Get Real Founder Stories and Practical Frameworks Delivered to Your Inbox Weekly!

Mobile Notary

By: Startup 101
Last Updated: December 20, 2024

Share With Friends

X
Email

$347.2 Million

Annual Revenue

N/A

Number of Businesses (in US)

N/A

Average Annual Revenue

$2,000 - $5,000

Startup Costs

25% - 35%

Average Profit Margin

0 - 5%

Projected Annual Growth

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Get Exclusive Startup Stories and Trending Business Ideas Delivered to Your Inbox

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.

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.

Some (but not all) of the links on StartUp101.com are affiliate links. This means that a special tracking code is used and that we may make a small commission on the sale of an item if you purchase through one of these links. The price of the item is the same for you whether it is an affiliate link or not, and using affiliate links helps us to maintain this website.

StartUp101.com is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Our mission is to help businesses start and promoting inferior products and services doesn’t serve that mission. We keep the opinions fair and balanced and not let the commissions influence our opinions.

Search

READY TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

Get Real Founder Stories and Practical Frameworks Delivered to Your Inbox Weekly!

Get Real Founder Stories and Practical Frameworks Delivered to Your Inbox Weekly!