What Is the Difference Between a Notary Public and a Mobile Notary?

Most people know the difference between a Notary Public and a Mobile Notary. Some know little about a notary Public and say it relates somewhat to notarizing essential documents. The term Mobile Notary is still unfamiliar to many.

Knowing the difference between them can help you choose the best option for documents related to real estate deals, power of attorney transactions, or various legal validation forms. Heatlacer County Notary Services provides broad traditional and mobile notary solutions. So, let’s understand the differences.

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is an official appointed by the state to serve as an unbiased witness while signing essential documents like contracts, powers of attorney, etc. The primary role of a Notary Public is to prevent fraud and ensure that people involved in a transaction are who they claim to be. This is done through identity verification procedures and a series of necessary formalities.

Typical Duties of a Notary Public Include:

  • Verifying the signers’ identity through valid ID documents.

  • Witnessing the signing of important papers such as wills, deeds, contracts, and affidavits.

  • Administering oaths and affirmations.

  • Notarizing documents using stamps and signing them to confirm their authenticity.

Clients usually interact with a notary at their office, a bank, a law firm, or shipping stores like UPS, where notary services are available during office hours.

What Is a Mobile Notary?

A Mobile Notary is also a commissioned Notary Public, but with one important difference—they come to the client. As the title suggests, mobile notaries meet clients at homes, offices, hospitals, or any other prearranged site to carry out notarial duties. This added flexibility is of immense value for people with restricted mobility, tight schedules, or time-sensitive deadlines.

Key Functions of a Mobile Notary:

  • All core functions of public notaries, including identity checks and notarizing documents.

  • Travel to a client’s chosen location, usually from regular working hours or weekends.

  • Provide greater flexibility for real estate closings, hospital notarizations, jail signings, and other services.

A mobile notary adds more convenience, flexibility, and time value than conventional notary services.

Key Differences Between a Notary Public and a Mobile Notary

Discover the key differences between a Notary Public and a Mobile Notary. If you need to contact us, please call us at (916) 790-6329:

Feature

Notary Public

Mobile Notary

Location

Fixed office or institution (bank, law firm, etc.)

Travels to the client’s chosen location

Scheduling

Limited to business hours

Flexible scheduling, including evenings/ weekends

Convenience

The client travels to the notary

The notary travels to the client’s location

Use Cases

Routine or walk-in services

Quick, home-bound, or at your workplace

Fee Structure

Standardized per state laws

May include additional travel and processing fees. fees