Traditionally, people requiring legal/notarial services have visited the offices of a notary public to complete their private and business transactional matters.

However, given that approximately 40% of UK workers (around 14 million of the UK workforce) work remotely or hybrid (as of 2025, ONS via Standout CV), it’s no surprise that notary services have had to evolve to meet the needs of clients.

That’s why our mobile notary service offers a convenient notary call-out service across London and nearby areas, bringing a qualified notary to your home or office.

In this blog, we’ll cover the following topics:

  • What is a mobile notary service?
  • Common examples of when mobile notary services may be requested
  • What to expect from a mobile notary appointment
  • How to arrange a mobile notary appointment
  • Mobile notary services vs traditional notarial appointments: advantages and disadvantages 
  • Our mobile notary services: when and where we can meet our private and business clients

What is a mobile notary service?

While many of our clients choose to visit our offices in Victoria and Canary Wharf, London (or, in certain instances, remotely via videoconferencing software), in certain instances, it’s more convenient for a notary public to travel to the client’s home or business premises.

A mobile notary call-out service means that the notary public meets the client outside of the notary’s place of business to perform a notarial service.

The nature of the notarial services is identical to when a client visits a notary public’s workplace, so whether you need a notary visit at the office or a notary who can come to your home or business, the service remains the same.

Common examples of when mobile notary services may be requested 

In modern times, with people living such busy lives, the need for mobile notary services couldn’t be greater. For example, someone who spends most of their working life in an office environment may be unable to take an hour or two out of their busy schedule to travel to a notary public for notarisation of their documentation.

A mobile notary service therefore avoids the potentially awkward conversation between an employee and their manager regarding whether they can put their important work down to travel (potentially lengthy distances, particularly in the more rural parts of the UK) to visit a notary public.

Take another example: A company has a sizeable board of directors who are required to all convene at the registered office address of the company to all sign important documents for a commercial transaction. It may be less convenient for the board of directors to travel to a notary public, as they may need to use this valuable time to conduct a board of directors’ meeting. This is an ideal situation for a mobile notary service visit.

However, mobile notary visits aren’t only suitable for busy office professionals. Consider, for example, an elderly person struggling with their mobility. A mobile notary visit ensures that the client can remain in the comfort of their own home – where they may be being cared for – while the notary public conducts their business.

Another less common but equally important instance is for an individual remanded in prison. At times, a prisoner may require a notary public to notarise a document concerning their affairs outside of the facility.

These examples all highlight the important role of a notary public: We assist in the proper completion of all manner of transactions for all manner of members of our communities. We are, indeed, a public service.

What to expect from a mobile notary appointment

Before a mobile notary service can take place, there’s an element of preparation required of both the notary public and the client.

For the notary public, considerations include:

  • Who is the client? 
  • What document(s) do they require to be notarised? 
  • Which country(ies) will the document(s) be used in?
  • Are there any third parties acting for the client in another jurisdiction who need to be consulted in relation to the notarisation process (for example, amending a document for their approval before it is signed by the client)?
  • Are there any specific travel arrangements to be put in place (on the basis of distance, time of the appointment)?
  • Will further witnesses, aside from the notary public, be required to attend the appointment?
  • Will the client or other parties need to gather evidence or information for the appointment?

For the client, considerations include:

  • Do I have the identification documents requested from me by the notary public?
  • Can I prove my residential address to the notary public if I’m required to do so (for example, through the provision of a recently issued utility bill)?
  • Is there any other evidence or information that may be useful or necessary?

Once the above (and potentially other factors or questions) have been resolved, the notary public can confirm an appointment with the client and travel to visit them on the day.

So, what will the notary public bring to a mobile notary visit? 

The notary public’s typical equipment will include:

  • The notary public’s seal of office, which will be embossed onto any notarised document;
  • Wafers to affix to the notarised document before it is sealed by the notary public;
  • The notary public’s stamp confirming their personal particulars and contact details;
  • Ribbon to tie and bind each notarised document together (so it can’t be altered); and
  • A pen, which can either be a fountain pen or a regular biro pen. This can be of particular importance as certain jurisdictions may not only insist on a certain type of pen, but also a colour of ink (it’s not uncommon, for example, for Bulgaria to insist on parties signing the documents in a blue-ink pen).

