A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to the signer’s location instead of working from a fixed office. California does not issue a separate “mobile notary” license — any commissioned California notary can do mobile work. The commission itself is the only requirement.
Step 1: Get your California notary commission
Before you can do any notary work — mobile or otherwise — you need a California notary commission from the Secretary of State. The process has seven mandatory steps: education, exam, fingerprinting, application, commission, bond/oath filing, and seal/journal purchase. It takes 4 to 8 weeks total. See our full guide to becoming a California notary.
The first step is completing an SOS-approved 6-hour education course.
Step 2: Get errors and omissions insurance
E&O insurance is not legally required in California, but it is a practical requirement for mobile work. Most signing services and title companies require it before adding you to their roster. Policies run $50 to $150 per year for $25,000 to $100,000 in coverage.
Step 3: Set up your mobile notary business
You need a reliable vehicle, a working printer (for printing documents at the signer’s location if needed), your notary journal, your seal, and a way for clients to find you. Many mobile notaries list themselves on directories like Notary.net, 123Notary, and SigningAgent.com.
What about loan signing agent work?
Loan signing agents are mobile notaries who specialize in real estate closings (refinances, purchases, HELOCs). No additional California license is required. Signing services hire notaries who have completed loan signing training — the NNA and other organizations offer certification courses, though certification is not legally required in California.
Loan signing work pays more per appointment ($75–$200) than general mobile notary work, but volume depends on the real estate market and interest rates.
How much do mobile notaries charge?
California caps notarial fees at $15 per signature (Government Code §8211). Travel fees are separate and unregulated — mobile notaries set their own travel rates. In metro areas like the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Los Angeles, travel fees typically range from $25 to $75 per trip. See our full fee schedule.
Start here
Everything starts with getting your commission. Enroll in the SOS-approved 6-hour education course and complete it at your own pace. Your certificate is generated instantly when you pass the final exam.