Most banks offer notary services, but not all branches do and not all documents may have access to
Many banks do notarize documents, but availability depends on your bank, your specific branch, and what you need notarized. Some large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase offer notary services at most locations. Credit unions and smaller regional banks may not. Even if your bank does notarize, they typically notarize only documents related to banking or financial matters—not general legal documents like powers of attorney or real estate deeds.
The fastest way to find out is to call your branch directly and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether they can notarize your specific document. Do not assume based on bank size or your relationship with them. Some branches have a notary available during business hours only; others may require an appointment or charge a fee (usually $5 to $15 per signature).
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch before you go in—not all branches have a notary, and some require an appointment.
- Banks typically notarize only documents tied to banking or financial transactions, not general legal paperwork.
- You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to be notarized.
- If your bank cannot notarize, check with your county clerk's office, a local law firm, or a UPS Store or FedEx location—many offer notary services.
- Notarization takes minutes once you are in front of the notary, but the document itself must be complete and unsigned before you arrive.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Banks notarize documents that involve their own products or services: loan applications, mortgage paperwork, account authorization forms, and affidavits related to account disputes or fraud claims. They will notarize a statement swearing you lost your debit card or confirming your identity for a wire transfer.
Banks typically refuse to notarize general legal documents: wills, powers of attorney, real estate deeds, divorce decrees, or adoption papers. The reason is liability. A notary's job is to confirm your identity and verify that you signed the document willingly—not to judge whether the document itself is legal or correct. Banks limit their notary work to documents they understand and have a business reason to process.
Call ahead with the exact document name or type. "I need a notary" is too vague. "I need to notarize a financial power of attorney for my bank account" is specific enough that the notary can tell you yes or no.
What you need to bring to get notarized
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will check this to confirm your identity. A Social Security card, birth certificate, or credit card will not work.
Bring the document itself, unsigned and complete. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them. If the document is already signed, most notaries will refuse to notarize it. If it is incomplete (missing dates, names, or signature lines), the notary cannot proceed—you will need to finish it first.
If you are signing on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation of your authority to sign (a corporate resolution, board minutes, or a letter from the organization's owner or officer). Personal documents signed in your own name require only your ID.
How long notarization takes and what it costs
The notarization itself takes 5 to 10 minutes once you are in front of the notary. The notary will ask you to confirm your identity, watch you sign the document, and then add their seal and signature. Some banks charge $5 to $15 per signature; others do it free for account holders. Ask about the fee when you call to confirm they offer the service.
The wait time depends on whether you need an appointment. Some branches have a notary available during regular business hours on a walk-in basis. Others require you to book a time slot, which may mean waiting days if the notary is busy. Call ahead to ask whether you can walk in or need to schedule.
When your bank cannot or will not notarize
If your bank does not offer notary services or will not notarize your specific document, you have several alternatives. Your county clerk's office (often called the recorder's office or register of deeds) can notarize most documents and usually charges $2 to $5 per signature. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and many do not require an appointment.
UPS Store and FedEx locations in most areas have notaries on staff. Fees run $10 to $25 per signature, and you can often book an appointment online. Some law firms offer notary services to the public for a fee, even if you are not a client. Search "notary public near me" to find options in your area.
If you need the document notarized urgently and cannot reach a notary during business hours, some states allow remote notarization over video call. Ask your bank or county clerk whether they offer this option.
What happens after the notary seals your document
Once the notary signs and seals your document, it is complete. The seal (a stamp or embosser with the notary's name, state, and commission number) proves that a notary verified your identity and watched you sign. Courts, government agencies, and financial institutions accept this as proof that the signature is genuine.
Keep the original notarized document safe. Do not lose it or write on it after notarization. If you need copies, make them after the notary has sealed it. Some organizations will accept a photocopy of a notarized document; others require the original. Ask whoever is asking you to get it notarized whether they need the original or a copy.
Notarization does not expire, but the document itself may have an expiration date. For example, a notarized power of attorney may be valid for a set number of years, or a notarized affidavit may be valid only if filed within 30 days. Check the document's instructions or ask the person who requested it.
Common reasons notaries refuse to notarize
A notary will refuse if you cannot produce a valid photo ID, if the document is already signed, if you appear confused or unwilling, or if the notary suspects fraud. Notaries are trained to spot red flags: someone else filling in the blanks, pressure from another person in the room, or a document that does not match your stated purpose.
If a notary refuses, do not argue or try another notary. The refusal usually means something is genuinely wrong with the document or the situation. Ask the notary why they refused, fix the problem, and try again. If you believe the refusal was unfair, contact your county clerk or your state's notary regulatory board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bank notarize a document if I am not a customer?
Some banks will notarize for non-customers; others will not. Call your branch and ask. If they refuse, your county clerk's office will notarize for anyone, regardless of whether you bank there or live in the county. UPS Store and FedEx locations also notarize for the public.
What if I need a document notarized but I cannot leave my house?
Some states allow remote notarization over video call, where the notary watches you sign via webcam and emails you a notarized copy. Ask your bank or county clerk whether they offer this. If not, a mobile notary will travel to your home for a fee (usually $50 to $150 depending on location).
Do I need to notarize a document before I send it to the bank?
Only if the bank asks for it. Read the bank's instructions carefully. Some documents (like loan applications) do not need notarization. Others (like certain account authorizations or fraud affidavits) do. If you are unsure, call the bank and ask before you go to a notary.
Can a notary refuse to notarize something legal?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they suspect fraud, if you cannot prove your identity, if the document is already signed, or if you seem confused or under pressure. A notary's job is to verify identity and willingness, not to judge whether the document is legal. If refused, ask why and fix the problem before trying again.
How do I find a notary if my bank does not have one?
Call your county clerk's office (search "[your county] clerk notary" online). Check UPS Store and FedEx locations near you—most have notaries. Search "notary public near me" for independent notaries. Ask your employer or a local law firm; many offer notary services. Some banks that do not have in-branch notaries may refer you to a partner location.