Bank of America does not offer free notary services to customers or the public
Bank of America branches do not have notaries on staff, and the bank does not provide notarization as a service—free or paid. If you need a document notarized, you cannot walk into a Bank of America branch and have it done there. This applies to all account holders, regardless of account type or balance.
The confusion often arises because some banks do offer notary services, but Bank of America is not one of them. You will need to find a notary through another source, which may or may not cost money depending on where you go.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America branches do not employ notaries and do not offer notarization services at any location.
- Free notary services are sometimes available through your state's Secretary of State office, public libraries, or credit unions you belong to.
- Private notaries charge between $5 and $25 per signature, depending on location and whether they travel to you.
- Some title companies and real estate offices will notarize documents for free if the document relates to a transaction they are handling.
Where to find a notary without paying
Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a directory of notaries and sometimes offers notarization for free or at a low cost. Call or visit the office in your state capital to ask whether they notarize documents directly or can refer you to a free option.
Public libraries in many states offer free notary services to patrons with a library card. Call your local branch before you go, because not all libraries have a notary on staff and hours vary. Some libraries require an appointment.
If you belong to a credit union, check whether it offers notary services. Many credit unions provide this for members at no charge, even if you do not have an account with them—though some restrict it to their own members. Call ahead to confirm.
When you will pay for notarization
Private notaries charge per signature, typically between $5 and $25 depending on your state and the complexity of the document. If the notary has to travel to you—your home or workplace—expect to pay a travel fee on top of the per-signature charge, usually $10 to $50.
You can find private notaries through an online search for "notary public near me" or through services like the National Notary Association's directory. Many notaries work from UPS stores, FedEx locations, or title companies. Some are independent and work from home or will meet you at a coffee shop.
Real estate transactions often include free notarization because the title company or closing attorney notarizes documents as part of the closing process. If you are refinancing a mortgage or buying property, ask your lender or title company whether notarization is included.
What documents need notarization
A notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature on a document. Common documents that require notarization include powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, property deeds, and some legal declarations. Your lender, attorney, or the organization requesting the document will tell you if notarization is required.
Not all signatures need notarization. Many everyday documents—contracts, rental agreements, medical forms—do not require it. Check the document itself or ask the person or organization requesting it whether a notary is actually necessary before you spend time finding one.
How to prepare for a notary appointment
Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize a document if you cannot prove your identity. Bring the unsigned document itself; the notary will watch you sign it and then add their seal and signature.
If you are using a private notary, confirm the fee and payment method before the appointment. Some accept cash only, others take cards. Ask whether they charge extra for travel or for documents with multiple pages or signatures.
Do not sign the document before you meet the notary. The notary must witness your signature. If you have already signed, the notary will refuse to notarize it and you will need to get a new copy of the document.
Notarization at other banks
Some banks offer notary services to customers, but availability varies widely. Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank have notaries at some locations but not all. If you bank elsewhere, call your branch and ask whether a notary is available. Even if one is, the bank may charge a fee or restrict the service to account holders.
Do not assume your bank offers this service just because another bank does. Call your specific branch to confirm before making a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized online?
Some states allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature over video. This is not yet available in all states, and the document must be one that your state law permits to be notarized remotely. Check your state's Secretary of State website or ask the organization requesting the notarization whether remote notarization is accepted.
What if I need notarization after hours or on a weekend?
Private notaries sometimes work evenings and weekends, though they may charge extra for off-hours appointments. Search online for "24-hour notary" or "weekend notary" in your area. Some UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries available during extended hours, but call first to confirm.
Do I need to notarize a document if the other person does not require it?
No. Notarization is only required if the document itself states it is required or if the person or organization requesting the document asks for it. If you are unsure, ask the recipient whether notarization is necessary before you pay for it.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the signer is not acting of their own free will, if they cannot verify your identity, or if the document appears fraudulent or illegal. A notary cannot notarize a document they drafted or have a financial interest in.