Most banks do notarize, but not all branches and not without conditions
Many banks offer notary services to their customers, but availability depends on the bank, the branch, and whether you hold an account there. Some banks notarize for account holders only; others notarize for anyone who walks in. A few banks do not notarize at all. The fastest way to know is to call the specific branch where you want to go, not the bank's main line.
If your bank does notarize, the service is usually free for account holders and costs $5 to $15 per signature for non-customers, though prices vary by location and by bank. The notary is typically available during regular business hours, and the process takes 5 to 15 minutes if you have the right documents and identification.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch directly to confirm they have a notary on staff, because not all branches do even if the bank offers the service.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document you need notarized; the notary will not notarize a document that is already signed.
- Many banks charge nothing for account holders but charge $5 to $15 per signature for non-customers, so ask about the fee before you sit down.
- If your bank does not notarize or the branch is closed, post offices, UPS stores, and title companies are common alternatives that charge $5 to $25 per signature.
Which major banks notarize and what they charge
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all offer notary services at most branches, but each has different rules. Bank of America typically notarizes for account holders at no charge and for non-customers for a fee; Wells Fargo does the same. Chase's policy varies by branch, so calling ahead is essential. Citibank notarizes for account holders but many branches do not have a notary on staff.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions often notarize for members at no charge. If you bank with a local or regional institution, ask your branch manager whether notary services are available. Some credit unions notarize only for members; others will notarize for anyone.
The fee structure is not standardized. Most banks charge $0 to $5 per signature for account holders and $5 to $15 for non-customers. A few branches charge per document rather than per signature. Call the branch directly and ask the fee before you go; do not assume it is free.
What you need to bring and how the process works
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity. Bring the unsigned document you need notarized. The notary will not notarize a document that you or anyone else has already signed.
The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, then they will add their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Some banks require you to make an appointment; others take walk-ins. Call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment and what time the notary is available.
If the document is more than a few pages, bring it unfolded and in order. If you are not sure whether the document needs to be notarized or what type of notarization it needs (acknowledgment, jurat, or something else), ask the notary when you arrive. They can tell you whether the document is set up correctly for notarization.
When banks do not notarize or the branch is closed
Some banks do not offer notary services at all, and some branches are too small to have a notary on staff. If your bank does not notarize, or if you need notarization outside business hours, other places notarize documents. UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and Staples often have notaries on staff and charge $5 to $25 per signature. Post offices in some areas notarize for a small fee, though not all do.
Title companies notarize for free or a small fee if you are working with them on a real estate transaction. Attorneys often notarize for clients at no charge. Some libraries and government offices offer notary services to the public, sometimes free and sometimes for a fee.
Online notary services exist and are legal in most states, but they require you to use a video call and may not work for all document types. If you need notarization urgently and no local notary is available, search "notary near me" online to see what options are open now.
How to learn about your bank notarizes
Call the specific branch where you want to go and ask whether they have a notary on staff. Do not call the bank's customer service line; call the branch directly. The branch phone number is on your bank statement, on the bank's website, or in Google Maps. When you call, ask three things: Do you have a notary? Are they available today? What is the fee for non-customers?
If the branch does not notarize, ask whether another nearby branch does. Some banks concentrate notary services at larger branches. If no branch near you notarizes, the bank's website may list which branches do.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Banks notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and travel consent forms for minors. They will not notarize a document that is already signed, a document you did not write or do not understand, or a document that asks the notary to verify something they cannot see (like whether money was actually transferred).
Some banks refuse to notarize certain types of documents for liability reasons. For example, some will not notarize immigration documents or documents related to court cases. If you are unsure whether a document can be notarized, bring it with you and ask the notary. They will tell you whether it meets the legal requirements for notarization in your state.
Notarization requirements that vary by state
Notarization rules differ by state. Some states require the notary to know you personally or to have known you for a certain amount of time. Most states require only that you show a valid photo ID. Some states require the notary to keep a record of every notarization; others do not.
If you are having a document notarized for use in another state, tell the notary which state will receive the document. They may need to follow that state's rules instead of your home state's rules. For example, some states require a specific wording on the notary's seal, and the notary needs to know this before they notarize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to get a document notarized there?
No, but most banks charge a fee for non-customers and may require an appointment. Account holders usually get notarization free or at a lower cost. Call the branch to ask their policy before you go.
Can a notary notarize a document that is already signed?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a new copy to sign in front of the notary.
How long does notarization take?
Usually 5 to 15 minutes if you have your ID and the unsigned document ready. Some banks require an appointment, which may add wait time. Call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment and how long the wait typically is.
What if I need a document notarized but my bank is closed?
UPS stores, FedEx Office, Staples, and some post offices notarize documents outside regular bank hours. Search "notary near me" online to find options open now. Fees are usually $5 to $25 per signature.
Do I need to make an appointment to get a document notarized at a bank?
Some banks take walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call the branch and ask. If they require an appointment and you cannot get one soon, try a UPS store or FedEx Office, which often notarize without an appointment.