Most banks notarize documents for free or a small fee, but not all branches do it and not all document types may have access to
Many banks offer notary services to customers, though the availability and rules vary by bank, by branch, and by what you need notarized. Some banks notarize for free if you have an account with them; others charge $5 to $15 per signature. A few banks do not offer the service at all, or only at certain locations. Before you go to your branch, call ahead to confirm they have a notary on staff and that they can notarize your specific document.
The document type matters. Banks typically notarize standard legal papers—powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate forms—but many refuse to notarize certain things: documents they believe are fraudulent, papers they cannot read or understand, anything that looks like it might involve illegal activity, or documents that require the notary to verify facts beyond what they can see (like whether someone is actually a U.S. citizen). Some banks also will not notarize documents related to their own products or services, to avoid conflicts of interest.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch before visiting to confirm they have a notary available and can notarize your specific document type.
- Most banks notarize for free for account holders or charge $5 to $15 per signature, but fees and policies differ by institution.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document; the notary will watch you sign it in front of them.
- If your bank does not offer notary services or refuses your document, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and county clerk offices are common alternatives.
- Some documents, like those involving fraud or requiring verification of facts beyond the notary's knowledge, banks will refuse to notarize.
What to bring and what to expect when you visit
Bring your unsigned document and a valid government-issued 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 add their seal and signature, confirming they watched you sign it and that you appeared to be who you claimed to be. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary will refuse to notarize it, and you may have to get a new copy of the form and start over. Bring multiple copies if you are unsure whether the first one will work, or ask the notary whether the document is acceptable before you sign.
If the document is unclear, poorly printed, or in a language the notary does not understand, they may refuse it. If the notary has doubts about whether the signature is genuine or whether you are who you say you are, they can refuse. This is not a judgment on you—it is the notary protecting themselves and the document's legal standing.
How to learn about your bank offers notary services
Call the branch where you have your account or the branch closest to you. Ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether they notarize for customers. If the person who answers is not sure, ask to speak to a manager or the branch manager directly. Some banks list notary availability on their website under "services" or "customer services," but calling is faster and more reliable.
If your bank does not offer notary services, ask whether they can refer you to another bank nearby that does, or ask for the name of a notary they know. Many banks have relationships with local notaries and can point you in the right direction. You can also search online for "notary public near me" or check whether your county clerk's office has a notary available—many do, often for free or a small fee.
Banks that commonly offer notary services
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank typically offer notary services at most branches, though policies vary by location. Credit unions often notarize for members. Regional and smaller banks vary widely—some offer it at all branches, some at a few, and some not at all. The only way to know for certain is to call your specific branch.
Even if your bank offers notary services, not every branch may have a notary available every day. Some branches share a notary with nearby locations, so you may have to visit on a specific day or at a specific time. Ask when the notary is available before you make the trip.
When banks refuse to notarize a document
A notary can refuse to notarize any document they believe is fraudulent, illegal, or that they do not understand. They can also refuse if they have a personal interest in the document or if notarizing it would create a conflict of interest. For example, a bank notary will usually refuse to notarize a document related to a loan or account at that bank, because the bank itself is involved in the transaction.
If a notary refuses your document, ask why. If it is because the document is unclear or poorly formatted, you may be able to get a cleaner copy and try again. If it is because the notary has doubts about the document's legitimacy, you may need to speak to a lawyer or the person or organization that created the document. Do not try to pressure the notary or go to a different notary with the same document—if one notary refuses, others likely will too.
Alternatives if your bank cannot help
UPS stores and FedEx locations often have notaries on staff. Charges typically range from $5 to $15 per signature. Search online for "notary near me" or call ahead to confirm availability. County clerk offices and some public libraries also offer notary services, sometimes for free or a nominal fee. Some law offices will notarize for a small charge even if you are not a client.
If you need a notary for something time-sensitive or unusual, a mobile notary will come to you—they charge more (usually $25 to $75 or more) but can work around your schedule. Search online for "mobile notary" in your area or ask a lawyer for a referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to get a document notarized there?
Most banks notarize for free or at a discount if you have an account with them, but many will also notarize for non-customers for a fee. Call ahead and ask. Some banks have a policy against notarizing for non-customers, so do not assume.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document I bring to them?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the document is fraudulent, if they do not understand it, if you cannot prove your identity, or if notarizing it would create a conflict of interest. They do not have to explain in detail, and their refusal is final.
What if I already signed the document before I went to the notary?
The notary will refuse to notarize it. A notary must watch you sign. You will need an unsigned copy of the document. Ask the person or organization that gave you the form for a fresh copy, or print a new one if you have access to it.
How much does bank notarization cost?
Most banks notarize for free for account holders. Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks charge per document instead of per signature. Call your branch to ask about their specific fee.
Can I notarize a document online or by mail?
Traditional notarization requires the notary to see you sign the document in person. Some states now allow remote online notarization, but it requires special software and a notary licensed for that service. Call your bank or search for "remote notary" in your state to see whether it is an option where you live.