What Is a Traditional Notary?

Traditional notaries work from a specific location. You might find them at banks, shipping stores, law offices, or government buildings. You bring your documents to them during their business hours.

Many traditional notaries offer free or low-cost services, but you work around their schedule and location.

What Is a Mobile Notary?

A mobile notary travels to your chosen location to notarize documents. I come to your home, office, hospital, nursing home, or any other convenient spot.

Mobile notaries charge a service fee for the convenience of coming to you, but you save time and gain flexibility in scheduling.

When to Use a Traditional Notary

Traditional notary service works well if:

• You have a simple, single-page document

• You’re already near a location with a notary

• You can work during standard business hours

• You have reliable transportation

• Cost is your primary concern

When to Use a Mobile Notary

Mobile notary service is better if:

• You have multiple documents or a complex signing

• You’re homebound or have mobility issues

• You need service outside business hours

• You’re in a hospital, nursing home, or care facility

• You’re closing on real estate

• You have a busy schedule and value convenience

• You need guaranteed availability at a specific time

• Multiple people need to sign the same documents

Cost Comparison

Traditional Notary: Often free at banks for customers, or $6-15 per signature at other locations. However, you pay with your time and must work around their schedule. Many companies also have only 1 notary on staff – so if they are at lunch or out of office, you’ll have to find another location.

Mobile Notary: Includes a travel fee plus the notarization fee. While the upfront cost is higher, you save time, gas, and the hassle of coordinating schedules. For complex signings or time-sensitive documents, mobile notary service often costs less overall when you factor in your time and convenience.

Availability and Scheduling

Traditional Notary: Typically available during business hours, Monday through Friday. No holiday availability. You may have to wait in line. No guarantee of availability when you need it.

Mobile Notary: Flexible scheduling including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Appointments are by arrangement, so you have guaranteed service at your chosen time. No waiting in line.

Service Level

Traditional Notary: Notarization is often a secondary service. The person may not be experienced with complex documents or special requirements.

Mobile Notary: Notarization is my primary business. I’m trained to handle complex documents, loan signings, estate planning documents, and special situations. I take the time to make sure everything is done correctly.

Special Situations Where Mobile Notary Is Essential

Real Estate Closings: Loan signing packages are too complex for most traditional notaries. Lenders and title companies specifically request certified signing agents.

Hospital or Care Facility Signings: Traditional notaries don’t come to you. Mobile notaries can meet you wherever you are, even on the hood of your vehicle in the middle of a parking lot.

Estate Planning Documents: These often require witnesses in addition to notarization. Mobile notaries can coordinate this properly.

Business Transactions: When multiple parties need to sign or you need service at your office, mobile notary is the practical choice.

Time-Sensitive Documents: When you have deadlines, you can’t risk a notary being unavailable or having long wait times.

The Bottom Line

Both traditional and mobile notary services are legitimate and provide legally valid notarizations. The choice depends on your specific situation. If you value convenience, need flexibility, have complex documents, or have time constraints, mobile notary service is worth the investment. If you have a simple document and can easily get to a notary during business hours, traditional service may work fine.