Most banks notarize for free if you have an account with them, but the rules vary by bank and by what you need notarized

Whether a bank notarizes for free depends on three things: whether you are a customer, which bank you use, and what document needs notarizing. Many large banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—notarize for free for account holders. Some charge a small fee even for customers, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Non-customers almost always pay, typically $10 to $25 per notarization. A few banks do not notarize at all, regardless of whether you bank there.

The fastest way to find out is to call your bank's local branch directly and ask whether they notarize, whether it is free for your account type, and whether you need an appointment. Do not rely on the website—policies vary by branch, and a teller can tell you in 30 seconds whether you can walk in or need to book ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks notarize for free if you hold a checking or savings account with them, but you must ask your specific branch because policies differ.
  • Non-customers usually pay $10 to $25 per notarization, and some banks refuse to notarize for anyone without an account.
  • Call your branch before you go—many require an appointment, and some branches do not have a notary on staff.
  • If your bank does not notarize or charges too much, credit unions, UPS stores, and online notary services are common alternatives.
  • Bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document; the notary will watch you sign it in front of them.

What banks charge for notarization

The cost depends on whether you are a customer and which bank you use. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically notarize for free for account holders. TD Bank, PNC, and US Bank usually do the same. However, some regional banks and credit unions charge $5 to $10 per signature even for customers, and a few charge nothing but only for certain account types—for example, premium checking but not basic savings.

Non-customers face higher costs. Most banks charge $10 to $25 per notarization if you do not have an account. Some banks refuse non-customers entirely. A few large banks, including some branches of smaller regional institutions, do not offer notary services at all, regardless of your customer status.

The fee is usually per signature, not per document. If a single document has three places where you need to sign and the notary must witness all three, that may count as three notarizations. Ask before you sit down.

How to learn about your bank notarizes and what it costs

Call your branch directly. The website almost never lists notary fees or availability, and policies vary between branches of the same bank. A teller can tell you in one call whether a notary is available, whether it is free, and whether you need an appointment.

Have your account number ready when you call. If you are not a customer, say so—the teller will tell you the non-customer fee and whether they accept non-customers at all. Ask whether you can walk in or whether you need to book ahead. Some branches keep a notary on staff during business hours; others have a notary only on certain days or by appointment.

If your branch does not notarize or the wait is too long, ask whether another branch nearby does. Large banks often have multiple branches in the same area, and policies can differ.

What to bring when you go to get notarized

Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before they notarize anything. Bring the unsigned document. Do not sign it before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign it in front of them. If you sign it beforehand, the notarization is invalid.

Bring the original document, not a copy. Some notarizations require the original. If you are unsure, ask the person who requested the notarization—your lender, employer, or court—whether a copy is acceptable. If it is, bring both the original and a copy so the notary can compare them.

If the document is long or you are notarizing multiple documents, arrive early or call ahead to ask how much time the notary needs. Some branches set aside 15 minutes; others may need 30 minutes or more.

Alternatives if your bank does not notarize or charges too much

Credit unions often notarize for free for members and charge less than banks for non-members. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask before you go to a bank.

UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff. The cost is usually $10 to $25 per signature, similar to bank non-customer fees. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available.

Online notary services let you upload your document and notarize it over video call. The cost is typically $25 to $50 per notarization, and the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. This works for documents that do not require a wet signature (an ink signature on the original paper). Some lenders and courts do not accept online notarizations, so check with whoever requested the notarization before you use this route.

Your county clerk's office or a local law library may have a notary available for a small fee or free. Call your county clerk to ask. Some courthouses also have notaries available to the public during business hours.

When a bank notary cannot notarize your document

A notary cannot notarize a document if they have a financial interest in it. For example, a bank notary cannot notarize a loan document if the bank is the lender. In that case, you will need to find a notary outside the bank.

A notary cannot notarize a document if you do not have a valid photo ID. If your ID is expired, lost, or you do not have one, the notary will refuse. Get a replacement ID first.

A notary cannot notarize a document you have already signed. The notary must watch you sign it. If you signed it before arriving, you will need a new copy of the document to notarize.

How long notarization takes

The actual notarization usually takes 5 to 15 minutes once you are with the notary. They will verify your ID, ask you to sign the document in front of them, and then sign and stamp it themselves. The stamp is the notary's official seal, which proves they witnessed your signature.

The wait to see a notary depends on how busy the branch is. At a bank, you may wait 10 minutes during slow hours or 30 minutes or more during lunch or after work. UPS stores and FedEx locations often have shorter waits. If you need it done quickly, call ahead and ask when the notary is least busy, or go early in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a customer to get notarized at a bank?

No, but non-customers usually pay $10 to $25 per notarization, and some banks refuse non-customers entirely. Call your nearest bank branch to ask whether they notarize for non-customers and what the fee is.

Can I notarize a document online instead of going to a bank?

Yes, online notary services exist and cost $25 to $50 per notarization. However, some lenders and courts do not accept online notarizations. Check with whoever requested the notarization before you use this route.

What if I already signed the document before going to the bank?

The notarization will be invalid. You need a fresh copy of the document, and you must sign it in front of the notary. If you signed it beforehand, get a new copy and start over.

Can a bank notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes, if the bank is a party to the document (like a loan), if you do not have a valid photo ID, or if you have already signed it. A notary can also refuse if they believe the document is fraudulent or if you do not appear to understand what you are signing.

How much does it cost to get notarized at a UPS store?

Most UPS stores charge $10 to $25 per signature, similar to bank non-customer fees. Call your nearest location to confirm they have a notary available and ask about their specific pricing.