Most banks have notaries on staff, but availability varies by branch and you may need an account
Many banks employ notaries, but not all branches have one available every day. Some banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge a small fee—usually $5 to $15 per signature—for non-customers. Others do not offer the service at all, or only at certain locations. Before you go to your bank, call ahead to confirm a notary is present and ask whether you need an appointment.
The notary's job is to verify your identity, watch you sign a document, and stamp it with an official seal. They do not read the document, give legal advice, or confirm that what you are signing is correct. They only confirm that you are who you say you are and that you signed it willingly.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch before visiting to confirm a notary is available, since many branches have limited notary hours or no notary at all.
- Bank notaries typically charge nothing for account holders and $5 to $15 for non-customers, though some banks do not offer the service.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID and the document you want notarized; the notary will watch you sign it.
- If your bank has no notary or their hours do not work for you, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and county clerk offices often have notaries available.
- Some documents—like powers of attorney or real estate deeds—may require notarization by law in your state, so check before signing.
What to bring when you visit a bank notary
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm you are who you claim to be. Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them; if you sign it before they see you do it, they cannot notarize it.
Do not fill in blanks or make changes to the document after the notary has stamped it. The notary's seal and signature are tied to the version they witnessed. If you need to change anything, you may have to go back and have it notarized again.
Bank notary hours and availability
Most banks staff notaries during regular business hours, but not all day and not every day. Some branches have a notary only on certain days of the week, or only during morning hours. A few large banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo—have notaries at most branches, but even then availability is not may provide. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may have notaries at only one or two locations.
Call your branch directly rather than the main customer service line. The person who answers at the branch will know whether a notary is there that day and whether you need an appointment. Many banks do not require one, but some do, especially if the notary is busy.
Cost of bank notary services
If you have a checking or savings account at the bank, notary services are often free. Some banks charge a small fee even for account holders—$1 to $5 per signature. Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature. A few banks do not notarize for non-customers at all, or only if you open an account.
Ask about the cost when you call. Some banks charge per signature, not per document, so if a document has multiple pages that need notarizing, you may pay more. Confirm the total before you sit down with the notary.
Alternatives if your bank does not have a notary
UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries at most branches. Fees are typically $10 to $25 per signature. Hours are often longer than banks—many are open evenings and weekends—and you usually do not need an appointment. Search "notary near me" online or call ahead to confirm the location has one available.
Your county clerk's office or courthouse also has notaries, usually free or for a small fee of $1 to $5. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays only. Some states allow online notarization through licensed remote notaries, though the document and your identity must meet specific requirements. Check your state's secretary of state website to see whether remote notarization is allowed where you live.
Documents that require notarization
Not every document needs a notary. A notary is often required for powers of attorney, real estate deeds, affidavits, and some loan documents. Your bank, lender, or the person requesting the document will tell you if notarization is required. If they do not mention it, ask before you sign.
Some documents—like a simple letter or a contract between two people—do not require notarization unless a law or agreement says they do. Do not assume a document needs one just because it seems important. Notarization adds a layer of verification but is not a substitute for legal review. If you are unsure whether a document needs notarization or whether you should sign it at all, talk to a lawyer before you go to the notary.
What happens if you sign before the notary sees you
If you sign a document before the notary watches you do it, they cannot notarize it. The notary's seal and signature confirm that they saw you sign it in person. A pre-signed document defeats that purpose. You will have to get a blank copy, leave it unsigned, and go back to the notary.
Some documents come with signature lines marked "sign in front of notary" or similar language. Follow those instructions. If you are not sure whether to sign before you go, leave it blank and ask the notary when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary tell me if a document is legal or if I should sign it?
No. A notary only confirms your identity and that you signed the document willingly. They do not read it, interpret it, or give legal advice. If you have questions about what you are signing, talk to a lawyer before you see the notary.
Do I need an appointment at a bank notary?
Most banks do not require appointments, but some do, especially during busy times. Call your branch to ask. If you do not have an appointment and the notary is busy, you may have to wait or come back another time.
What if I need a notary on a weekend or evening?
Banks are usually closed on weekends and evenings. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations often have notaries with extended hours, including some weekends. Search online for "notary near me" and filter by hours to find one open when you need it.
Can a family member be a notary for me?
No. A notary must be an independent third party with no financial interest in the document and no close relationship to you. A spouse, parent, or sibling cannot notarize for you, even if they are licensed.
How long does notarization take?
Usually five to ten minutes if you have your ID and the document ready. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign, and stamp the document. Longer if the notary is busy or if there are multiple signatures or pages to notarize.