Mobile Notary Business Overview
Notaries handle various documents, including real estate transactions, business contracts, medical directives, and estate planning paperwork. A mobile notary provides document authentication and witnessing services by traveling to clients’ locations rather than requiring clients to visit a fixed office. These professionals serve as state-appointed officials who verify identities, witness signatures, and prevent fraud in legal documents.
Many mobile notaries work independently and set their own schedules, allowing them to balance work commitments with personal responsibilities.
The following represent the common business models for mobile notary operations:
- Traditional Mobile Service: A notary travels to homes, offices, hospitals, or other locations to perform in-person document signings
- Remote Online Service: A notary conducts document authentication through video conferencing and electronic signature platforms
- Hybrid Operation: A notary offers both in-person mobile services and remote online notarization options to serve different client needs
Related: Checklist To Start A Business
How Do Mobile Notaries Make Money?
Mobile notaries earn income by charging fees for document authentication services. State law regulates the base notary fee, but the notary can set travel fees and other service charges within reasonable market rates.
Additional revenue sources available to mobile notaries include:
- Loan Signing Services: Performing document authentication for mortgage closings, refinances, and other lending transactions
- Business Document Services: Authenticating corporate documents, contracts, and business agreements
- Legal Document Authentication: Notarizing wills, powers of attorney, affidavits, and other legal paperwork
- Identity Verification: Providing I-9 employment verification services for remote workers and businesses
- Training Programs: Teaching notary certification courses or loan signing specialist training to other professionals
Industry Statistics
Mobile notary services fall under NAICS code 541120: Notaries Public. These businesses authenticate documents and verify identities through traditional in-person and digital methods. Here are some important statistics about this growing industry.
Mobile Notary Industry Size & Growth: The mobile notary public market generated $347.2 million in revenue last year and is expected to grow due to rising property transactions, increased remote work arrangements, and broader adoption of electronic notarization platforms. (Future Market Insights)
Number of Mobile Notaries: Over 4.4 million notaries operate across the U.S., from employees to independent mobile services to those affiliated with larger organizations. Notable companies in this space include NotaryCam, OneNotary, and Superior Notary Services. These larger providers have gained market share through technology integration and expanded service offerings, though independent mobile notaries still make up most of the industry. (Future Market Insights)
Mobile Notary Profit Margin: Mobile notary businesses typically maintain gross profit margins between 65-75%, with net profit margins ranging from 25-35% after accounting for travel expenses, insurance, and other operating costs.
Startup Stories
Also See: Ideas for Naming a Notary Business
Costs To Start a Mobile Notary Business
Starting a mobile notary business typically requires between $2,000 and $5,000. This range includes basic equipment, licensing, and initial operating expenses. The lower end represents a basic setup focused on traditional notary services, while the higher end includes traditional and remote online notarization equipment.
Here are some of the larger expenses you’ll encounter when starting a mobile notary business:
Training and Certification: Notary training programs and state certification fees usually cost between $100 and $500. This includes required education courses, exam fees, and background check expenses.
Equipment and Supplies: A professional mobile notary generally invests $1,000 to $2,500 in basic equipment. This includes a notary seal, record book, printer/scanner combo, reliable laptop or tablet, and secure document storage solutions.
Insurance and Bonding: Professional liability insurance and notary bonds typically range from $300 to $800 annually. Most states require notaries to maintain a surety bond, and additional insurance protects against potential claims.
Remote Online Notarization Setup: For those offering digital services, technology setup costs range from $500 to $1,500. This includes software subscriptions, digital certificates, and identity verification tools.
These estimates provide a general idea of startup costs, though actual expenses will vary.