What's in That Notary Bag?
Updated: Jun 9, 2022
As a mobile notary, my day is different from day to day. On days when I don't have any appointments, I can be found working from home writing blog posts or social media posts, doing book keeping work, marketing for new prospects, and yes, once in awhile being lazy lol!
On days when I have clients to tend to, I need to make sure my notary bag is ready for whatever the day might bring. What does a mobile notary keep in his or her bag? The list below is what I generally keep in mine and is a good starting point for new notaries wondering what they'll need in theirs.
Pens, lots of pens! When doing loan closings, many lenders and title companies prefer their documents be signed with blue ink, some prefer black ink and others have no preference. I use blue the most, by far.
Bic Round Stick Blue Pens - long lasting and inexpensive in case I leave them behind
Bic Round Stick Black Pens - see above
Blue Gel Pens - I prefer gel pens to write with personally and have found these to be long lasting and inexpensive.
Black Gel Pens - see above
Notary Journal The Modern Journal of Notarial Events is my favorite thus far. It has check boxes and a list of the most common documents in a loan package to make tracking notarizations easy. I always have a couple extra on hand for when I fill one so I don't have to wait if the supplier is on back order.
Notary Stamp I got my stamp when I first became a notary from the National Notary Association. I ordered a second; in case one breaks, I can keep working!
Replacement Ink Pads Loan closings generally have a bunch of documents where notarizations need to take place so my notary stamp gets a workout and eventually the ink dries up. I keep a couple of these replacement pads in my bag.
Inkless Thumbprint Pad I keep this compact ink pad in my bag for when I ask signers to provide their thumbprint along with their signature in my journal as proof that they appeared before me to have their signature notarized.
File Folder This folder holds all my receipts for purchases, invoices, shipping receipts, notarial certificates, rescission calendar and any other papers I need to keep safe in my bag. Makes for finding stuff easy come tax time.
Paper clips & binder clips (small & large)
Receipt book Sometimes a client will ask for a receipt for my notary services. I utilize this when I need to provide a receipt. It's carbon-less so I have a copy as well.
Sticky notes If I need to make a note of something on a document or a loan package, I can write the note and stick it on the appropriate page or on the front of the document(s). They also make a good bookmark in my notary journal so I can quickly flip to the next open space!
Sticky Flag Tabs If I ever need to mark someplace on a document to have the signer sign their name or to initial, I use these.
Notary Handbook This is a great book if I ever need to look something up in a pinch if I am not sure of something. The NNA has them for all 50 states.
Clipboards These are handy if I am ever at a location that does not have a good surface to sign and stamp documents.
Business Cards & Frequent Customer Cards I design and print my business & rewards cards using VistaPrint.
Aside from the above items, I keep a bin in my car with extra pens, shipping envelopes, paks and shipping label holders for FedEx and UPS. You can order supplies from both when you set up a free account and they will send the materials directly to your home or office.