Most banks offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank and branch
Many banks have notaries on staff or can direct you to one, but it is not may provide. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically have notaries available at most branches during business hours. Credit unions and smaller regional banks may not, or may offer the service only at certain locations. The fastest way to know is to call your branch directly and ask whether a notary is available and whether you need an appointment.
If your bank does not have a notary, you have other options: UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some shipping centers offer notary services for a fee. Many state and county courthouses also have notaries available free or for a small charge. Some title companies and real estate offices will notarize documents as part of their business, though they may prioritize their own clients.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch before you go—notary availability varies by location and many branches require an appointment.
- You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and the document you want notarized; the notary will not notarize blank documents or ones you have not yet signed.
- Banks typically do not charge for notary services if you have an account with them, but fees at UPS stores and other commercial notaries usually range from $5 to $15 per signature.
- The notary will watch you sign the document in front of them and then add their seal and signature—this takes a few minutes and proves you signed it willingly.
What to bring when you go to get something notarized
Bring your valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see proof that you are who you say you are. Bring the actual document you need notarized, already filled out but not yet signed. Do not sign it before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign it.
If the document requires multiple signatures or if multiple people need to sign it, all signers must be present with their own ID. Some documents specify which notary language must appear on them—if yours does, bring a copy of that requirement so the notary knows exactly what to write.
How the notarization process works
The notary will ask you to confirm your identity and verify that you are signing the document of your own free will, not under pressure. They will watch you sign it. Then they will add their official seal (a stamp or embosser), write the date, and sign the document themselves. This creates a record that a trained, licensed notary witnessed you sign it and confirmed your identity.
The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. Some notaries will ask you questions about what the document is for—this is normal and part of their job. They are not judging the content; they are confirming that you understand what you are signing and that you are doing it willingly.
Bank notary fees and what to expect
If you have an account at the bank, notary services are usually free. If you do not have an account, the bank may charge a small fee or may decline to notarize for non-customers. Call ahead to ask.
Commercial notaries at UPS stores, FedEx Office, and independent notary services typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, depending on your location and the complexity of the document. Some charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature. Courthouse notaries are often free or charge $1 to $5. If cost is a concern, calling around before you go can save you money.
When you cannot use a bank notary
Notaries cannot notarize documents for themselves or for immediate family members in most states. If you need a document notarized and the notary at your bank is related to you, you will need to find a different notary. Some documents also require a certified copy rather than a notarized signature—these are different things. A certified copy is made by a government office and stamped as an official copy of the original. A notarized signature just proves you signed something in front of a witness.
If the document specifies that it must be notarized by a notary in a particular state or county, you will need to use a notary licensed in that location. A notary from another state cannot notarize it, even if they are a licensed notary where they live.
Documents commonly notarized at banks
Power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, and property deeds are among the most common documents notarized at banks. Mortgage lenders often require notarized signatures on closing documents. Some states require notarized signatures on wills, though not all do. If you are unsure whether your document needs to be notarized, check the document itself—it will usually say "notarize" or "have notarized" near the signature line, or it will include a section labeled "Notary Public" or "Notarization".
Banks will not notarize documents that are blank, that you have already signed, or that ask the notary to verify information they cannot personally confirm. They also will not notarize documents that appear to be fraudulent or that involve illegal activity.
What happens after notarization
Once notarized, the document is ready to submit wherever it needs to go—to a court, a government agency, a lender, or another party. The notary seal and signature prove that the document was signed in front of a licensed notary who confirmed your identity. Most organizations that require notarization will accept it as proof that the signature is genuine.
Keep a copy of the notarized document for your records. If you lose it and need another copy, you will have to get the document notarized again—the notary does not keep copies on file for you to retrieve later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a notary at my bank, or can I go anywhere?
You can go anywhere. Use your bank if it is convenient and you have an account there, but UPS stores, FedEx Office, courthouses, and independent notaries are equally valid. The notary's license is what matters, not where they work.
What if I need something notarized but I do not have a photo ID?
Most notaries will not proceed without a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to get a state ID card or passport first. Some states allow alternative forms of identification in rare cases, but this varies—call the notary ahead of time to ask.
Can a notary refuse to notarize something?
Yes. Notaries can refuse if the document is blank, already signed, or if they suspect fraud or illegal activity. They can also refuse if you do not have proper ID or if you appear to be signing under duress. This is part of their legal responsibility.
How long does a notarized document stay valid?
Notarization does not expire. Once a document is notarized, it remains notarized. However, some organizations that require notarization may have their own rules about how old a notarized document can be before they will accept it—usually six months to a year. Check with the organization requesting the notarization.
Can I notarize a document online or by mail?
Some states allow remote notarization using video conferencing, but this is not yet available everywhere and not all banks offer it. Traditional in-person notarization is still the standard. Ask your bank whether they offer remote notary services.