5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Mobile Notary

Vetting Your Notary

You've found a mobile notary online. They have a nice website and good reviews. But before you confirm the appointment, a quick phone screening can save you a lot of trouble. Ask these five questions to ensure they are the right fit for your needs.

1. "Are you bonded and insured?"

In California, all notaries are required to have a $15,000 surety bond. This protects the public, not the notary. However, a serious professional will also carry Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance (usually $100,000 or more). This covers financial damages if the notary makes an honest mistake. Hiring an insured notary shows they take their profession seriously.

2. "What are your travel fees?"

Notarization fees are set by the state ($15/signature), but travel fees are not. Some notaries charge a flat rate; others charge by the mile. Ask for a total quote upfront so there are no surprises when they arrive.

3. "Do you have experience with [Your Document Type]?"

Not all documents are the same. A Power of Attorney or a Trust Transfer Deed is more complex than a simple permission slip. If you have a specialized document, ask if they have notarized one before.

4. "What forms of payment do you accept?"

Don't assume they take credit cards. Many independent mobile notaries are cash/check/Venmo only. Knowing this in advance prevents an awkward scramble for an ATM.

5. "What ID do I need to bring?"

A good notary will usually volunteer this information, but if they don't, ASK. You don't want them to arrive only to tell you that your expired license isn't acceptable. (Hint: In CA, it must be current or issued within the last 5 years).