Same-Day and Emergency Notary Services: How to Find One Fast

Quick answer: For same-day notarization, your best options are a mobile notary (1-3 hour response, $75-$200), remote online notarization (immediate, $25-$50), or a walk-in storefront notary ($5-$15). For true after-hours emergencies, mobile notaries and RON platforms are often available evenings and weekends.

Your Options for Same-Day Notarization

When you need a document notarized today, speed and availability matter more than cost. Here are your options ranked by how quickly you can get it done:

1. Remote Online Notarization — Available Now

Time to completion: 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish Cost: $25 to $50

Remote online notarization (RON) is the fastest option because there is no travel, no scheduling, and no waiting. You connect with a notary via video call from your computer or phone, verify your identity digitally, and sign electronically.

RON platforms like Notarize and Proof have notaries available on demand, including evenings and weekends. Most sessions can begin within minutes.

Best for: Digital documents, situations where speed is critical, after-hours needs, signers in different locations.

Limitations: Not all states allow RON for all document types. Some documents (particularly real estate deeds in certain states) still require in-person notarization. Check our state-by-state RON guide for availability.

2. Walk-In Storefront Notary — During Business Hours

Time to completion: 15 to 30 minutes (including travel) Cost: $5 to $15

If you can get to a storefront notary during business hours, this is the cheapest same-day option. UPS Store, FedEx Office, and many shipping/office supply stores have notaries on staff.

How to find one fast:

Call your nearest UPS Store — most locations have notaries, but not always available every day
Check bank notaries — if you have an account, most banks offer free notarization
Use FindNotary.io and filter by your city to find the closest option

Best for: Simple documents during business hours when you can travel.

Limitations: Walk-in availability is not guaranteed. Always call ahead. Not available evenings, weekends, or holidays.

3. Mobile Notary — Comes to You

Time to completion: 1 to 3 hours from booking Cost: $75 to $200 (includes travel fee)

A mobile notary travels to your home, office, hospital, or any other location. For same-day requests, most mobile notaries can arrive within 1 to 3 hours during business hours. Evening and weekend availability depends on the notary.

How to book fast:

Search your city on FindNotary.io
Call or text 2-3 mobile notaries to find the first available
Confirm the total cost (per-act fee + travel fee) before booking

Best for: When you cannot travel, need after-hours service, have multiple signers, or need the notary at a specific location (hospital, care facility, jail).

Limitations: Higher cost than walk-in options. Availability varies — popular time slots (lunch hour, after 5pm, Saturdays) may be booked.

Emergency Notarization Situations

Some situations cannot wait. Here is how to handle the most common emergencies:

Hospital Notarization

If someone is hospitalized and needs a document notarized urgently — a power of attorney, medical directive, or will — a mobile notary is your best option. Most mobile notaries are experienced with hospital visits.

What to know:

Call the mobile notary and explain the hospital situation upfront
The patient must be alert, lucid, and able to understand what they are signing
The notary will need to get through hospital security and check-in — allow extra time
Cost: $100 to $200 for a hospital visit
Some hospitals have a notary on staff — call the front desk to check

After-Hours and Weekend Notarization

Many mobile notaries work evenings and weekends, though at premium rates. Expect to pay $100 to $200+ for after-hours service.

If the document can be done electronically, remote online notarization platforms are available 24/7 and cost a fraction of an after-hours mobile notary.

Jail or Correctional Facility

Mobile notaries regularly handle jail visits, but the process takes longer due to security procedures. Budget $150 to $300 and call the facility in advance to understand their visitor/notary policies.

Deadline-Driven Documents

If a document must be notarized by a specific date (court filing deadline, contract expiration, real estate closing date), do not wait until the last day. But if you are already at the deadline:

First try RON — fastest option, available immediately
Second try a walk-in — call UPS Store or your bank before going
Third book a mobile notary — explain the deadline when you call; most will prioritize rush jobs for an additional fee

How Much Does Same-Day Notarization Cost?

Same-day and rush service typically costs more than scheduled appointments. Here is what to expect:

Service	Standard Rate	Same-Day/Rush Rate
Walk-in storefront	$5–$15	Same (no rush fee)
Bank notary	Free (account holders)	Same (no rush fee)
Remote online (RON)	$25–$50	Same (on-demand pricing)
Mobile notary (daytime)	$50–$100	$75–$150
Mobile notary (evening/weekend)	$75–$150	$100–$200
Mobile notary (holiday/late night)	$150–$250	$200–$300

See our complete notary cost guide for detailed pricing by state and service type.

Tips for Getting Notarized as Fast as Possible

Have everything ready before you call. Document printed, all fields filled in (except signatures), valid ID in hand. See our complete checklist of what to bring.
Try RON first if speed is your top priority and the document can be signed electronically.
Call, don’t email. When booking a mobile notary for same-day service, a phone call gets a faster response than a contact form.
Be flexible on location. If you can meet the notary partway (at their office or a central location), they may be able to fit you in sooner and charge less.
Know your state’s rules. Some documents cannot be notarized via RON in certain states. Check before starting the process to avoid wasting time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized on Sunday?

Yes. Mobile notaries and RON platforms are often available on Sundays. Walk-in locations like UPS Store and banks are typically closed on Sundays. Expect to pay a weekend premium for mobile notary service.

Is there a 24-hour notary service?

RON platforms like Notarize are effectively 24/7. For in-person notarization, some mobile notaries advertise 24-hour availability, though late-night fees can be $200+. In major cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and New York City, late-night mobile notaries are more common.

How fast can a mobile notary get to me?

In urban areas, 1 to 2 hours is typical for same-day requests during business hours. In suburban or rural areas, 2 to 4 hours is more realistic. For guaranteed fast service, book through a signing service rather than an individual notary — they have larger networks.

Can I get a notary at my home?

Yes. That is exactly what a mobile notary does — they come to your home, office, or any other location. Use FindNotary.io to find mobile notaries in your area.

What if it’s a holiday and I need a notary?

RON is your best bet for holidays. If you need in-person notarization, mobile notaries may be available but at premium rates ($150-$300+). Plan ahead when possible — holiday notary availability is limited.

Need a notary right now? Search FindNotary.io to find the nearest notary in your city. Browse mobile notaries for same-day service, or try remote online notarization for the fastest option.

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