Quick Answer
The Brother HL-L2460DW is our top pick for notaries in 2026. Fast laser printing produces crisp, smear-resistant text perfect for legal documents and stamps. Compact size fits any office, and low running costs keep your notary business profitable.
Table of Contents
Top Picks for Notaries
Best Overall
Brother HL-L2460DW
The ideal printer for notary professionals. Fast monochrome laser produces crisp, professional documents that won't smear when stamped. Compact design fits any notary office, and wireless printing adds convenience for busy schedules.
- 36 ppm fast laser printing
- Smear-resistant output for stamping
- Auto duplex for two-sided docs
- Compact footprint
- Low cost per page (~2 cents)
Mobile Notary Pick
HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile
Essential for mobile notaries and signing agents. Battery-powered operation means you can print certificates, acknowledgments, and additional pages at any signing location. Fits easily in your notary bag.
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Print anywhere - homes, hospitals, offices
- Compact 6.3 lb design
- Mobile scanner included
- Handles legal-size paper
Legal Size Pick
HP LaserJet Pro M404dn
Built for notaries handling many legal-size documents. Ultra-fast 40 ppm output and expandable paper capacity handle high-volume signing sessions. Professional laser quality ensures every document looks official.
- 40 ppm blazing speed
- Handles legal-size (8.5" x 14")
- 250-sheet paper tray
- Auto duplex standard
- Expandable to 550 sheets
All-in-One Pick
Brother MFC-L2820DW
Complete solution for notary offices needing print, scan, copy, and fax. Scan signed documents for digital records, copy ID cards, and fax to title companies. All-in-one convenience saves desk space.
- Print/scan/copy/fax
- 50-sheet ADF for copying
- Scan to email/cloud
- 34 ppm laser output
- Network ready
Signing Agent Pick
Canon imageCLASS LBP236dw
Perfect for loan signing agents handling large document packages. Fast output, reliable operation, and professional print quality handle thick mortgage packages. Mobile printing lets you print from signing apps.
- 40 ppm fast printing
- Handles 100+ page packages
- Mobile app printing
- Quiet operation
- Reliable laser technology
What Notaries Need in a Printer
Smear-Resistant Output
Notarial certificates get stamped and embossed immediately after printing. Laser printers produce instantly-dry text that won't smudge when you apply your seal or stamp. Inkjet prints may smear.
Legal Size Capability
Many legal documents use 8.5" x 14" legal-size paper. Your printer must handle this format for deeds, mortgages, and other legal instruments that arrive in legal size.
Reliability
Signing appointments can't wait for printer problems. Laser printers offer superior reliability and don't suffer from dried-out cartridge issues that plague inkjets left idle between signings.
Portability (for Mobile Notaries)
Mobile notaries need printers that travel. Battery-powered portable printers let you print additional pages, replacement certificates, or last-minute documents at any signing location.
Comparison Chart
| Printer | Best For | Type | Speed | Portable | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother HL-L2460DW | Overall value | Laser | 36 ppm | No | $ |
| HP OfficeJet 250 | Mobile notaries | Inkjet | 10 ppm | Yes | $$$ |
| HP LaserJet M404dn | High volume | Laser | 40 ppm | No | $$ |
| Brother MFC-L2820DW | Full-service office | Laser | 34 ppm | No | $$ |
| Canon LBP236dw | Signing agents | Laser | 40 ppm | No | $$ |
Notary Business Buying Guide
Software Integration
Modern printers work with popular notary and signing platforms:
- Notarize/Proof: Print documents from remote online notarization sessions
- Snapdocs: Print closing packages directly from signing orders
- NotaryGadget: Print certificates and journal entries
- SigningOrder.com: Print loan document packages
- Adobe Acrobat: Print PDF documents with precise formatting
Notary Type Guide
Traditional Office Notary
The Brother HL-L2460DW offers fast, reliable laser printing for office-based notaries with steady document flow.
Mobile Notary/Signing Agent
The HP OfficeJet 250 is essential for on-location signings at homes, hospitals, and businesses.
Loan Signing Agent
The HP LaserJet Pro M404dn handles 100+ page mortgage packages with speed and expandable capacity.
Full-Service Notary Office
The Brother MFC-L2820DW adds scanning, copying, and faxing for complete office functionality.
Common Printing Tasks
Notarial Certificates
Acknowledgments, jurats, copy certifications, and other official notarial certificates.
Loan Documents
Mortgage packages, refinancing documents, HELOCs, and closing statements.
Legal Forms
Power of attorney, affidavits, wills, trusts, and other legal instruments.
Real Estate Documents
Deeds, title documents, disclosure forms, and property transfers.
Journal Records
Notary journal entries, record keeping, and commission documentation.
Invoices & Receipts
Client invoices, payment receipts, and business records for your notary service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What printer is best for mobile notaries?
The HP OfficeJet 250 Mobile is ideal for mobile notaries with its built-in battery, compact size, and ability to print anywhere. It handles legal-size documents and produces professional-quality certificates.
Do notaries need a printer that handles legal-size paper?
Yes, many notarial documents and legal forms are on 8.5" x 14" legal-size paper. Choose a printer with legal-size capability to handle all document types you'll encounter in notary work.
Should notaries use laser or inkjet printers?
Laser printers are preferred for notary work because they produce smear-resistant text that holds up to stamping and handling. Laser prints also archive better for long-term document retention requirements.
How fast should a notary's printer be?
For loan signings with 100+ page packages, look for 30+ ppm printers. For general notary work with shorter documents, 20+ ppm is sufficient. Speed matters during busy signing seasons.
What paper should notaries use?
Use 24lb bright white paper for most documents. For certificates that will be retained long-term, consider 28-32lb paper. Always have both letter (8.5" x 11") and legal (8.5" x 14") sizes on hand.
Do I need scanning capability as a notary?
Scanning is valuable for creating digital copies of signed documents, ID verification records, and electronic journal entries. Many title companies now require scanned copies of completed signings.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Printer?
Our top recommendation for notaries is the Brother HL-L2460DW for its speed, reliability, and professional output.
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