As a client of a mobile notary appointment, you must also be prepared for the notary public to make a photographic copy of each notarised document. This is a key requirement for the notary public to comply with the record-keeping requirements imposed by the Notaries Practice Rules 2019, issued by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury (private form notarial acts must be retained for at least 12 years and public form notarial acts in perpetuity).

How to arrange a mobile notary appointment

Arranging a mobile notary appointment with Notary.co.uk is straightforward and convenient, especially for busy individuals or businesses. 

Start by contacting our team via email or the online form for an initial consultation to discuss your documents and preferred time/location. Next comes scheduling your appointment at a location that suits you. We most often visit offices and homes, but we can meet at many other places, such as care homes, coffee shops, film sets, hospitals, prisons, private yachts, sports clubs and theatres.

Once you’ve received prompt confirmation, prepare your documents for the notary’s visit. Our experienced professionals arrive on time with all necessary tools, ensuring a hassle-free process throughout Greater London and beyond. In fact, we can travel to see you anywhere in the country.

Mobile notary services vs traditional notarial appointments: advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of mobile notary services include:

  • Convenience: Clients can continue with their important daily lives when the notary public travels to their doorstep;
  • Communication: While there are many benefits to videoconferencing/remote technologies, face-to-face appointments have the added benefit of providing an easier flow of communication for queries that either the client or notary public may have; and
  • Efficiency: Mobile notary services generally allow the notary public to complete the notarisation at the time of the appointment, so the client receives their notarised documents immediately on completion of the notarisation process (which may be important, given the urgent nature of notarial work).

The disadvantages of mobile notary services include:

  • Costs: Due to the notary public’s travel time, clients should expect an additional call-out fee for notary visits. This covers travel time and expenses, in addition to standard notarisation fees for notarising the documentation; 
  • Change of circumstances: If the notary public is confronted with a change to the requirements of the notarisation only at the time of the visit, this could lead to a delay or rescheduled appointment, which could slow down matters; and
  • Unforeseen events: Unfortunately, traffic jams or incidents (among other events) could happen. This could result in a notary public not being able to reach the client on time, thereby delaying or affecting the overall transaction.

Our mobile notary services: when and where we can meet our private and business clients

At Notary.co.uk, we pride ourselves on providing mobile notary services to a variety of private (residential) or business (commercial) clients.

As a trusted mobile notary for businesses in central London, we understand corporate time constraints. We make an effort to understand our clients’ individual needs and requirements to ensure a seamless mobile notary service, so that our clients can carry on unimpeded in their daily lives. 

Our mobile notary service for clients who can’t travel ensures accessibility for elderly, mobility-impaired, or housebound individuals.

Service areas for mobile notary call-outs

While, for the most part, we provide notary call-out visits throughout the central and outer parts of London, we are by no means limited in terms of geographical distances. Our notaries may travel across the south east, including Berkshire, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey or anywhere in the country. We make every effort to meet our clients, no matter how remote their location in England or Wales. 

To book or find out more about our mobile notary services, please contact us by emailing info@notary.co.uk or calling us at 020 7630 1777

FAQs

What is a mobile notary service?

A mobile notary service is when a qualified notary public travels to your home, office, or other location to perform notarial services. Whether you need a notary who comes to your home or a notary visit at the office, the notarisation process remains identical to a traditional appointment at the notary’s premises.

How much does a mobile notary call-out cost in London?

Mobile notary services include an additional call-out fee for notary visits to cover the notary public’s travel time and expenses. This is charged in addition to the standard notarisation fees for your documents. Contact us for a specific quote based on your location and requirements.

How do I arrange a mobile notary appointment?

To arrange a mobile notary appointment, contact us by email at info@notary.co.uk or call 020 7630 1777. We’ll discuss your documents, the countries they’ll be used in, and confirm your identification requirements before scheduling a convenient time to visit your home or office.

Do you provide mobile notary services outside of central London?

Yes, while most of our notary call-out visits are in London and nearby areas, we’re not limited by distance. We serve clients throughout central and outer London, and will travel to more remote locations across England and Wales to meet your needs.

Who typically uses a mobile notary service for clients who can’t travel?

Our mobile notary service for clients who can’t travel is ideal for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals, busy professionals who can’t leave the office, company directors requiring board meetings, and even individuals in prison who need notarial services for their personal affairs.