Most banks will notarize documents for their customers, but policies vary by branch and institution
Many banks offer notary services, but availability depends on whether you have an account there, which branch you visit, and the bank's own rules. Some banks notarize for account holders only; others charge a fee even for customers; a few do it free. Not every branch has a notary on staff, and hours may be limited. If your bank does offer the service, calling ahead to confirm a notary is present that day saves a wasted trip.
The catch is that banks are not required to notarize documents. A notary public is a state-licensed individual, not a bank service. The bank simply employs someone who holds that license. If your bank does not have a notary or refuses the job, you have other options that are often faster and cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- Banks notarize documents for customers at varying costs — some free, some $5 to $15 per signature — but not all branches have a notary available.
- Call your bank's branch before visiting to confirm a notary is present and ask whether the service is free or costs money.
- UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples offer notary services in most areas and do not require you to be a customer.
- Online notarization is now legal in most states and can be faster than in-person visits, though it works only for certain document types.
- County clerk offices and public libraries often provide notary services free or at a low cost, though wait times may be longer.
How to learn about your bank will notarize
Call the specific branch where you bank, not the general customer service line. Ask whether they have a notary public on staff and whether the service is free for account holders. Some banks charge per signature, others charge per document, and a few charge a flat fee regardless of how many signatures are needed. Write down the name of the person who answers and any fees they mention.
If the branch says yes, ask what documents they will and will not notarize. Most banks refuse to notarize wills, powers of attorney, or documents related to real estate transactions because of liability concerns. They may also decline if the document is blank, if you cannot prove your identity, or if the notary suspects fraud. Bring a government-issued photo ID and the completed document.
If your bank says no or has no notary, do not assume you are stuck. Notaries are common enough that you likely have options within a few miles.
Retail notary services: UPS, FedEx, and Staples
UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and Staples all employ notaries in most areas. Unlike banks, they do not require you to be a customer. Fees typically run $5 to $15 per signature, and you can usually walk in without an appointment, though calling ahead is safer during busy hours. Hours are often longer than banks, including evenings and weekends at many locations.
Search "notary near me" on Google Maps or visit the websites for UPS, FedEx, or Staples to find locations in your area and confirm they have a notary. Some locations do not, so checking first prevents wasted trips. Bring your government-issued photo ID and the document you need notarized.
The main limitation is the same as banks: notaries at retail locations will not notarize certain high-risk documents like wills or powers of attorney. They also cannot notarize blank documents or documents you have not yet signed.
County clerk offices and public libraries
Your county clerk's office almost always has a notary public on staff, and the service is often free or costs only $1 to $5 per signature. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The downside is that wait times can be long, especially near the end of the month or during tax season.
Many public libraries also employ notaries, and some offer the service free to library cardholders. Call your local branch to ask. Like county offices, libraries may have limited hours and longer waits than retail notaries.
Both county clerks and libraries are more likely than banks or retail stores to notarize documents related to real estate, powers of attorney, and other high-stakes paperwork. If your document is one that banks refuse, start here.
Online notarization: when it works and when it does not
Most states now allow remote online notarization, meaning you can have a document notarized over video call without meeting in person. Services like Notarize, LegitScan, and DocuSign Notary handle this. Fees run $25 to $75 per signature, which is higher than in-person notaries but faster — often completed within hours.
The catch is that not all documents can be notarized online. Most states restrict remote notarization to affidavits, powers of attorney, and general documents. Real estate deeds, mortgages, and wills are often excluded because state law requires the notary to physically examine the original document. Check your state's notary laws or ask the online service whether your specific document qualifies before paying.
You will need a government-issued photo ID and a clear camera or webcam. The notary will verify your identity on video, watch you sign the document, and then digitally stamp it. The whole process usually takes 10 to 30 minutes.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the original document, already filled out and signed by you (unless the notary is watching you sign it for the first time). Do not bring blank documents or documents signed by someone else.
The notary will ask you to swear or affirm that the signature is yours and that you understand what you are signing. They will then stamp the document with an official seal and sign it. The whole process takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will receive the notarized original or a certified copy, depending on what you requested.
Costs vary widely. Banks may charge nothing for customers or $5 to $15 per signature. Retail notaries typically charge $5 to $15. County clerks and libraries often charge $1 to $5 or nothing. Online notaries charge $25 to $75. Ask about the cost before the notary starts work.
Documents banks and retail notaries usually refuse
Most banks and retail notaries will not notarize wills, powers of attorney, real estate deeds, or mortgage documents. They also refuse blank documents, documents you have not signed, or documents signed by someone else on your behalf. If the notary suspects fraud or coercion, they can refuse the job.
If your document falls into one of these categories, go to your county clerk's office or a dedicated notary public (search "notary public" in your area). These notaries are more experienced with high-stakes documents and are more likely to accept the work. Some specialize in real estate or legal documents and may charge more but will handle jobs retail notaries turn down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary notarize a document I did not sign yet?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them, or you must bring an already-signed original. They cannot notarize blank documents or documents signed before the notary appointment. If you have not signed yet, bring the unsigned document and the notary will watch you sign it.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized?
Most retail notaries (UPS, FedEx, Staples) accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is wise to confirm a notary is present. County clerk offices and libraries usually do not take appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Online notaries require scheduling in advance.
How long does notarization take?
In-person notarization typically takes 5 to 10 minutes once you are with the notary. Wait times vary: retail stores may have no wait or a short one; county offices can have 30-minute to hour-long waits depending on the day. Online notarization takes 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
What if I need a notarized copy, not just a notarized original?
Ask the notary whether they can provide certified copies. Some can; some cannot. If they cannot, you may need to make copies yourself after notarization or ask the notary for a list of places that offer certified copy services.
Can I notarize a document for a family member or friend?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they have a financial or family interest in. If the notary is related to you or stands to gain from the document, they must refuse the job. You will need a different notary.