Driving for Dollars: The Notary’s 2026 Mileage Guide
As a mobile notary, your vehicle is your office. In 2026, every mile you don’t track is money lost. Here’s how to maximize your deductions and stay audit-ready.
2026 IRS Mileage Rates
The IRS has increased the standard business mileage rate for 2026 to show rising vehicle costs.
| Category | 2026 Rate (per mile) |
| Business Use | 72.5 cents |
| Medical/Moving | 20.5 cents |
| Charitable Service | 14.0 cents |
The Bottom Line: At 72.5 cents per mile, driving just 5,000 miles for signings this year creates a $3,625 tax deduction.
What Can You Deduct?
Don’t miss these common notary trips:
- Signings: Travel to a client’s home, office, or hospital.
- Drop-offs: Trips to FedEx, UPS, or Title offices.
- Supplies: Driving to get paper, toner, or stamps.
- Education: Travel to notary seminars or networking events.
Pro-Tip: If you have a qualified home office, your first trip of the day is deductible. Without one, the IRS considers that first trip a non-deductible “commute.”
Essential Record-Keeping
To follow IRS Publication 463, your log must include:
- Date of the trip.
- Destination (Client name or location).
- Business Purpose (e.g., “Refinance Signing”).
- Mileage (Total miles or start/end odometer readings).
Top Tracking Apps for 2026
- MileIQ: Best for “swipe-to-classify” simplicity.
- Everlance: Best for tracking both miles and expense receipts.
- Hurdlr: Best for real-time tax estimates.
- MyCarTracks: Highly rated in 2026 for reliable background tracking.
Disclaimer: I am a notary, not a tax professional. Consult a CPA or visit IRS.gov for specific guidance.
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