Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account there
Bank of America provides notary public services through its branch network. The service is typically free for account holders and may carry a small fee for non-customers, though the fee structure varies by branch. Not every location offers notary services, and hours may be limited, so calling ahead is necessary before you visit.
The notary service at Bank of America covers standard documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, and similar paperwork. The notary will not notarize documents they cannot read clearly, documents that appear altered, or papers where the signer cannot prove their identity with a valid government-issued ID.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary services are free for account holders at most branches, though some locations may charge non-customers a fee.
- Not all Bank of America branches offer notary services, so you need to contact your local branch directly to confirm availability.
- You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) when you visit for notarization.
- The notary will refuse to notarize documents that are unclear, appear to have been altered, or where you cannot prove your identity.
- Walk-in notary service is available at many branches, but calling ahead to confirm hours and current availability reduces wait time.
How to find a Bank of America branch with notary services
Start by using the Bank of America branch locator on their website or mobile app. Enter your zip code or address, and the results will show nearby branches. However, the locator does not always indicate which branches have notary services available.
Call your local branch directly and ask whether they offer notary services and what their hours are. Many branches have notaries available during standard business hours, but some smaller locations do not. If your nearest branch does not offer the service, the staff can usually direct you to another location that does.
If you are not a Bank of America customer, confirm the fee before you visit. Some branches charge $5 to $15 for non-customers, while others may charge nothing. The fee is not set by corporate policy, so it varies by location.
What to bring when you visit for notarization
Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will not notarize your document without this identification, and they will record your ID information in their notary log.
Bring the document you need notarized. The notary will review it to make sure it is legible and does not appear to have been altered. If the document is incomplete or has blank spaces where information should be, the notary may refuse to notarize it.
If you are signing on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation that proves your authority to sign. This might be a corporate resolution, power of attorney, or similar paperwork. The notary will ask questions to confirm you understand what you are signing.
What the notary will and will not do
The notary will witness your signature, verify your identity, and confirm that you are signing the document of your own free will. They will then stamp and sign the document, and record the transaction in their notary log. This process typically takes 5 to 15 minutes per document.
The notary will not provide legal advice, interpret what a document means, or tell you whether you should sign it. They will not notarize documents that are illegible, appear to have been altered, or where you cannot provide valid identification. They will also refuse to notarize a blank document or one where the signature line is already signed.
If the notary suspects fraud or coercion, they can refuse the notarization. This is rare but can happen if you appear confused about what you are signing or if someone else is pressuring you to sign.
Alternatives if your branch does not offer notary services
Other banks and credit unions often provide notary services to their members. Call your financial institution and ask whether they have a notary available. Many do, and the service is usually free for account holders.
Law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies frequently have notaries on staff. Some will notarize documents for a small fee even if you are not a client. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
UPS Store locations and FedEx Office centers offer notary services in most areas. Fees typically range from $5 to $25 per document, depending on the location. Hours are often longer than bank branches, including evenings and weekends.
Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a directory of notaries public in your area. You can search online for notaries near you, and many list their hours and fees. This is useful if you need a notary outside of business hours or in a remote area.
What happens after the notary stamps your document
The notarized document is now certified as authentic. The recipient—whether it is a court, government agency, lender, or other organization—will accept it as proof that you signed it in front of a notary who verified your identity.
Keep a copy of the notarized document for your records. The original goes to whoever requested the notarization. The notary keeps a record of the transaction in their log, but you cannot retrieve a copy of that log unless you have a legal reason to do so.
Notarizations do not expire, but some organizations may require a notarization dated within a certain timeframe. If your document is rejected because it is too old, you can have it notarized again at no additional cost if the document has not changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment for notary services at Bank of America?
Most Bank of America branches accept walk-ins for notary services, but calling ahead is wise. Some branches may have a notary available only during certain hours, or they may be temporarily unavailable due to staffing. A quick call confirms the notary is present before you travel to the branch.
Can Bank of America notarize documents I signed before I came in?
No. The notary must witness you signing the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary will ask you to sign again in their presence. If the signature line is already filled, they will refuse to notarize it.
What if I do not have a driver's license or passport?
You need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card or military ID will work. The notary will not notarize without one of these forms of identification.
How much does Bank of America charge for notary services?
The service is free for Bank of America account holders at most branches. Non-customers may be charged a fee ranging from $5 to $15, depending on the branch location. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you visit.
Can I notarize a document that is not in English?
Yes, but the notary must be able to read the document clearly. If the document is in a language the notary does not understand, they may still notarize it as long as they can verify your identity and confirm you are signing willingly. Some notaries may decline if they cannot read the content.