Why a Scanner Can Make You More Money as a Notary Public Loan Signing Agent

By Mark Wills - Course Instructor of Loan Signing System, NNA Influencer of the Year, and Best Selling Author

I’m frequently asked, “How can I make more money as a notary and get more signing jobs?”

One of the simplest answers might surprise you: have a mobile scanner. As the industry shifts, being able to scan documents directly from the signing location can help you qualify for more signing opportunities, become more valuable to signing services, and stop leaving money on the table.

In this article, I’m going to break down why having a mobile scanner can help you get more notary signing jobs, how to easily scan documents from the signing table or your car, the scanner setup I recommend, and the simple update you need to make to your signing service profiles so companies know you have this capability.

Because remember: having the equipment is one thing. Knowing how to use it to create more signing opportunities is what can actually make you more money.

Why Signing Services Want Notaries Who Can Scan on the Go

The notary industry is shifting. 

More signing services are looking for notaries who have the ability to scan documents directly from the signing location — and if you can’t, you could be losing signing opportunities and leaving money on the table without even realizing it. 

Here’s what I really want you to understand: 

You can execute a PERFECT signing. Every signature is there. Every date is correct. The borrower loves you. 

But if another notary can finish the appointment, scan the documents immediately, get approval, and make the FedEx cutoff while you still have to drive 30–40 minutes home to scan… 

Who do you think is making the signing service’s life easier? 

This is why having a scanner sitting on your desk at home isn’t enough anymore. 
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Being able to scan on the go is becoming an increasingly important part of being a competitive notary signing agent. 

Mobile Scanning Can Open the Door to Estate Planning Work

And this isn’t only about loan signings. 

Estate planning is another opportunity where the ability to scan documents directly from the signing location can be extremely important. 

With certain estate planning appointments, the original trust, will, power of attorney, and other documents stay with the signer. The attorney who prepared those documents may still need copies of the completed documents for their records. 

That means you need the ability to scan those documents right there at the signing location. 

So if you want to expand beyond traditional loan signings and take advantage of additional notary income opportunities, having a mobile scanning setup can open more doors for your business. 

What Is a Mobile Scanner for a Notary Signing Agent?

This is where I see a lot of confusion. 

When I tell notaries they need a mobile scanner, they immediately picture one of those tiny scanners that fits inside a backpack. 
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That’s NOT what I’m talking about! 

Loan packages can easily contain 100+ pages. You don’t want to stand in someone’s dining room feeding a huge loan package through a scanner five pages at a time. 

Mobile simply means your scanner comes with you. 

A standalone desktop scanner can absolutely become your mobile scanner. 
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In fact, if you already have a standalone scanner sitting in your home office, you may already own everything you need. 

Option #1: Bring Your Scanner to the Signing Table

The easiest solution may cost you absolutely nothing. 

Take the standalone scanner you already own and bring it with you! 

Connect your scanner to your phone’s mobile hotspot and plug it into an outlet at the signing location. Once the borrower is finished signing, scan the documents, upload them, and get approval before you leave. 

And don’t overcomplicate asking the signer. 

Simply explain that the signing service has asked you to scan the documents before leaving to make sure everything was signed correctly and nothing holds up their closing. 
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That’s it. 

Option #2: Scan Documents From Your Car

If you don’t want to carry your scanner into the signing appointment, there’s another simple solution: 

Turn your car into your mobile scanning station. 

A small car power inverter can plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt socket and provide an outlet for your scanner. 

Connect the scanner to your phone’s hotspot, plug it into the inverter, and now you can scan the package directly from your car. 
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PRO TIP: Pair your scanner with your phone’s hotspot ahead of time so you’re not reconnecting it at every appointment. 

My Recommended Mobile Scanner for Notary Signing Agents

If you already own a good standalone desktop scanner, start there! 

You don’t necessarily need to go buy another piece of equipment. 

But if you’re a new notary purchasing your supplies or want a scanner dedicated to your mobile setup, I recommend using a standalone desktop scanner that you can easily take with you to appointments. 

You can connect it to your phone’s hotspot and either plug it into an outlet at the signing location or use a small power inverter to run it from your vehicle. 

Join the Loan Signing System's free Staples Advantage Program to get the portable scanner I recommend and receive up to 80% off notary supplies. 

Remember, don’t get caught up in finding something labeled a “mobile scanner.” 
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You’re looking for a reliable standalone scanner that can travel with you and efficiently handle large loan packages. 

IMPORTANT: Tell Signing Services You Have a Mobile Scanner!

Notaries, THIS is the step I don’t want you to skip. 

Buying the scanner isn’t enough. You need to make sure signing services KNOW you have it. 

Go through your signing service profiles and make sure mobile scanning is selected as one of your capabilities. 

Signing services can search for notaries who have this capability. If they need someone who can scan documents from the signing location and your profile doesn’t show that you can do it, you could be missing signing opportunities without ever knowing they were available. 
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So don’t just buy the equipment. Update your profiles! 

A Scanner Is a Tool — What You Do With It Makes You Money

This is the bigger lesson I want every notary to take away from this. 

Sometimes getting more notary jobs isn’t about earning another certification or signing up for another platform. 

Sometimes it’s about looking at what the industry wants and becoming more valuable, more prepared, and easier to work with. 

Scan faster. Make shipping cutoffs. Be prepared for appointments other notaries can’t accept. Make your signing service’s job easier. 

That’s how something as simple as a scanner can help you get more signing opportunities and make more money as a notary public loan signing agent. 

Keep following the steps, keep taking action, and I’ll see you at the top! 

Ready to Get More Notary Signing Jobs?

So there you have it… having a mobile scanner is one simple change that can help you qualify for more signing opportunities, become more valuable to signing services, and stop leaving money on the table. 

But remember, having the right equipment is only one piece of building a successful notary signing agent business. 

You also need to know how to execute a signing correctly, where to find companies that are hiring notaries, how to market yourself, and how to turn those opportunities into consistent income. 

That’s exactly what I teach step-by-step inside the Loan Signing System course. 

I’m Mark, founder of the Loan Signing System, and I’m looking forward to helping you become a top-performing notary loan signing agent! 
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Click the link below if you’re ready to learn how to get more signing jobs and grow a successful notary signing agent business:

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