Most banks offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, branch, and whether you have an account there
Many banks do have notaries on staff, and some will notarize documents for customers at no charge. However, not every branch has one, not every bank offers the service to non-customers, and hours are often limited to business days during regular banking hours. Before you go to your bank, call ahead to confirm a notary is available, whether they charge a fee, and what documents they will and will not notarize.
The notary at your bank is bound by the same rules as any other notary — they cannot notarize a document they wrote, cannot notarize for a family member in most states, and must verify your identity with a government-issued ID. They also cannot give legal advice about what you are signing or whether you need a notary at all.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch before visiting to confirm a notary is available, what the fee is (if any), and their hours.
- Bank notaries typically serve customers for free or a small fee, but policies vary widely by institution and branch.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID — a notary cannot proceed without it.
- If your bank does not have a notary or you do not have an account there, other options include UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notaries.
Which banks have notaries and what they charge
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank typically have notaries at many branches, though not all locations. Credit unions often have notaries as well. However, smaller regional banks and online-only banks may not offer the service at all.
Fees vary. Many banks notarize documents for account holders at no cost, while others charge $5 to $15 per signature. Non-customers may face higher fees or be turned away entirely. Some banks limit notary services to customers only during certain hours or on certain days. The only way to know your bank's policy is to call the specific branch where you plan to go.
If you do not have an account at a bank with a notary, or if your branch does not have one available, UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and Staples often have notaries on staff. Independent notaries advertise in your area through online searches or the National Notary Association directory.
What to bring when you visit the bank notary
Bring a current, government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document you need notarized, not a copy. Some documents require the notary to witness your signature, which means you sign it in front of them; others may already be signed, and the notary simply certifies that you appeared and identified yourself.
If you are unsure whether your document needs to be signed in front of the notary or whether it needs notarization at all, ask before you go. The bank notary can tell you what the document requires, but they cannot advise you on whether you should sign it or what it means legally.
Documents banks will and will not notarize
Bank notaries can notarize most common documents: power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and travel consent letters for minors. They can also notarize copies of documents to certify that a copy matches the original.
Most notaries will refuse to notarize documents they have a conflict of interest in — for example, a notary cannot notarize a document they wrote or one that benefits them financially. Many states also prohibit notaries from notarizing documents for family members. Some banks have additional restrictions and may refuse to notarize certain types of documents as a matter of policy.
If you call ahead and describe the document, the notary can tell you whether they can handle it. If your bank cannot, an independent notary may be willing to.
How long it takes to get a document notarized at the bank
If a notary is available when you arrive, the process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. You show your ID, the notary reviews the document, you sign it in front of them (if required), and they apply their seal and signature. If the notary is busy or not available, you may have to wait or come back another time.
This is why calling ahead matters. Some branches have a notary available only at certain times or on certain days. If you need a document notarized quickly, confirm availability before you make the trip.
What happens if your bank does not have a notary
If your bank has no notary or does not offer the service to non-customers, you have several alternatives. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries in most areas and typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Staples also offers notary services at many locations. These businesses are usually open longer hours than banks and do not require you to be a customer.
You can also search for independent notaries in your area through the National Notary Association website or a simple online search. Some charge per signature, others charge a flat fee. Many will come to your home or office for an additional travel fee, which can be worth it if you have multiple documents to notarize or cannot leave your location.
State rules that affect where you can get a notary
Notary rules vary by state. Some states allow notaries to notarize documents remotely using video, while others require the notary and signer to be in the same room. Some states prohibit notaries from notarizing for family members; others do not. A few states have restrictions on who can be a notary — for example, some require notaries to be U.S. citizens or residents of the state.
These differences matter if you are notarizing a document that will be used in a different state or if you are trying to notarize something remotely. If you are unsure whether your document meets your state's requirements, ask the notary before they notarize it. They should know the rules for your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?
It depends on the bank. Many banks notarize documents for non-customers, but some limit the service to account holders. A few charge higher fees for non-customers. Call your bank's branch to ask their policy before you visit.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
The notary cannot proceed without one. A government-issued photo ID is required by law in all states. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to obtain one before you can have a document notarized.
Can the bank notary tell me if I need a notary for my document?
Yes. Call the branch and describe the document. The notary can tell you whether it requires notarization and whether they can notarize it. They cannot give legal advice about whether you should sign it, but they can confirm whether the document itself needs a notary's seal.
What if I need a document notarized after banking hours?
Banks are closed evenings and weekends, so you will need to use an alternative. UPS stores, FedEx Office, and Staples often have notaries available outside regular banking hours. Some independent notaries also work evenings and weekends. Search online for "notary near me" to find options in your area.
Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they have a conflict of interest, if the document appears fraudulent, if you cannot prove your identity, or if the document does not meet state requirements. They can also refuse if it is against their bank's policy. If one notary refuses, you can try another.