Remote Notary vs. Mobile Notary: Which Side Hustle Is Right for You?

Quick answer

If you want maximum flexibility and low startup costs, a remote notary side hustle lets you notarize documents online from home using your computer and webcam. It’s ideal for freelancers who already work digitally and want to add a zero-upfront service. A mobile notary, on the other hand, meets clients in person at their location—great if you enjoy driving, local networking, and don’t mind travel time or vehicle costs. Your choice depends on your schedule, budget, and comfort with technology or face-to-face service.

For a step-by-step guide to launching a remote notary business with no upfront costs, check out Remote Notary Side Hustle: Launch a Zero-Upfront Notary Business Using Your Freelancer Skills. It walks you through legal setup, platform selection, and client outreach—perfect for freelancers ready to expand their income streams.

What is a remote notary?

A remote notary (also called an online notary) notarizes documents digitally using secure audio-video technology. You verify a signer’s identity through knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or credential analysis, then witness them sign the document via webcam. The entire process happens online, often through platforms like Notarize, DocVerify, or Pavaso.

Remote notarization is legally recognized in most U.S. states, though requirements vary. You’ll need a computer, reliable internet, a webcam, and a digital certificate from your state. Once approved, you can notarize documents for clients anywhere in your state—or even across state lines if your state allows remote online notarization (RON) reciprocity.

What is a mobile notary?

A mobile notary travels to clients’ homes, offices, hospitals, or other locations to notarize documents in person. You bring your notary seal, journal, and identification tools, then complete the notarization on-site. Mobile notaries often serve real estate agents, law firms, hospitals, and individuals who can’t travel.

To become a mobile notary, you’ll need a valid notary commission, a reliable vehicle, and basic supplies like a journal and seal. You may also need errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, depending on your state. Unlike remote notaries, you set your own travel fees, which can add to your earnings—but also to your expenses.

Remote notary vs. mobile notary: key differences

Choosing between remote and mobile notarization isn’t just about preference—it’s about how each model fits your lifestyle, budget, and income goals. Below is a clear comparison to help you decide which side hustle aligns with your freelance skills and constraints.

Which side hustle fits your freelance life?

Your ideal notary side hustle depends on three things: your current skills, your available time, and your financial runway. Let’s break it down.

If you’re a digital freelancer with limited time

Remote notarization is the natural fit. You already work online, manage digital tools, and value flexibility. With no commute and no travel costs, you can add notarizations between client calls or after hours. The low startup cost means you can test the waters without risking much upfront.

For example, if you’re a virtual assistant, graphic designer, or copywriter, remote notarization lets you expand your service offerings without leaving your workspace. You can even bundle notarization with existing services—like notarizing contracts for your VA clients or legal documents for your copywriting gigs.

If you’re ready to launch but unsure where to start, Remote Notary Side Hustle: Launch a Zero-Upfront Notary Business Using Your Freelancer Skills walks you through the exact steps—from state approval to platform selection and client outreach. It’s designed for freelancers who want a clear, actionable roadmap without guesswork.

If you enjoy local networking and don’t mind driving

Mobile notarization might be the better choice. It’s ideal if you like meeting people, building local relationships, and don’t mind the logistics of travel. You’ll spend time on the road, but you can also charge travel fees, which can boost your earnings per signing.

For instance, real estate agents, loan officers, and attorneys often need mobile notaries for closings, affidavits, and power-of-attorney documents. If you live in a busy urban area or near a hospital, demand can be steady. However, your income depends on how well you market yourself and how efficiently you manage your schedule.

If you’re unsure about demand in your area

Start with remote notarization. It’s easier to scale, and you can test demand without committing to travel. Many remote notary platforms let you sign up as a notary and start accepting assignments immediately. If you find that local demand is higher than expected, you can always add mobile services later.

How to get started: next steps for each path

Once you’ve decided which model suits you, here’s what to do next.

