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Mobile Notary vs. Notary Signing Agent vs. Remote Online Notary: What's the Difference?
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- Published: March 1, 2022
Mobile Notary vs. Notary Signing Agent vs. Remote Online Notary: What's the Difference?
Last updated: August 2026
A Mobile Notary, a Notary Signing Agent, and a Remote Online Notary (RON) are not the same role. All three require an active notary commission, but they differ in what they do, where they work, and what extra qualifications they need.
Quick answer: what's the difference?
| Role | Where it happens | Extra requirements beyond a notary commission |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Notary | Travels to the signer's location | None — just a commission and, in some states, travel fee disclosure |
| Notary Signing Agent | Travels to loan/real estate signings | Background screening, signing-specific education, certification; some states require a title or closing agent license |
| Remote Online Notary (RON) | Fully online, via live audio-video | State-specific RON registration, bond, insurance, and approved technology platform |
What is a Mobile Notary?
A Mobile Notary is a commissioned notary who travels to the customer's location to perform standard notarizations, instead of requiring the customer to come to them. A notary can perform mobile work anywhere within the state where they hold their commission.
Can a Mobile Notary charge a travel fee? In many states, yes. Rules vary by state, so check your state's specific guidance before charging a travel fee.
Florida example: Florida notary law does not set a fixed travel fee amount. In the absence of a statutory rate, a notary may charge a reasonable travel fee as long as the requester is told the fee amount before the travel occurs, and the fee must be billed separately from the notarization fee itself.
What is a Notary Signing Agent?
A Notary Signing Agent (NSA) is a commissioned notary who specializes in notarizing loan and real estate documents, often traveling to the signer's location to do so. Unlike a general Mobile Notary, becoming a Signing Agent typically requires:
- A background screening
- Signing Agent–specific education on loan document procedures
- Certification confirming that training
Some states also require a Closing Agent license, Title Insurance license, or other specialized credential, and Signing Agent work is restricted or regulated differently from state to state. Check with your state's notary governing authority to confirm current requirements before taking on Signing Agent work.
What is a Remote Online Notary (RON)?
A Remote Online Notary performs notarizations entirely online, using live audio-video technology when the signer is in a different physical location than the notary. Through a secure, approved platform, the RON verifies the signer's identity, applies a digital signature and seal, and records the transaction with a compliant RON service provider.
RON is not authorized in every state, and requirements vary significantly where it is allowed. Confirm with your state's notary governing authority whether RON is permitted and what qualifications apply.
Florida RON requirements (current as of 2026)
To register as a Remote Online Notary in Florida, you must already hold an active Florida notary commission, then:
- Complete a state-approved course covering RON duties, obligations, and required technology
- Obtain a $25,000 RON bond (separate from your standard notary bond)
- Obtain a Notary Errors & Omissions insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $25,000
- Select a RON technology provider that complies with Florida law
- Complete the RON registration form and submit it with the $10 state registration fee
Because requirements can be updated by the state, confirm current details with the Florida Department of State or your notary provider before applying.
Do these roles have anything in common?
Yes. Despite the differences in setting and requirements, Mobile Notaries, Notary Signing Agents, and Remote Online Notaries all share the same core purpose: verifying identity, ensuring willingness and awareness, and providing a trustworthy, impartial witness to a signing — the foundation of all notarial work.
Questions about becoming a Mobile Notary, Signing Agent, or RON?
Contact the Notary Public Underwriters Customer Care Team — we're happy to help you figure out which path fits your goals.