How do I become a mobile notary?

Asked by: Adella Streich  |  Last update: February 2, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (37 votes)

To become a mobile notary, first, get your state's basic Notary Public commission by meeting eligibility, taking required courses (like in FL, PA, MO), passing exams (if needed), filing applications/bonds with the state/county, and getting a background check; then, as a mobile notary, you need reliable transport, business tools (seal, journal), E&O insurance, and a marketing plan, often specializing in loan signings or other mobile services.

How do mobile Notaries make money?

Mobile notaries travel to their clients, providing convenience and saving them time. You can charge a travel fee in addition to the notarization charges, which can significantly increase your earnings.

How much can a notary charge in WV?

In West Virginia, a notary public can charge a maximum of $10 for each signature notarized, including acknowledgments and jurats, and $10 for other acts like certifying a document facsimile, as set by West Virginia Code | §39-4-30 and WV House Bill 4748. These fees are state-mandated limits, so a notary cannot charge more than $10 per signature or act, though they can charge less. 

Is it hard to become a mobile notary?

It is simple, the start-up cost is fairly low and you can work either part-time or full-time. Mobile Notaries travel to signers' locations to notarize documents. They earn money by charging a fee for the notarization up to the limit allowed by their state's law. Some states also permit Notaries to charge a travel fee.

What type of notary makes the most money?

The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs). 

How To Become A Mobile Notary For BEGINNERS! 5 TIPS!

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How do mobile notaries find clients?

4 good ways to find new Notary customers

  • Advertise through word of mouth.
  • Referrals from current customers.
  • Offer discounts to signers.
  • Always answer phone calls for Notary services.

Can I do notary work as a side hustle?

Becoming a Notary Public is one of the most flexible and trusted side gigs available today. Whether you want a work-from-home opportunity, a part-time job outside the house, or a way to add credibility to your freelance services, a Notary commission can unlock multiple income streams.

What equipment does a mobile notary need?

Essential Supplies Every Notary Needs

  • Notary Seal. The Notary seal is the physical representation of the Notary's authority. ...
  • Journal. Record details of every notarization you perform in a tamper-proof, bound journal. ...
  • Certificate Forms. ...
  • Fraud Fighter™ UV Penlight. ...
  • Pens. ...
  • Small Post-It Notes. ...
  • I.D. ...
  • State Notary Primer.

How much does a mobile notary make per visit?

A mobile notary's earnings per visit vary significantly, but loan signing agents often make $75 to $200+ per appointment, while general mobile notary work can range from $30 to $100+ per trip, depending on location, travel distance, document complexity, and whether they work directly with clients or through signing services. Highly profitable mobile notaries focus on real estate closings (loan signings) or specialized niche markets, adding fees for travel, printing, and administrative tasks. 

What are the risks of being a mobile notary?

Common Risks:

  • Meeting unknown clients at private residences.
  • Traveling to remote or high-crime areas.
  • Carrying valuable notary supplies such as a stamp, journals, and documents.
  • Dealing with fraudulent or aggressive signers.

How much does a $25,000 notary bond cost?

A $25,000 notary bond typically costs between $40 and $180, depending on your state, credit score, and whether you add Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, with rates varying from a few dollars to over $100 for basic bonds, while packages with E&O can range from $75 to over $100. The cost is a small percentage (0.5% - 10%) of the bond amount, so strong credit means lower premiums, while poor credit leads to higher rates. 

What is the most common mistake made by a notary?

The most common and serious mistake a notary makes is failing to ensure the signer personally appears before them, which is a legal violation and can lead to fraud and major penalties, but other frequent errors involve incomplete or incorrect notarial certificates, such as missing dates, improper seal placement, illegible stamps, mismatched names, or attaching the wrong certificate type, all of which can invalidate the document. 

Is a notary signing agent a good side hustle?

Yes, a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) can be a very good side hustle, offering flexibility, strong earning potential ($75-$200+ per hour/appointment), and steady demand due to real estate transactions, but success requires upfront investment in training, marketing, and supplies, plus dedication to build a client base and navigate state regulations. It's a lucrative option for those willing to put in the effort to become a specialized mobile agent, especially for loan closings, though general notary work might offer lower pay. 

What are the downsides of being a notary?

Disadvantages of being a notary include inconsistent income, high liability for errors, significant startup and maintenance costs (fees, bond, E&O insurance), the challenge of building a client base, strict legal restrictions (no UPL), dealing with difficult clients or requests, and potential for emotionally taxing situations, all while facing intense competition for low-paying gigs. 

How to make 6 figures as a notary?

To be a six figure-earning money as a notary loan signing agent, you need to do 667 signings a year — or 13 signings a week — and you only need 3 escrow officers feeding you their loan signing appointments to be well on your way to making six figures a year, working less than 40 hours a week.

Are online notaries in high demand?

The online notarization industry has seen significant growth in demand in recent years, but 2026 is proving to be a critical moment in the industry's development. Remote notarization has become a necessary function in real estate, legal, financial, healthcare, and compliance with workflows.

Is it hard to be a mobile notary?

Many readers ask how to get started with mobile signing services. The process is straightforward and the exact same as becoming a regular notary public: Meet your state's eligibility rules. Each state sets age, residency, and background criteria.

Which type of notary makes the most money?

The type of notary that generally makes the most money is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA), specializing in real estate loan documents, earning $75-$200 per complex signing, followed by Mobile Notaries who charge travel fees and specialized Remote Online Notaries (RONs), but NSAs have the highest potential due to the volume and complexity of mortgage signings, with some reaching six figures annually with experience, high-level marketing, and handling various loan packages (purchases, refinances, HELOCs). 

What's the difference between a notary and a mobile notary?

The main difference is convenience and location: a regular notary works from a fixed office during business hours, requiring you to travel to them, while a mobile notary travels to your home, office, or any agreed location, offering flexible scheduling (evenings/weekends) but usually charging extra travel fees. Both perform the same core notarization services (witnessing signatures, applying seals, oaths), but the mobile notary adds a convenience charge for coming to you. 

How do mobile notaries get clients?

Social media platforms are the best way to quickly reach new customers. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp, or your website can all help you get more clients.

Is it worth becoming a notary signing agent?

Yes, becoming a Notary Signing Agent (NSA) can be very worthwhile for income and flexibility, offering $75-$200+ per signing, but it requires drive, training, marketing, and adapting to market changes, as loan volume fluctuates; it's a good fit for those seeking autonomy and supplemental income but demands effort to build a client base and succeed. 

How to get hired as a mobile notary?

Mobile Notary Prerequisite Checklist:

  1. Make sure you meet all of your state's requirements.
  2. Take a training course from a state-approved vendor.
  3. Complete your state's notary application form.
  4. Pass the state-administered exam.
  5. Complete a background check.
  6. Receive your commission certificate from your state in the mail.

Do I need a business license to be a mobile notary?

Some jurisdictions, including cities, counties and states, don't require you to get a license at all; some look at gross receipts; others look at whether you're doing business at home and earning anything; while some jurisdictions want you to register and pay a fee no matter what you do.

Can you live off being a notary?

Not every NSA or mobile Notary wants to make it a full-time career. In fact, more than 61 percent notarize as a part-time gig. But even part-timers report they are doing well, reporting earnings ranging from anywhere as low as a few hundred dollars to $20,000 a month from notarizations.