A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to a client’s location to perform notarial services. This option is helpful when individuals are unable to visit a notary in person due to health, mobility, scheduling, or logistical reasons.
Unlike traditional notary services that require you to go to an office or bank, mobile notaries provide flexibility by coming to your home, workplace, hospital, law office, or other designated location.
How Mobile Notary Services Work
The process of using a mobile notary is simple and structured:
Scheduling the Appointment You contact the notary to request a visit, providing information such as:
Type of document(s)
Number of signers
Preferred date, time, and address
Verification of Identity Just like in-person notarization, all signers must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. Completion of Notarization The notary witnesses the signature(s), completes the appropriate notarial certificate, and applies their seal and signature. Payment and Receipt The fee for mobile services typically includes both the notarial act and the travel fee. Some states regulate the maximum notarial fee but allow flexibility in travel charges.
When Mobile Notary Services Are Helpful?
Mobile notary services are often used in situations such as:
Real Estate Closings: Buyers, sellers, or agents may need a notary at a home, office, or title company.
Loan Signings: Mortgage or refinance paperwork can be time-sensitive and require an on-site notary.
Hospitals and Nursing Homes: Patients may need powers of attorney, healthcare directives, or other documents notarized without leaving the facility.
Estate Planning: Wills, trusts, and advance directives often require notarization in the presence of family or attorneys.
Busy Professionals: Those with demanding schedules may benefit from early morning, evening, or weekend appointments.
Legal Requirements and Considerations
Jurisdiction: Mobile notaries must be authorized to act in the state where the notarization takes place.
Proper ID: Every signer must provide valid identification unless a credible witness is allowed by law.
Document Readiness: The document should be complete (not blank) and must not be signed until the notary instructs the signer to do so.
Witnesses: Some documents require one or more witnesses. The notary may not always provide them, so arrangements may need to be made in advance.
Mobile notary services provide a practical and accessible way to complete legally required notarizations outside of a traditional office setting. They are especially valuable when time, privacy, or mobility is a concern. While the notarial act remains the same, the added convenience of traveling to the client makes this option widely used in personal, legal, and business contexts.
For more details, always consult your state’s notary laws or speak directly with a licensed notary public.