service: $25-$50 additional
- Needed within 2-4 hours
- Emergency situations
Multiple Signers: Sometimes charged per person
- Adds $10-$25 per additional signer
- Depends on the notary
Getting a Quote
Always ask for a complete quote upfront. A good mobile notary will tell you:
- Base notarization fee per signature
- How they calculate travel fees
- Any additional charges that might apply
- Total estimated cost
If they’re vague about pricing, find someone else.
Tips for a Smooth Mobile Notarization
Have Your Documents Ready
Organize everything before the notary arrives. Know exactly which documents need notarizing and where signatures go. This saves time and reduces mistakes.
Bring Valid ID
You’ll need current, government-issued photo identification:
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- State ID card
- Military ID
The name on your ID must match the name on the document. If it doesn’t (maiden name vs. married name, for example), mention this when scheduling.
Pick a Good Location
Choose somewhere:
- Quiet enough to focus
- With a table or desk for signing
- Where the notary can easily find parking
- That’s accessible (if meeting at a business, let reception know they’re coming)
Make Sure Everyone Shows Up
If multiple people need to sign, everyone must be present. The notary can’t notarize signatures from people who aren’t there.
Missing signers mean rescheduling, which costs you another travel fee.
Understand What You’re Signing
The notary will ask if you understand the document. Read it beforehand so you can honestly say yes. Notaries can’t explain legal documents or give advice—they just witness signatures.
Have Payment Ready
Confirm payment methods when you book:
- Cash
- Check
- Venmo/PayPal/Zelle
- Credit/debit card (some mobile notaries have card readers)
Not all notaries accept all payment methods. Clarify this ahead of time.
Check for Blank Spaces
Documents with blank spaces can’t be notarized until those spaces are filled in or crossed out. Review everything for completeness before the appointment.
When Mobile Notary Makes Sense
Mobile notaries are worth the extra cost when:
- You can’t easily leave home or work
- Multiple people need to sign in one location
- You need evening or weekend service
- Time is critical and you need same-day service
- Travel time to a notary’s office would exceed the mobile notary’s travel fee
Mobile notaries might not be necessary if:
- Your bank offers free notary services during hours you’re available
- You work near a UPS Store or other walk-in notary
- Cost is your primary concern and you have flexibility on timing
Alternative: Online Notarization
Can’t find a mobile notary or want even more convenience? Online notarization might work.
BlueNotary offers remote online notarization (RON):
- Complete the process via video call
- 10-15 minutes from start to finish
- Available 24/7, including holidays
- No travel fees
- Legal!
- Costs $25-40 per document
This works great for standard documents. Complex loan signings or multiple-party agreements may still need a mobile notary in person.
Mobile Notary Near Me Bottom Line
Mobile notaries trade convenience for cost. You pay extra for them to come to you, but you save time and hassle. For people with busy schedules, mobility limitations, or urgent notarization needs, that trade-off makes perfect sense.
Finding a good mobile notary involves checking reviews, asking for recommendations, and verifying their credentials. Once you find someone reliable, keep their contact information—you’ll probably need them again.
Prepare properly (documents ready, ID on hand, everyone present, payment arranged) and the whole process takes maybe 10 minutes. The notary shows up, verifies IDs, watches you sign, applies their seal, and leaves. Simple.
Whether you’re closing on a house, signing a power of attorney, or notarizing business documents, mobile notaries make the process fit your life instead of forcing you to fit into their schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using mobile notary services?
Mobile notaries save time by coming to your location—home, office, or anywhere convenient. They offer flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends. You don’t lose work time or struggle with transportation. This is especially valuable for people with busy schedules, mobility issues, or when multiple signers need to be in one place.
How can I find a reliable mobile notary?
Check Google and Yelp reviews for consistent high ratings and recent positive feedback. Ask friends, family, real estate agents, or attorneys for recommendations. Verify the notary’s commission with your state’s Secretary of State office. Look for membership in professional associations like the National Notary Association.
What costs are involved with mobile notary services?
Expect to pay two fees: a per-signature notarization fee ($5-$15 in most states) plus a travel fee. Travel fees run $20-$50 flat rate or $0.50-$1.00 per mile. After-hours, same-day, or holiday service typically adds $25-$75. Always get a complete quote upfront including all potential charges.
What should I do to prepare for a mobile notarization?
Have all documents organized and ready. Bring valid government-issued photo ID. Choose a quiet location with a table for signing. Ensure all required signers will be present. Review documents beforehand so you understand what you’re signing. Arrange payment using an accepted method. Check that documents have no blank spaces that need filling.
Why is verifying identification important?
Identity verification prevents fraud and ensures the person signing is who they claim to be. It’s legally required for all notarizations. The notary checks government-issued photo ID against the name on the document. This protects all parties involved in the transaction.
Can a mobile notary help with any document?
Mobile notaries handle most documents needing notarization: loan documents, real estate papers, powers of attorney, affidavits, healthcare directives, and business contracts. However, some documents have specific requirements or limitations. Confirm with the notary when scheduling if you have an unusual document type.
How do I ensure a smooth notarization process?
Prepare documents in advance and organize them. Have all signers present with valid ID. Choose an accessible location with adequate space. Understand what you’re signing beforehand. Bring payment in an accepted form. Double-check all details for accuracy. Communicate any special requirements when scheduling.
What legal requirements should I be aware of?
Legal requirements vary by state. Generally, all signers must appear in person before the notary with valid photo ID. Signers must sign voluntarily and understand what they’re signing. Documents must be complete with no blank spaces. The notary must witness the actual signing—pre-signed documents cannot be notarized.
Is it necessary for all signers to be present during notarization?
Yes. Every person whose signature needs notarizing must physically appear before the notary. They must show ID and sign while the notary watches. The notary cannot notarize signatures from absent parties. Missing even one signer means rescheduling the entire appointment.
What forms of payment are typically accepted by mobile notaries?
Most mobile notaries accept cash and checks. Many also accept digital payments like Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or Cash App. Some carry mobile card readers for credit and debit cards. Always confirm accepted payment methods when you schedule the appointment to avoid issues when the notary arrives.
