A certified mobile notary is a notary public who has completed additional training—usually as a Notary Signing Agent (NSA)—and travels to your location. They typically charge $50-$150 total, including travel fees. “Certified” usually means they’ve passed an NSA exam (like through the NNA), completed a background check, and carry E&O insurance. Here’s what certification actually means, how much to expect to pay, how to find a certified mobile notary, and what to prepare.
What Does “Certified” Mobile Notary Actually Mean?
The term “certified mobile notary” isn’t an official government designation—it’s an industry term that typically means the notary has gone beyond basic state commissioning to obtain additional credentials.
What “Certified” Usually Includes
- State notary commission — The basic requirement to perform notarial acts
- Notary Signing Agent (NSA) certification — Additional training for handling loan documents
- Background check — Required by most signing services and title companies
- E&O insurance — Errors and Omissions insurance that protects you if something goes wrong
- Surety bond — Financial protection required by most states
Common Certifications to Look For
- NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent — From the National Notary Association, the most widely recognized certification
- NSA Certified — General Notary Signing Agent certification from various training providers
- Loan Signing System Certified — Popular training program for loan document signings
- State-specific certifications — Some states have additional requirements or certifications
Why it matters: A certified notary has proven knowledge of proper notarization procedures, especially for complex documents like mortgage closings. If something goes wrong, their E&O insurance provides protection.
How Much Does a Certified Mobile Notary Cost?
Mobile notary fees have two parts: the notarization fee and the travel fee.
Typical Costs
- Simple documents (1-3 signatures): $50-$100 total
- Power of Attorney: $50-$100 total
- Loan signing (mortgage closing): $100-$200 total
- After-hours or weekend: $75-$150+ total
- Hospital or jail visit: $100-$200+ total
Fee Breakdown
- Notarization fee: $2-$15 per signature (set by state law)
- Travel fee: $25-$75 typical (not regulated)
- After-hours premium: $25-$75 extra for evenings/weekends
Tip: Always ask for a total quote upfront that includes all fees. Get it in writing before the appointment.
Certified Mobile Notary vs. Regular Notary: What’s the Difference?
Regular Notary Public
- State-commissioned to perform notarial acts
- Can notarize most documents
- May or may not travel to your location
- May not have specialized training for complex documents
Certified Mobile Notary / Notary Signing Agent
- All of the above, plus:
- Specialized training in loan documents and closings
- Background-checked (usually required by signing services)
- Carries E&O insurance for your protection
- Travels to your location as their primary service
- Experienced with mortgage, refinance, and real estate documents
When You Need a Certified Mobile Notary
- Mortgage closings and refinances — Complex documents requiring expertise
- Real estate transactions — Deeds, transfers, property documents
- High-value or sensitive documents — Where errors could be costly
- Title company or lender requirement — Many require certified NSAs
How to Find a Certified Mobile Notary
Online Directories
- Notary Rotary (notaryrotary.com) — Large database, filter for certified signing agents
- 123Notary (123notary.com) — Reviews, ratings, certification info
- SigningAgent.com — Specifically for certified signing agents
- National Notary Association (nationalnotary.org) — Find NNA-certified notaries
- Thumbtack (thumbtack.com) — Get quotes from multiple notaries
Google Search
Search for:
- “Certified mobile notary near me”
- “Notary signing agent [your city]”
- “Loan signing agent near me”
- “Mobile notary for mortgage closing [your city]”
Referrals
- Title companies — Work with certified notaries daily
- Real estate agents — Have trusted notaries for closings
- Mortgage lenders — Can recommend certified NSAs
- Attorneys — Often work with mobile notaries
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- What certifications do you have? — Look for NNA certification or other recognized credentials
- Do you have E&O insurance? — Protects you if errors occur
- Have you passed a background check? — Standard for reputable signing agents
- What is your total fee? — Get all-inclusive quote upfront
- When can you come? — Confirm availability for your timeframe
- Do you have experience with this document type? — Especially important for loan signings
- What payment methods do you accept? — Cash, check, card, Venmo, etc.
What to Prepare Before the Notary Arrives
Required Items
- Valid government-issued photo ID — Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID (not expired)
- Your unsigned document — Do NOT sign before the notary arrives
- All signers present — Everyone must be there with their own ID
- Payment — Confirm method in advance
For Loan Signings
- Two forms of ID may be required
- Review documents in advance if possible
- Have any required down payment funds ready
- Allow 45-90 minutes for full loan signing
Setting Up
- Clear table and chairs — Proper signing surface
- Good lighting — Notary needs to see IDs and documents clearly
- Quiet space — Minimize distractions during signing
Documents Certified Mobile Notaries Handle
Common Documents
- Mortgage and refinance packages
- Real estate deeds and transfers
- Powers of Attorney
- Wills and trusts
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Vehicle title transfers
- Business contracts and agreements
- Medical and healthcare directives
Advantage over bank notaries: Certified mobile notaries typically handle documents that banks refuse, including wills, deeds, and complex legal documents.
Alternative: Online Notarization
If you can’t find a certified mobile notary, or need faster service, online notarization is another option. With BlueNotary, you can connect with a certified notary over video call from your computer or phone.
When Online Notarization Makes Sense
- Need it now — Available 24/7, no scheduling wait
- Rural area — No mobile notaries nearby
- After hours — Late night, weekend, holiday
- Want to save money — Often $25-$50 vs $50-$150 for mobile
- Multiple signers in different locations — Each can sign from their own device
Need a notary now? Visit BlueNotary.us—certified notaries available 24/7.
The Bottom Line
A certified mobile notary is a notary with additional training—typically Notary Signing Agent certification, background check, and E&O insurance. They’re especially valuable for mortgage closings, real estate transactions, and complex documents where errors could be costly.
What to look for:
- NNA certification or equivalent
- E&O insurance
- Background check completed
- Clear, upfront pricing
- Experience with your document type
If you need faster or more affordable notarization, BlueNotary offers online notarization with certified notaries available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “certified” mobile notary mean?
“Certified” typically means the notary has completed additional training beyond basic state commissioning—usually Notary Signing Agent (NSA) certification, a background check, and E&O insurance. The most common certification is from the National Notary Association (NNA).
How much does a certified mobile notary cost?
Expect to pay $50-$150 total for a certified mobile notary. This includes the notarization fee ($2-$15 per signature, set by state law) plus travel fees ($25-$75). Loan signings typically cost $100-$200. After-hours and weekend appointments cost more.
Is a certified mobile notary better than a regular notary?
For complex documents like mortgage closings, yes. Certified mobile notaries have specialized training in loan documents, carry E&O insurance to protect you, and have passed background checks. For simple documents, a regular notary is usually fine.
Do I need a certified notary for a mortgage closing?
Most title companies and lenders require a certified Notary Signing Agent for mortgage closings. The NSA certification ensures the notary understands complex loan documents and can guide borrowers through the signing process correctly.
What should I ask a mobile notary before hiring them?
Ask about their certifications (NNA or other), whether they have E&O insurance, if they’ve passed a background check, their total fee (including travel), availability, and experience with your document type.
Can a certified mobile notary come to a hospital or nursing home?
Yes. Mobile notaries regularly visit hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and even jails. Expect to pay a premium ($100-$200+) for these locations due to additional time and security requirements.
