Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your account status, and whether you have an appointment
Many banks have at least one notary on staff, usually during business hours at their main branch or larger locations. However, not every branch has a notary, not every bank offers the service to non-customers, and some charge a fee even though many do it free. The fastest way to know what your specific bank offers is to call the branch where you bank and ask directly — do not assume based on what another bank does.
Banks that commonly have notaries include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional and credit unions, but the service is not may provide at every location. Some banks limit notary services to account holders only, while others will notarize for anyone. A few banks have stopped offering notary services altogether or only offer them at certain branches. Calling ahead saves you a trip to a branch that cannot help.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask whether they have a notary available, because availability varies by location and bank.
- Many banks offer notary services free to account holders but may charge non-customers a small fee, typically $5 to $15 per signature.
- You will usually need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs notarizing, and you may need an appointment.
- If your bank does not have a notary or cannot fit you in, credit unions, UPS stores, and some pharmacies are common alternatives.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you have your account. Ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free for account holders. If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak to a manager or the branch manager directly — they will have the answer. Write down the name of the person you spoke to and what they told you, in case you need to follow up.
If your main branch does not have a notary, ask whether any other branches in your area do. Some banks concentrate notary services at their largest locations. If you bank online or with a bank that has no physical branches, you will need to look elsewhere — online banks do not have notaries on site.
Check your bank's website for a branch locator tool. Some banks list which services are available at each location, including notary services. If the website does not say, the phone call is still your most reliable option.
What to bring and how long it takes
Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized. Most banks will not notarize copies or work from a fax or email.
The notarization itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes once you are with the notary. However, you may wait in line or need to schedule an appointment, so plan for 15 to 30 minutes total. Some banks require an appointment for notary services, especially if the notary is only available at certain times. Call ahead to ask whether you need one.
Bring any other documents the notary might need. For example, if you are notarizing a power of attorney, bring the original. If you need multiple documents notarized, bring all of them — you can often do several at once.
Fees and what account holders should know
Most banks notarize documents free for account holders. Some charge a small fee even for customers, typically $5 to $10 per signature. Non-customers usually pay $5 to $15 per signature, though some banks do not notarize for non-customers at all.
Ask about the fee when you call. If your bank charges and you want to avoid the cost, you may find a free notary elsewhere — some credit unions notarize free for members, and some employers offer notary services to employees at no charge.
A few banks have reduced their notary services in recent years. If your bank says they no longer offer notarization, do not assume all banks have stopped — call another bank or a credit union in your area.
When a bank notary is not available or will not help
If your bank has no notary, does not notarize for non-customers, or cannot fit you in within your timeline, several other places offer notary services. UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacies (like Walgreens and CVS) have notaries on staff. Many charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some require an appointment; others take walk-ins.
Credit unions often notarize for members free or at a low cost. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask. Some employers offer notary services to employees at no charge — check with your HR department.
Online notary services are also available in most states, though they work differently: you verify your identity on video, and the notary signs electronically. These services typically cost $25 to $50 per document and are useful if you cannot visit a physical location.
What the notary can and cannot do
A notary verifies your identity, watches you sign the document, and stamps and signs it to confirm they witnessed your signature. They do not give legal advice, interpret what a document means, or tell you whether you should sign something. If you have questions about what a document does or whether you should sign it, ask a lawyer, not the notary.
Some documents cannot be notarized. A notary cannot notarize a blank document, a document you did not sign in front of them, or a document that is already signed by you (unless it is a copy and the original is present). If you are unsure whether a document can be notarized, ask the notary when you call to schedule or arrive.
Preparing your document before you go
Make sure the document is complete and ready to sign. Do not leave blank spaces where your signature goes — the notary will watch you sign, so the signature line should be empty when you arrive. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs a signature.
Know what the document is for and why you need it notarized. The notary may ask. You do not need to explain your personal reasons, but you should know whether it is for a power of attorney, a real estate transaction, a loan, or something else.
If the document specifies what type of notarization is needed — for example, "acknowledgment" or "jurat" — mention that when you call. Most notaries can do both, but it is worth confirming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?
It depends on the bank. Many notarize for non-customers for a fee, but some only notarize for account holders. Call the branch and ask. If they do not notarize for non-customers, a UPS store or credit union may be your next option.
Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?
No, a notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need an unsigned copy. Some notaries can notarize a copy of an already-signed document if the original is present, but this is not standard — ask first.
How much does bank notarization cost?
Most banks notarize free for account holders. Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks charge account holders a small fee as well. Call your branch to ask about their specific fee.
What if I need notarization outside of business hours?
Banks are only open during business hours, so a bank notary will not be available evenings or weekends. Online notary services work 24/7 in most states and cost $25 to $50 per document. Some UPS stores are open evenings and weekends and have notaries on staff.
Can I notarize a document over the phone or by email?
No. A notary must see you in person and watch you sign. Online notary services use video to verify your identity and watch you sign electronically, but you cannot do it by phone or email alone.