Mobile Notary vs. Online Notarization (RON): Which One Do You Need?
New York now gives you two convenient ways to get a document notarized without hunting down a bank branch: a mobile notary who travels to you, or Remote Online Notarization (RON) over a secure video call. Both are legal, both are binding — but they fit different situations. Here's how to choose.
What is a mobile notary?
A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who comes to your location — home, office, hospital, nursing home, or the coffee shop on your corner. You sign physical documents with wet ink, the notary verifies your government-issued photo ID in person, and stamps the paper on the spot. In Brooklyn and Queens, mobile visits typically involve a travel fee (ours starts at $50) plus New York's $2-per-signature state fee.
What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?
RON is a video-call notarization. You connect with a New York–commissioned notary over a secure platform, your identity is verified electronically, and the document is signed and notarized digitally. New York authorized RON by statute, and the result is a legally valid electronic notarization. Ours starts at $25 for the first document, plus $5 for each additional signing in the same session — and while our notaries operate from within New York State, the service works for signers located anywhere in the world (for signers outside the U.S., the document must relate to a U.S. matter, property, or transaction).
When a mobile notary is the right call
- Wet-ink requirements: some recipients — courts, certain agencies, some banks and title companies — still require physical, ink-signed originals.
- Signers who aren't tech-comfortable: an in-person visit is easier for elderly signers or anyone without a reliable device and connection.
- Hospital, nursing home, and end-of-life documents: being physically present matters, both legally and personally.
- Group signings: several signers in one place, one visit, done.
When online notarization (RON) is the right call
- Speed: no travel time — often bookable and done within the hour.
- Distance: you're outside NYC, out of state, or abroad, and need a New York notarization.
- Digital documents: the recipient accepts (or prefers) electronic notarization.
- Late-night, low-fuss signings: one signer, one document, no reason to leave the couch.
The one question that decides it
Ask the party receiving your document what they accept. If they require a wet-ink original, book a mobile visit. If electronic notarization is accepted, RON is usually faster and cheaper. Not sure? Text us the document type and we'll tell you which route makes sense — before you pay for anything.
Need a notary in Brooklyn or Queens — or online? The Coffee Shop Notary is available 24/7. Walk-ins from $20, online from $25, mobile visits from $50.
Book Your AppointmentFrequently asked questions
Is online notarization legal in New York?
Yes. New York State authorized Remote Online Notarization by statute, and electronically notarized documents are legally valid when done through a compliant process.
Which is cheaper — mobile or online?
Online is usually cheaper for a single document ($25 first document with us, versus a $50+ travel fee for mobile). Mobile can win for group signings, since one travel fee covers everyone at the appointment.
Do I still need ID for online notarization?
Yes — your identity is verified electronically during the session, so have your valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID ready either way.