Becoming a notary can feel overwhelming. Not because the job is complicated, but because the internet is flooded with supply lists, “starter kits,” and expensive tools that look important but don’t actually help you earn more money or tell you what notary supplies you need.
The truth?
You don’t need most of what people say you do.
And the supplies you do need depend on the type of notary work you’re doing:
- General notary work
- Mobile notary work
- Loan signing agent work (LSA)
As a single parent, time and money matter even more. So this guide cuts through the noise and gives you a realistic, honest list of the tools that actually matter, and which ones you should skip.
We also recommend you check out our guide on How to Become a Mobile Notary for Under $150.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
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SECTION 1: Essential Notary Supplies You Need (Traditional + Mobile + LSA)
These are the absolute must-haves, no matter what kind of notary you decide to be.
1. Notary Stamp (Required in Every State)
This is your official seal. You legally cannot perform notarizations without it.
What you want:
- Crisp impression
- Long-lasting ink
- State-compliant design
Recommended Gear:
Skip: Fancy stamp sets with “bonus pouches.” Total upcharge.
2. Notary Journal (Even If Your State Doesn’t Require It)
Even in states where journals are optional, you should ALWAYS use one.
Why:
- Protects you legally
- Keeps your records clean
- Essential for loan signing work
Recommended Gear:
Skip: Digital-only journals unless your state explicitly allows them.
3. Black and Blue Pens
Notaries burn through pens. They might be simple, but they are one of the most essential notary supplies you need.
Recommended Gear:
Skip: Designer pens or calligraphy sets. No client cares.
4. ID Verifier Tools
You MUST check IDs properly.
Recommended Gear:
- UV Light for ID Security Features (Amazon)
- Portable Magnifier Card (Amazon)
- Slim Flashlight (Amazon)
Skip: Electronic ID scanners — unnecessary and expensive.
5. Thumbprint Pad (State Dependent)
Required in CA and recommended everywhere else for safety.
Recommended Gear:
6. Basic Office Supplies
You will always need:
- Sticky notes
- Highlighters
- Paper clips
- Binder clips
Recommneded Gear:
- Mixed Office Supply Kits (Amazon)
- Sticky Note Multicolor Packs (Amazon)
- Mini Stapler and Staples (Amazon)
SECTION 2: Mobile Notary Supplies You Need (Everything You Need to Work in the Field)
Mobile notaries travel to clients: at homes, offices, hospitals, jails, coffee shops, etc.
Here’s what you actually need:
1. Notary Travel Bag (Your “Office in a Bag”)
Non-negotiable. You need something durable, organized, and professional.
Recommended Gear:
- Lockable Briefcase (Amazon)
- Structured Laptop Tote (Amazon)
- Backpack with File Compartments (Amazon)
Skip: Rolling carts. They’re bulky and unnecessary unless you’re ONLY doing LSAs.
2. Locking Document Bag
Florida requires secure transport. Even if your state doesn’t, USE ONE.
Recommended Gear:
- Fireproof, Locking Document Pouch (Amazon)
- Sets of two for multi-appointment days
3. Portable Clipboard or Signing Surface
You won’t always have a clean table to use.
Recommended Gear:
4. Portable Scanner (Optional but Helpful)
For some mobile notary jobs, you may need to scan IDs or documents afterward.
Recommended Gear:
5. GPS Phone Mount + Chargers
You’re driving constantly. Keep your phone stable and charged.
Recommended Gear:
6. Cash Bag or Zippered Pouch
For collecting travel fees and signatures safely.
Recommended Gear:
7. “Emergency Appointment Kit”
Always keep a small kit for:
- Hand Sanitizer (Amazon)
- Wipes (Amazon)
- Extra Pens (Amazon)
- Sticky Notes (Amazon)
- Breath Mints (Amazon)
Clients notice professionalism.
SECTION 3: Loan Signing Agent (LSA) Notary Supplies You Need
Loan signing agents handle thick mortgage packets.
