What Is a Mobile Notary Public?
A mobile notary (also called a traveling notary) is a state-commissioned notary public who travels to your location to notarize documents. Unlike a traditional notary who works from a fixed office — like a bank, law firm, or UPS store — a mobile notary comes to your home, office, hospital, or wherever you need them.
Mobile notaries perform the same legally binding notarial acts as any other notary public. The key difference is convenience: they eliminate the need for you to travel, wait in line, or work around someone else's schedule. This makes mobile notaries especially valuable for:
- Elderly or homebound individuals who can't easily travel
- Hospital patients who need urgent document notarization
- Real estate closings where multiple parties need to sign at specific times
- Business professionals with packed schedules
- After-hours emergencies when traditional notary offices are closed
Mobile Notary vs. Traditional Notary
Both mobile and traditional notaries hold the same state commission and legal authority. The differences come down to accessibility and cost. See our full mobile vs. traditional notary comparison →
Mobile Notary
- Travels to your location
- Available evenings & weekends
- Charges travel fee + per-signature fee
- Ideal for loan signings & urgent needs
- Direct contact — no middleman
Traditional Notary
- Works from a fixed location
- Business hours only (typically)
- Usually just per-signature fee
- You must travel to them
- Often found in banks & shipping stores
Mobile Notary vs. Notary Signing Agent
A notary signing agent (NSA) is a specialized type of mobile notary who handles real estate loan closings. NSAs receive additional training through organizations like the National Notary Association (NNA) to guide borrowers through mortgage documents. All NSAs are mobile notaries, but not all mobile notaries are NSAs.
If you need a loan signing or real estate closing, look for a notary signing agent. For general notarization (power of attorney, affidavits, I-9 forms, etc.), any mobile notary will do.
What Services Does a Mobile Notary Offer?
Mobile notaries handle virtually any document that requires a notarial act:
How Much Does a Mobile Notary Cost?
Mobile notary fees have two components:
- Per-signature fee — Set by state law, typically $2–$15 per notarial act
- Travel fee — Set by the notary, typically $25–$100+ depending on distance, urgency, and time of day
For loan signings, mobile notary signing agents typically charge $75–$200 per appointment, which includes handling the full loan document package. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments may cost more. Always confirm fees before scheduling. Read our complete mobile notary cost guide →
How to Find a Mobile Notary Near You
The easiest way to find a verified mobile notary is through a trusted directory like MobileNotaryNet. Here's how:
- Search by location — Enter your ZIP code, city, or state in the search bar above
- Compare profiles — View each notary's credentials, services, experience, and reviews
- Contact directly — Reach out by phone or email with no middleman or booking fees
MobileNotaryNet is free for consumers. Our directory includes verified mobile notaries across all 50 states with transparent profiles and direct contact information. Browse the full directory or view our coverage map.
When Do You Need a Mobile Notary?
Common situations where a mobile notary is the best option:
- You're closing on a home and need a notary signing agent
- A family member in the hospital needs documents notarized urgently
- You need a power of attorney executed at home
- Your employer requires I-9 verification at your workplace
- You need notarization outside of regular business hours
- You're in a rural area without a nearby notary office