What’s the Difference Between Mobile, Electronic, and Remote Notaries?

For better or for worse, the world is becoming more digital. That means more convenience, but it also means deciphering new terminology and technology. The traditional notarial ceremony using ink and paper is going digital too. Regardless of the type of notarization needed, busy customers now have various options to get those field trip slips, real estate closing packages, and other documents stamped by a notary.

Here’s a breakdown of the ways notaries connect with their customers today, how much their services usually cost, and how you can find one.

Three Common Ways to Get a Document Notarized

There are three ways notaries provide their services: 

• Mobile notarizations
• In-person electronic notarizations 
• Remote online notarizations

What is a mobile notary? 

A mobile notary travels to clients to perform traditional notary services in person. Mobile notaries are most commonly used in loan signings, but they may also travel to perform general notary work. There’s no technology involved with a mobile notary, but this option provides convenience to the customer by coming to them. 

Because remote and electronic notaries are still relatively new in most states, mobile notaries are often considered the default first option in certain scenarios. 

For instance, if a buyer or seller of a property can’t make it to the title company’s office to finalize the transaction, a mobile notary signing agent will be sent to the client. They might meet at the client’s home, office, or in a coffee shop to sign critical closing documents. 

How much does a mobile notary charge?

For general notary work, notaries usually charge a fee per stamp plus travel fees. Depending on the state, the notarization fee can range anywhere from $2.50-$15.00. 

Travel fee restrictions might be set by mileage or time traveled and may range from $0.20- $0.35 per mile or $15-$30 per hour. Many states, however, don’t set a restriction on the travel fee, but the customer must agree to the cost before scheduling the signing. 

Average total costs for a mobile notary to complete a common jurat or acknowledgment ranges from $35-$50.

For real estate transactions, the fee for the mobile loan signing agent can range anywhere from $75-$250, but this fee is part of the closing costs. 

Need a notary now? Request a mobile or remote notary from ProperSign!

🚨 Important Facts about Mobile Notaries

• In some states, an attorney is required to present at or perform loan signings, so mobile notary signing agents aren’t available everywhere. 

• Most states allow notaries to charge an additional fee for travel in addition to the notarization fee.
• North Carolina prohibits travel fees.

What is an electronic or eNotary? 

An electronic notary or eNotary performs either some or all of the notarization with technology. With electronic notarization, paper is replaced by tablets and laptops, eSeals replace ink stamps, and signers may use a stylus, mouse or choose a unique font to apply their signature. 

What is IPEN? 

IPEN stands for In-Person Electronic Notarization. Electronic notaries still perform the notarization with the signer physically present and follow the traditional steps to notarize a document, including checking the signer’s identification and administering a verbal ceremony. However, the signer will electronically sign the document, and the notary will apply an electronic seal or eSeal. 

When is an electronic notary used? 

Electronic notarization is most commonly used in a hybrid digital closing. Consumers are unlikely to find a mobile notary offering this option, but some title companies, real estate law firms, or financial institutions may use some aspects of this kind of technology when executing certain documents. 

🚨 Important Facts about Electronic Notarization

• Electronic notarization and remote notarization are often used interchangeably but may have slightly different connotations. 
• While eSignatures are explicitly approved by every state, electronic notarization doesn’t have expressed approval in every state. 
• Real estate documents that have been notarized using this method are usually permitted only in counties authorizing eRecording under specific regulations or as a result of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or Uniform Property Electronic Recording Act.  

What is a remote online notary? 

Like an IPEN, remote online notarization (RON) uses electronic signatures and seals to execute documents, but additional identity proofing measures are required, and the remote video session is recorded. Remote online notaries connect with customers online with specialized software like ProperSign to complete the notarization. 

📰 Related Reading: How Does Remote Online Notarization Work? 

Not all states have approved remote online notarization, but that doesn’t mean that consumers in those states are out of luck if they’d prefer to get their documents notarized that way. The state rules only apply to the notaries commissioned there. Thanks to interstate recognition, a client’s documents will still be valid as long as the notary follows the laws of their commissioning state. 

How much does an online notary cost?

Like traditional notarization, the costs of a remote online notarization vary from state to state. In most states, notaries are allowed to charge up to $25 to help offset the investment in technology. 

🚨 Important Facts about Remote Online Notarization

• The cost of RON is dependent on which state the notary is located, not the signer.
• In Maryland, notaries are capped at $4 for RON, the lowest of any state. 
• Signers must pass a Knowledge-Based Authentication or KBA check and scan their license or passport before conducting a remote online notarization. 

Find a mobile or remote notary

Find a mobile or remote notary now! ProperSign can connect you with the right kind of notary to complete common types of notarizations like jurats and acknowledgments as well as real estate documents. You can choose between a traditional in-person experience or a digital one. Fill out our form with more information and receive a quote based on your needs within one business day. 

This content is provided for informational purposes only. PropLogix, LLC (PLX) is not a law firm; this content is not intended as legal advice and may not be relied upon as such. PLX makes no representations as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this content. PLX may reference or incorporate information from third-party sources, upon which a citation or a website URL shall be provided for such source. PLX does not endorse any third party or its products or services. Any comments referencing or responding to this content may be removed in the sole discretion of PLX.