For remote notaries

• Check your state’s RON laws. Not all states allow remote online notarization. Visit your state’s notary regulating agency website to confirm eligibility and requirements.
• Apply for your notary commission. If you’re not already a notary, submit your application, pay the fee, and complete any required training or exams.
• Get a digital certificate. Some states require a digital certificate from an approved provider to perform RON.
• Choose a RON platform. Sign up with a platform like Notarize, DocVerify, or Pavaso. These platforms connect you with clients and handle the technical side of remote notarization.
• Set up your workspace. Ensure you have a quiet, well-lit space with a reliable internet connection and a high-quality webcam.
• Market your services. Add notarization to your freelance offerings, list your services on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, and let your existing clients know you’re available for remote notarizations.

If you’re overwhelmed by the setup process, Remote Notary Side Hustle simplifies the entire journey. It includes checklists, email templates for client outreach, and troubleshooting tips for common tech issues—so you can focus on growing your business, not figuring out the details.

For mobile notaries

• Get your notary commission. If you’re not already a notary, apply through your state’s regulating agency. Some states require additional training for mobile notaries.
• Purchase supplies. Buy a notary seal, journal, and any state-required identification tools. Consider E&O insurance to protect yourself from liability.
• Set your travel fees. Research local competitors to determine a fair travel fee. Some notaries charge per mile, while others use a flat rate.
• Create a simple website or listing. Use platforms like NotaryRotary, 123Notary, or even Facebook Marketplace to advertise your services. Include your service area, fees, and contact information.
• Network locally. Reach out to real estate agents, law firms, hospitals, and title companies. Offer to notarize a document for free in exchange for a testimonial or referral.
• Track your expenses. Keep receipts for mileage, supplies, and insurance. These are tax-deductible and help you understand your true earnings.

Common challenges and how to solve them

Remote notary challenges

• Tech issues. Poor internet connection, webcam malfunctions, or platform glitches can disrupt signings. Always have a backup device and a mobile hotspot ready. Test your setup before each signing.
• Identity verification failures. Some signers struggle with knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions. Be patient and guide them through the process. If they fail, you may need to reschedule or use an alternative verification method.
• Low client volume. Remote notarization is still new to many people. Market your services consistently, and consider offering discounts for first-time clients to build your reputation.

Mobile notary challenges

• Last-minute cancellations. Clients may cancel or reschedule, leaving you with wasted travel time. Charge a cancellation fee for no-shows or short-notice changes.
• Unpredictable income. Demand can fluctuate based on season, local events, or economic conditions. Diversify your client base by serving multiple industries (e.g., real estate, legal, healthcare).
• Vehicle costs. Gas, maintenance, and wear-and-tear add up. Track your mileage and expenses to ensure your travel fees cover your costs.

Who is the remote notary ebook for?

If you’re a freelancer looking to add a flexible, low-cost side hustle, Remote Notary Side Hustle: Launch a Zero-Upfront Notary Business Using Your Freelancer Skills is designed for you. It’s not a generic guide—it’s a practical, step-by-step resource for people who:

• Want to start a notary business with no upfront costs beyond state fees.
• Already work online and want to expand their service offerings without leaving their workspace.
• Need a clear, actionable roadmap—not theory or fluff—to get their first clients and notarizations.
• Are comfortable with basic technology but need help choosing the right RON platform and setting up their workspace.
• Want to integrate notarization into their existing freelance business, whether they’re a VA, designer, writer, or consultant.

The ebook includes real-world examples, email templates for client outreach, and troubleshooting tips for common tech issues. It’s for freelancers who want to launch quickly, avoid costly mistakes, and start earning—not just read about it.

Final decision: which side hustle should you choose?

Here’s a quick way to decide:

• Choose remote notarization if: You want a digital, flexible side hustle with low startup costs, no travel, and the ability to scale quickly. It’s ideal for freelancers who already work online and want to add a zero-upfront service.
• Choose mobile notarization if: You enjoy driving, local networking, and in-person service. It’s a good fit if you live in a high-demand area and don’t mind the logistics of travel and vehicle costs.

If you’re leaning toward remote notarization but feel unsure about the setup, Remote Notary Side Hustle gives you the exact steps to launch with confidence. It’s the resource you need to turn your freelance skills into a profitable, flexible side hustle—without the guesswork.

Frequently asked questions