This part of the guide saves you hundreds of dollars by telling you what’s necessary and what is absolutely NOT.
1. Dual-Tray Laser Printer (Your #1 Tool)
This is non-negotiable if you’re handling loan signings.
You MUST be able to print:
- Letter size
- Legal size
- Automatically switch trays
Recommended Gear:
- Brother Dual-Tray Laser Printer (gold standard)
- High-Yield Toner Cartridges (Amazon)
- Legal-Size Paper Packs (Amazon)
Skip: Inkjet printers. They are TOO SLOW and TOO EXPENSIVE per page.
2. High-Speed Scanner
Some title companies require same-day scans.
Recommended Gear:
Skip: All-in-one printer scanners — too slow + jam-prone.
3. Portable File Organizer or Sorting System
Helps you prep:
- Borrower copy
- Lender copy
- Title copy
- Originals
Recommended Gear:
4. Blue & Black Gel Pens (LOTS of Them)
Loan documents often require blue ink for signatures.
5. Large Desk or Folding Signing Table
You’ll sometimes work in spaces without proper surfaces.
Recommended Gear:
6. Office Chair + Desk Setup (For Home Prep)
Even if you’re mobile, you’ll spend time prepping docs.
Recommended Gear:
SECTION 4: Supplies You Don’t Need (Avoid These Wastes of Money)
These are the things notary newbies buy because they “look official,” but they add ZERO value:
1. Notary Starter Kits with Fluff Items
Most contain unnecessary fillers:
- Embossers
- Stamps you won’t use
- Decorative cases
Always buy your stamp + journal separately.
2. Expensive Briefcases
Clients don’t care what your bag looks like — they care about your professionalism.
A $40 bag performs the same as a $150 leather tote.
3. Embossers (In Most States)
Unless your state mandates them, embossers:
- Slow you down
- Aren’t needed
- Add bulk to your bag
Stamps are faster and universally accepted.
4. Fancy Pens or Fountain Pens
Clients often write fast and messy. Fancy pens smudge signatures.
Stick to:
- Quick-dry gel pens
- Bulk packs
5. Business Card Holders or Heavy Branding Items
A simple stack of cards is fine.
Don’t overspend.
6. Overpriced Rolling Carts
Useful ONLY if you’re doing 5+ loan signings per day.
For beginners, they’re unnecessary.
7. High-End ID Scanners
These $200+ machines are gimmicks.
Your UV light and eyes are enough.
SECTION 5: Optional Notary Supplies You Need To Make Your Life WAY Easier
Not required, but game-changers:
1. Portable Label Maker
For:
- Organizing forms
- Prepping loan packets
- Labeling borrower copies
Recommended Gear:
2. Document Page Flags
Life-saver for LSAs:
- Flag signature pages
- Flag note pages
- Speed up appointments
Recommended Gear:
3. Ring Light (If Doing Remote Online Notary)
Improves video quality and makes you look more professional.
Recommended Gear:
4. Portable Battery Pack
If your phone dies, you’re done for the day.
Recommended Gear:
5. Car Seat Organizer
Mobile notary version of a mini office.
Recommended Gear:
SECTION 6: “One-Bag Setup” – The Perfect Mobile/LSA Kit
Here’s a complete list of notary supplies you need to help readers buy everything at once.
- Stamp
- Journal
- Pens
- Clipboard
- Document bag
- Travel bag
- Phone charger
- Sticky notes
- ID tools
- Hand sanitizer
- Legal/letter paper
- Printer toner
- File organizer
FAQ
What notary supplies do you need really?
A stamp, journal, pens, ID tools, and basic office supplies.
What do mobile notaries need?
A travel bag, locking document pouch, clipboard, phone mount, and emergency supply kit.
What supplies do loan signing agents need?
A dual-tray printer, legal-size paper, blue pens, file organizers, and a high-speed scanner.
What supplies should notaries avoid buying?
Embossers (in most states), expensive starter kits, rolling carts, and high-end ID scanners.
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