Getting a document notarized and stuck on various notarization methods? This is one of the most common issues that people face nowadays. As different notarization methods have been used, people are confused, which one is right for them. With multiple notarization methods available for individuals, including mobile notary, and online notary, many people get easily confused between them.
According to the American Financial Services Association, more than 1.25 billion documents are not filed every year. On the other hand, online notarization transaction volumes have increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. The report further highlights that the adoption of remote online notarization after the pandemic rose by 547%.
As people have moved from traditional notarization practices to online notary services, it has become essential for people to understand the significant difference between a mobile notary and an online notary.
In this article, we will break down both kinds of notarization practices and highlight the significant advantages and disadvantages for you. This will help you to understand the best notarization practice for your documents.
What is a Mobile Notary?

A mobile notary is a notarization service where the notary comes to your place. This kind of notarization service works best if you need an in-person notarization, but are unable to visit the notary public.
This kind of service works incredibly well whenever you need an urgent in-person notarization, especially for those who are located in remote areas. However, the service comes with its own disadvantages, including limited availability and travel fees. Let’s understand it better.
Advantages of a Mobile Notary:
Let’s understand the major advantages of using mobile notary services.
- Customize service
This kind of notary service works perfectly for those who require in-person notarization.
- Flexibility for the customer
In this type of notarization practice, the customer doesn’t need to travel; instead, the notary comes to their location.
- Ideal for real estate documents
Many legal documents, including real estate transactions, require with signature and a witness. These kinds of notarization require in-person identification and a witness. Thus, mobile notary service works best here.
Major disadvantages of Mobile Notary:
Here is the list of major disadvantages of having mobile notary services:
- Limited Availability
Sometimes, getting a mobile notary becomes difficult as scheduling the right time with them becomes an issue.
- Weekend Unavailability
Many notary services are not available during the weekend, and if you require a notarization during such times, it becomes frustrating.
- Expensive
Another significant disadvantage of using a mobile notary service is the extra travel fee that you need to pay to the notary.
- Time Consuming Process
From scheduling the notary to the notarization, this process is time-consuming. So if someone requires an urgent notarization, this process is not for them.
What is an Online Notary?

Coming to an online notary platform, which performs notarization remotely. In this kind of notarization process, the notary and the customer meet using an online notarization platform like eNotary On Call.
The notarization is carried out by a secure video conferencing, where the notary confirms the identity of the signer and initiates the process. The document is securely notarized and sent to the customer.
Major Advantages of Online Notary Services
Let’s understand why online notary services are becoming popular among customers.
- Fast and Efficient
If you need an urgent notarization of your legal documents, this kind of notary service works for you. You can get a notary within five minutes.
- 24×7 Notary Services Available
Irrespective of your time zone, you can always get your document notarized at any time.
- Cheap Notary Service
While mobile notary service requires the customer to pay extra expenses for the travel of the notary, the customer can save a huge amount of money using an online notary service.
- 24×7 Customer Support Availability
Whether you are a business or a customer, having human support always brings extra credibility to the work. Using a reputable notarization platform like eNotary On Call can help you understand the notarization process better.
Mobile Notary Vs Online Notary: Major Difference Between These Two Notarization Practices
We have already understood what Mobile Notary and Online Notary are, but it’s time to highlight their significance so that you can understand better. Here is the list of things that can be used to discriminate between the two.
Feature | Mobile Notary | Online Notary |
Location | In person, a Notary needs to travel to your requested place | Remote via video conferencing |
Availability | Limited hours | 24/7 availability |
Cost | Notarization cost includes travel fees | Starts with $25 |
Tech Required | No | Yes (not difficult though) |
Convenience | Medium | High |
Legal Acceptance | Widely accepted | Widely accepted |
Which One is Right for You?
Now, coming to the main question, which one is right for you? If you want urgent notarization, then you must choose online notary services as your desired option. Here, all your urgent requirements will be met instantly. Whether you are at your home and living in the hills, you can get instant notarization services.
On the other hand, if your document requires in-person notarization or wet signing and you don’t wish to travel, you can use Mobile Notary services.
Final Verdicts
Choosing Mobile Notary or Online Notary services is entirely up to the customer’s needs. However, when considering the two, people often choose Online Notary Services as it is easy and convenient. Moreover, you can get your document notarized at a very cheap price.
If you are looking for a trusted online notarization platform that can handle all your legal documents, you must choose eNotary On Call for all your notarization needs. Sign up now!!