Bank of America branches offer notary services, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account there
Most Bank of America locations do have a notary public on staff, and they will notarize documents for customers at no charge. Non-customers may also request notary services, though some branches charge a fee (typically $5 to $15 per signature). The catch: not every branch has a notary available at every hour, and some smaller locations do not have one at all.
Before you go to a branch, call ahead. Ask whether a notary is currently available, what documents they can notarize, and whether you need an appointment. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—the notary will need to see it. If the document requires a witness or has specific formatting rules, ask about those too when you call.
Bank of America does not list notary availability online by branch, so a phone call is your fastest route. If your nearest branch does not have a notary or their hours do not work for you, other options exist and may be faster.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America customers get free notary services at most branches; non-customers may pay $5 to $15 per signature.
- Not all branches have a notary on staff, and availability varies by time of day and day of week.
- Call your branch directly to confirm a notary is available before you visit, because the bank does not publish this information online.
- You must bring a valid photo ID; the notary will not notarize a document without seeing it.
- If your branch cannot help you, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and title companies often have notaries available with shorter wait times.
How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch
Start by calling the branch where you want to get a document notarized. Ask for the notary public directly, or ask when the notary is available. Some branches have a notary on-site all day; others have one only during certain hours or on certain days. If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak with a branch manager or the operations manager.
When you call, also confirm what the notary can do. Most notaries will notarize standard documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and loan documents. Some will not notarize certain types of documents—for example, documents related to real estate transactions in some states, or documents the notary suspects are fraudulent. Ask about your specific document type.
If you are a Bank of America customer, mention that when you call. Some branches prioritize customers or offer the service free only to account holders. If you are not a customer, ask about the fee upfront so you know what to bring.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring your original document and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity, then watch you sign the document in front of them. They will add their notary seal and signature, and record the date. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature.
Some documents require the notary to witness your signature; others require the notary to verify that a signature already on the document is genuine. Ask the notary which applies to your document when you arrive. If you are unsure what the document requires, bring it with you when you call the branch, and the notary can tell you over the phone.
Do not sign the document before you see the notary. The notary must watch you sign. If you have already signed it, the notary will usually refuse to notarize it, and you may need to get a new copy.
When Bank of America is not an option
If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary, or their hours do not work for you, other places offer notary services with faster turnaround. UPS stores (The UPS Store locations, not all UPS shipping centers) have notaries at most locations and often have shorter wait times than banks. FedEx Office locations also offer notary services. Title companies, real estate offices, and law offices frequently have notaries available to the public.
Online notary services have grown in recent years and may work if your state allows remote notarization. These services connect you with a notary via video call, and the notary can notarize certain documents without you being in the same room. However, not all states allow remote notarization for all document types, so check your state's rules first.
If you need the document notarized urgently, call ahead to any location you plan to visit. Even places that do not require appointments can have long waits during busy hours, and some notaries take lunch breaks or leave early.
Cost and fees
Bank of America customers receive free notary services at most branches. Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature, though some branches charge more. A few branches do not charge non-customers, so it is worth asking when you call.
Other providers vary. UPS stores typically charge $5 to $25 per signature depending on the state and document type. FedEx Office charges roughly $5 to $15. Online notary services usually cost $25 to $50 per document. Title companies and law offices may charge more, or may offer the service free if you are using them for another service (like a real estate closing).
State-specific rules that affect notarization
Notary rules vary by state. Some states allow notaries to notarize documents for people they know personally; others require the notary to be a stranger to the signer. Some states limit what documents a notary can notarize. A few states have rules about how far away the notary must be from the signer, or whether the signer must appear in person.
If your document is for use in a different state than where you live, mention that when you call the notary. They may know whether your state's rules allow the notarization to be valid in the other state. If they are unsure, ask them to check with their notary commission office, or look up your state's notary rules on your Secretary of State's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a Bank of America account?
Yes. Most Bank of America branches will notarize documents for non-customers, though you may pay a fee of $5 to $15 per signature. Call your branch first to confirm they offer this service and what they charge.
What if I have already signed the document?
The notary will usually refuse to notarize it. Notaries must watch you sign in front of them. If you have already signed, you will need an unsigned copy of the document to bring to the notary.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization process takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature. Wait times at the branch depend on how busy they are. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan.
Can I get a document notarized online through Bank of America?
Bank of America does not offer remote notary services. You must visit a branch in person. Some other providers offer online notarization, but your state must allow it for your document type.
What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?
Notaries can refuse to notarize documents they believe are fraudulent, or documents their state law forbids them to notarize. If this happens, ask the notary why they cannot do it. If it is a state law issue, you may need to contact a lawyer or a title company. If it is a fraud concern, ask what information would reassure them.