Not all banks have notaries, and the ones that do often limit notary services to account holders only
Many banks employ notaries, but it is not universal. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase typically have notaries on staff at most branches, though availability varies by location and time. Credit unions, smaller regional banks, and online-only banks may not have notaries at all. Even when a bank does employ a notary, they frequently restrict the service to customers with an account at that bank, and some charge a fee—usually $5 to $15 per document—while others offer it free to members.
The fastest way to find out whether your bank has a notary is to call your branch directly and ask. Do not assume based on the bank's name or size. A branch five miles away might have a notary while yours does not, or your branch might have one but only during certain hours. If your bank cannot help, you have other concrete options that do not require a bank account.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch directly to ask if they have a notary and whether the service is free or costs money.
- Many banks limit notary services to account holders, so you may need to bring your debit card or account number.
- If your bank has no notary, check your state's Secretary of State website for a list of notaries in your area, many of whom work from storefronts or home offices.
- UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some Staples branches offer notary services to the public for a fee, usually $5 to $15 per signature.
- Some professions—lawyers, real estate agents, title companies—employ notaries and may notarize documents for free or low cost as part of their business.
How to check if your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you have your account or the branch closest to you. Ask whether they have a notary on staff, what the hours are, and whether you need an appointment. Be specific: some branches have a notary only on certain days or during limited hours. If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak with a manager or the branch administrator.
If you do not have an account at that bank, ask whether they will notarize documents for non-customers. Many will not. If they will, ask whether there is a fee and what documents they can and cannot notarize. Some banks refuse to notarize certain types of documents—for example, powers of attorney or loan documents—because of liability concerns.
Write down the name of the person you spoke with, the date, and what they told you. If you show up and are turned away, you will have a record of what was promised.
When your bank cannot help
If your bank has no notary or will not serve you, the next step is to search your state's notary registry. Every state maintains a list of commissioned notaries, usually on the Secretary of State's website or through a searchable database. Search by your city or zip code. Most notaries work independently—from home offices, small storefronts, or as part of another business like a law firm or title company.
Call ahead before you go. Ask about hours, whether they need an appointment, what they charge per signature, and what forms of ID they accept. Most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some will come to you for an additional travel fee, which is useful if you are housebound or need notarization at an unusual time.
Retail notary services: UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples
UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in most cities have notaries on staff. You do not need to be a customer, and you do not need an appointment at most locations, though calling ahead is wise during busy hours. The cost is typically $5 to $15 per signature. Hours vary by location, but many are open evenings and weekends, which makes them useful if you cannot visit a bank during business hours.
Staples has notary services at some locations but not all. Check the Staples website or call your local store to confirm they offer notarization before you go. The fee is similar to UPS Store and FedEx Office.
Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them and will then stamp and sign it. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.
Free or low-cost notary options
Some notary services are free or nearly free if you know where to look. Many public libraries employ notaries or maintain lists of notaries in the area. Call your local library and ask. Some offer the service free to cardholders; others charge a small fee or refer you to a notary nearby.
Real estate agents, title companies, and mortgage lenders often have notaries on staff. If you are buying or selling property, the title company will notarize documents as part of the closing process at no extra charge. If you are refinancing a mortgage, your lender's office may notarize documents for free.
Lawyers frequently notarize documents for clients at no charge. If you are working with an attorney on any matter, ask whether they can notarize what you need.
What to bring when you get a document notarized
Bring the unsigned document and a valid photo ID. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will then add their notary stamp, signature, and the date. Some notaries will also ask you to initial each page.
Do not sign the document before you meet the notary. The notary must witness your signature. If you have already signed, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a new copy.
If the document requires notarization on multiple pages or multiple signatures, tell the notary upfront. Some charge per signature rather than per document, so clarify the cost before they begin.
Documents banks and notaries will not notarize
Notaries cannot notarize a document they have a financial interest in. For example, a notary cannot notarize a will that names them as a beneficiary, or a loan document where they are the lender. They also cannot notarize a document if they do not know the person signing it or cannot verify their identity with a photo ID.
Some banks refuse to notarize certain documents out of caution—for example, powers of attorney or documents related to real estate transactions—because they worry about liability if something goes wrong later. If a bank or notary refuses, ask why. If it is a policy issue, they may refer you to another notary who will do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document online?
Some states allow remote notarization, where you sign the document via video call with a notary. The notary watches you sign and then emails you a notarized copy. This is not available in all states and is not recognized everywhere, so check whether the person or organization asking for the notarization will accept a remote notarization before you pursue it.
Do I need to be a customer at a bank to use their notary?
Most banks limit notary services to account holders, though some will notarize for non-customers for a fee. Call your bank and ask. If they will not help, use a retail notary service or search your state's notary registry.
How much does notarization cost?
Costs vary. Banks often notarize for free if you are an account holder, or charge $5 to $15 if you are not. Retail notaries (UPS Store, FedEx Office) charge $5 to $15 per signature. Independent notaries set their own fees, usually in the same range. Some services like libraries or title companies may be free.
What if the notary makes a mistake on the stamp or signature?
Ask the notary to correct it immediately. If they have already left, contact them and ask them to issue a corrected version. If you cannot reach them, you may need to have the document notarized again by a different notary. Keep the original in case you need to show what happened.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
A notary can notarize a document for a family member as long as they do not have a financial interest in the document and can verify the person's identity with a photo ID. For example, a notary can notarize a power of attorney signed by a parent, but cannot notarize a will that names them as a beneficiary.