Mobile Notary vs. Bank Notary: What’s the Difference in Texas?

Understanding Access, Flexibility, and Limitations for Your Notarization Needs

Need a document notarized in Texas? You’re not alone—and you have options. While many people default to visiting their local bank, a growing number are turning to mobile notary services for added convenience, flexibility, and expertise.

But what’s the difference between a mobile notary and a bank notary—and how do you know which one is right for your situation?

Let’s break it down.

What Is a Bank Notary?

A bank notary is a commissioned notary public who offers services at a financial institution—usually to assist customers with banking-related documents. Many large banks (such as Chase, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America) offer notary services for free or a small fee to their account holders.

Limitations of bank notaries include:

• Availability only during bank hours (typically 9–5, Monday–Friday)

• Service is often limited to bank-related forms

• May refuse to notarize certain documents (wills, POAs, real estate closings, etc.)

• No flexibility for location or after-hours service

If you're not a customer or your document falls outside the bank’s policy, they may decline to notarize it entirely.

What Is a Mobile Notary?

A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to your location—whether that’s your home, office, hospital room, or coffee shop—to notarize your documents.

Mobile notaries are independent professionals who provide flexible, on-demand service for a wide variety of personal, legal, and real estate documents.

Advantages of mobile notaries include:

• After-hours, evening, and weekend availability

• Appointments at your preferred location

• Experience with a wider range of documents

• Professional attention to complex or time-sensitive paperwork

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Bank Notary	Mobile Notary
Availability	Bank hours only	Evenings, weekends, holidays
Location	In-branch only	Any location you choose
Eligibility	Often customers only	Open to anyone
Document Types	May refuse legal/estate docs	Handles real estate, POAs, etc.
Flexibility	Very limited	High flexibility
Special Requests	Not typically accommodated	Jail, hospital, apostille, etc.

Documents Bank Notaries May Decline to Notarize

• Power of Attorney (especially for medical or financial purposes)

• Wills and trusts

• Loan documents and real estate transactions

• Apostille-required documents

• Jail or hospital signings

• International consent forms

Why Mobile Notary Services Are Preferred for Complex Needs

In today’s fast-paced, mobile world, clients often need services that meet them where they are—literally and legally. Whether it’s an urgent signing in a hospital, an after-hours loan closing, or a time-sensitive apostille request, mobile notaries offer the expertise and availability banks often can’t match.

Serving the Greater Dallas–Fort Worth Area

As a mobile notary based in Tarrant County, I serve:

• Dallas

• Fort Worth

• Arlington

• Denton

• Mansfield

• Frisco

• Plano

• And nearby areas

I provide mobile services 7 days a week, including evenings and holidays, to accommodate your schedule and location.

If you need a simple notarization during business hours and you’re already a customer, a bank notary may be sufficient. But if your situation calls for convenience, flexibility, privacy, or document expertise, a mobile notary is the better choice.

Need a mobile notary in DFW? Contact me today for professional, flexible notarization delivered wherever—and whenever—you need it.