Short version: if you can travel and want the lowest cost, choose traditional. If you can't travel or need someone on-site (a hospital room, a closing table), choose mobile. If the document allows it and you'd rather not schedule an in-person visit at all, choose RON. Here's how to know which applies to you.
| Option | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | You can meet in person and want the lowest cost | $10 per act, $25 minimum |
| Mobile | You need the notary to come to you | $10 per act + travel from $60 |
| RON | The document allows remote signing and you'd rather skip travel entirely | $50 typical session |
Choose traditional notarization if...
You're able to meet in person and just need a document signed and notarized without any travel involved. This is the lowest-cost option since there's no travel fee — just the $10 statutory notarial fee per act, with a $25 minimum for an in-office appointment covering up to three acts. See traditional pricing.
Choose mobile notary if...
You need the notary to come to you — a home, an office, a hospital room, a closing table — anywhere in the Greater Richmond Metro. This is common for people who can't easily travel, time-sensitive closings, powers of attorney signed by someone in a care facility, or business documents that need to be signed at a specific location. The tradeoff is a disclosed travel fee, starting at $60 for the first 0-10 miles from Hanover County. See the full mobile notary cost breakdown.
Choose RON if...
The document you're signing is eligible for remote notarization (confirm with whoever is requesting the notarized document, if you're not sure), and you'd rather not schedule any in-person visit at all. RON happens over a secure, recorded video session, works for any signer physically located in Virginia, and typically runs $50 flat for one act and one signer — often cheaper than a mobile visit once travel is factored in, and available on a tighter schedule since there's no drive time involved. Read how RON works and whether it's legal in Virginia (yes, since 2020).
A few situations where the choice is made for you
- The receiving party requires wet-ink, in-person notarization. Some courts, agencies, or institutions still require a physical, in-person notarization regardless of what Virginia law allows. Confirm before assuming RON or mobile will be accepted.
- You're not physically in Virginia. RON under a Virginia commission requires the signer to be physically located in Virginia at the time of the session.
- The signing involves a large loan or real estate package with a settlement agent. These are typically handled as scheduled loan signing appointments rather than a standard traditional, mobile, or RON booking. See loan signing support.
Still not sure?
Send the document type and your situation through the contact form and the right option (and exact pricing) will be confirmed before anything is booked.
Ready to move forward?