How to Choose a Mobile Notary: 8 Things to Look for

When you need a document notarized, you're placing important legal paperwork in the hands of a stranger. Whether it's a power of attorney, a will, real estate documents, or adoption paperwork, you want someone who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and easy to work with. Mobile notaries travel to your home, office, hospital, or senior living community, making it easier to have important documents notarized when traveling is difficult or inconvenient. If you search online for "mobile notary near me," you can choose from a list in your area.

What criteria should you use to find a notary you can trust to handle your documents correctly?

Notaries are required to take a certain amount of training in Virginia, right? No. As of 2026, Virginia does not require notaries to complete a training course or certification before getting their commission. While many notaries voluntarily pursue professional education, others begin practicing with little or no formal instruction. Most mobile notaries operate a small business, but they are also public servants, commissioned by the state. And most notaries maintain a website or Google Business Profile where they provide information about their services, experience, and credentials. Most consumers want a notary who is ethical, knowledgeable, and experienced. Here are eight things their marketing material should display.

1. The website should identify the actual notary.

Is the notary's name listed on the website? Is it one person or several? This is a big one and that's why it's first. You will always see the company name on their website or Google Profile, but is the notary's actual name displayed? Although there may be exceptions, consumers should expect a notary business to clearly identify the commissioned notary by name. As the consumer, you should know who you're dealing with. Is the business comprised of one person or more? Without a name listed, you can't verify their notary commission. The client has a right to know who is coming to their home. When scheduling, you should also ask whether the person you're speaking with is the same person who will show up for the job.

2. Check that the notary has an active commission. What date does their commission expire, and how can you verify it?

We all assume the notary has an active commission, but you might want to confirm that. Although not every notary publishes their commission dates online, many do. If not, don't hesitate to ask. You can verify a notary's commission by visiting the Secretary of the Commonwealth and entering their name or commission/registration number in the search box.

3. The notary should show the training programs they've completed and the extent of their experience.

In order to become a commissioned notary public, you simply apply for your commission; the state of Virginia does not require notary training before issuing the commission. That means training and experience can vary considerably from one notary to another. If you are buying, selling, or refinancing your home, you should find out whether the notary has completed loan signing agent training. Ask how many real estate transactions they have handled. The notary should be familiar with the documents that most commonly appear in real estate packages. If you're signing your living trust documents, the notary should have taken training and have experience with trust documents. Inexperience can lead to mistakes that delay real estate closings or require documents to be signed again. A newly commissioned notary isn't necessarily a poor choice, but experience matters--especially when handling estate planning documents, hospital signings, or real estate transactions. Consider asking how long the notary has been commissioned and whether they regularly notarize the type of documents you have.

4. Scan the notary's online reviews.

Be sure to scan the notary's reviews on Google, Yelp, or other notary listing platforms. Look for answers to these questions: Did the notary arrive on time? Were they patient? Were fees exactly as quoted? Were they responsive throughout the process? Were they familiar with the type of appointment you need, such as a hospital visit or estate planning signing?

5. The notary should provide their phone number and email address.

Do not presume that every notary company will provide a phone number or an email address. Some business owners would rather not receive emails or phone calls and instead prefer to be completely automated. They ask that you book an appointment using their online calendar. Rarely is a document ever the same; there are a number of variables at every signing. Everyone's circumstances are different, so certain details should be discussed before the appointment. An experienced notary asks screening questions when scheduling the appointment so that everyone is prepared. There are crucial questions they need answers to in advance--questions regarding witnesses, forms of ID to be used, and the signers alertness, coherence, and willingness. A quick conversation beforehand can prevent unexpected problems from arising at the signing table.

6. If you need a hospital signing, the notary should be experienced with bedside notarization.

If you need a bedside notarization at the hospital, you should confirm that the notary is familiar with hospital protocols. Do they have experience working with patients and their families during what is often a stressful time? The notary should be able to communicate with medical staff, if needed, and be comfortable determining whether the patient is alert, coherent, and willing to sign their documents.

7. The notary should be familiar with requirements for document witnesses.

Certain estate planning documents, such as a will and advance medical directive, require two witnesses in addition to the notary. Ask whether the notary is familiar with your state's witness requirements for the type of document you're signing. Some mobile notaries can help coordinate witnesses, while others expect the client to provide them.

8. Notary fees: Pricing structure should be clear and follow state guidelines.

According to the Code of the Commonwealth of Virginia, notaries may charge up to $10 per notarization plus a reasonable travel fee, and the fees must be agreed upon prior to the appointment. (The $10 fee applies to each notarial act--not to each signature on the document. For example, if one acknowledgment notarizes two signatures together, it is still one notarial act.) Some notaries have a simple and straightforward pricing structure with no added fees at all, while others charge add-on fees: weekend, after-hours, or waiting fees. Virginia law establishes the maximum fee for a notarial act but does not specifically address optional charges such as weekend, after-hours, or waiting fees. If additional fees apply, they should be clearly explained beforehand.

Summary: Choosing the Right Mobile Notary for Your Needs

To summarize, a trustworthy notary should be transparent about their identity, their commission dates, qualifications, reviews, contact information, and fees. If you leave the website with more questions than answers, you may want to keep looking. If you need a hospital appointment, the notary should also be familiar with bedside notarization and the requirements for witnesses. A little research before scheduling your appointment can save time, prevent unexpected surprises, and you'll be in a much better position to choose someone you can trust.