Navigating mobile notary fees can be confusing, but understanding the cost structure can save you both time and money. From travel charges to after-hours fees, this guide breaks down what you can expect and offers practical tips on how to keep costs low. Whether you're new to mobile notary services or a seasoned user, discover how to make the most
Mobile notary fees can vary significantly depending on several factors, including your location, the type of document being notarized, and the notary’s experience. Generally, mobile notary fees are composed of two parts: the notarial act fee and the travel fee.
The notarial act fee is the amount charged for the actual notarization of your document. This fee is usually regulated by the state and can range from $2 to $15 per notarized signature. For example, in California, the maximum fee for an acknowledgment or jurat is $15 per signature.
The travel fee is charged to compensate the notary for the time and expense of traveling to your location. This fee is not regulated and can vary widely. Some notaries charge a flat rate, while others charge per mile or per hour. It’s not uncommon to see travel fees ranging from $20 to $50 or more, depending on the distance traveled.
At first glance, a travel fee of $20 to $50 might seem like a lot to charge, but you have to consider a few factors to properly think about it. Look at it this way: The mobile notary is essentially giving you their time from the moment they leave their home or office until they return. Depending on the time of day the notary is traveling to you, they may get stuck in traffic due to rush hour, adding to their travel time and expenses. Additionally, the fee covers the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the opportunity cost of time spent traveling that could have been used for other appointments.
In some cases, there may be additional costs, such as fees for after-hours service, waiting time, or notarizing complex documents. Be sure to ask your notary about any potential extra charges upfront to avoid surprises.
While mobile notary services offer great convenience, the costs can add up. Here are some tips to help you save on mobile notary fees:
If you have multiple documents that need notarization, try to have them notarized in a single appointment. This way, you can avoid paying multiple travel fees.
If possible, schedule your notarization during regular business hours to avoid after-hours charges. Notaries may charge extra for evening or weekend appointments.
Some notaries offer discounts for seniors, military personnel, or repeat customers. It never hurts to ask if any discounts are available.
Mobile notary fees can vary, so it’s a good idea to get quotes from several notaries in your area. This will give you a better idea of the going rate and help you find the best deal.
One way to save on travel fees is to opt for remote online notarization (RON). With RON, you can have your documents notarized online, from the comfort of your home. At ProRemoteNotary.com, we offer affordable and convenient online notarization services, saving you time and money.
Remote online notarization can be an almost immediate solution for you. Usually, during normal business hours, the notary is available immediately, meaning you don’t need to coordinate schedules. The whole remote online notarization process is usually completed in less than 15 minutes. The process is recorded, meaning that if there was ever any question about validity, you could gain access to that recording, which could be used in a legal proceeding.
If you only have a paper document, there is a completely free app from Microsoft called Microsoft Lens, which allows you to create a high-quality scan of a document using the camera on a smartphone. The app then generates a PDF file that can be notarized electronically. Remote online notarization allows you to check this off your to-do list right in the moment without a fuss.
Understanding mobile notary fees is essential for anyone needing notarization services. By being aware of the costs and following these tips, you can make informed decisions and potentially save money. Whether you choose a mobile notary or the convenience of remote online notarization, knowing what to expect will help you budget accordingly and ensure a smooth notarization process.
For more information on our remote online notarization services, visit ProRemoteNotary.com. Our goal is to make notarization as easy and affordable as possible for you.
