Most banks offer notary services, but not all branches do and not always for free
Many banks employ notaries or contract with notaries who work on-site, but availability depends on your bank, your branch location, and whether you have an account there. Some banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge a small fee to non-customers. Others have no notary on staff at all. The only way to know what your specific branch offers is to call ahead—do not assume based on bank size or name.
If your bank does have a notary, the process is usually faster than going to a separate notary office because you can often walk in during business hours without an appointment, though calling first is still wise. Bring the document that needs notarizing, a valid photo ID, and any other documents the notary requests. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and affix their seal and signature.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free for account holders.
- Banks that do offer notary services usually do so during regular business hours and may not require an appointment, but calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
- Bring a valid photo ID and the original document that needs notarizing; the notary will not notarize copies or documents you did not bring in person.
- If your bank has no notary, ask the branch staff for a referral to a nearby notary public, or search your state's notary directory online.
- Non-customers may pay $5 to $15 per signature, while account holders often pay nothing or a reduced fee.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
The fastest way is to call your branch directly and ask whether a notary is available. Have your account number ready if you are an account holder, because the staff may ask whether you bank there to determine the fee. If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak with a manager or the customer service desk.
If you do not have a specific bank in mind, search online for "notary public near me" or check your state's notary directory—most states maintain a searchable list of commissioned notaries. You can also call a few banks in your area and ask which ones have notaries on staff. Some banks advertise notary services on their website under "services" or "additional services," but the website may not be current, so a phone call is more reliable.
What documents you need to bring
Bring the original, unsigned document that needs notarizing. The notary must watch you sign it in their presence—they cannot notarize a document you signed beforehand. Bring a valid photo ID issued by a government agency: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. Some notaries also accept tribal IDs or foreign passports.
If the document requires multiple signatures or if you are unsure whether the notary can handle what you need, describe the document when you call the bank. Some notaries will not notarize certain types of documents, such as powers of attorney or affidavits, depending on state law and the notary's own policies. Asking ahead saves time.
Fees and what account holders pay
Banks that employ notaries often provide the service free to customers with an account in good standing. Non-customers typically pay per signature notarized, usually between $5 and $15, though some banks charge a flat fee per document instead. A few banks charge account holders a small fee as well, so do not assume it is free—ask when you call.
If you need multiple signatures notarized on the same document, ask whether the bank charges per signature or per document. Some notaries also charge extra for travel if you need them to come to you, though most bank notaries work only at the branch location during business hours.
When to use a bank notary versus other options
A bank notary makes sense if you already bank there, the branch is convenient, and you can get there during business hours. The main advantage is speed and familiarity—you may already know the staff, and there is no need to search for a separate notary office.
Other options include dedicated notary offices, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some law offices. These are often open longer hours, including evenings and weekends, and do not require you to be a customer. If your bank has no notary or their hours do not work for you, a quick online search will show notaries near you, their hours, and their fees. Some notaries also offer mobile services and will come to your home or office, though this costs more.
What happens during the notarization
The notary will ask for your photo ID and verify that it matches your name and signature. They will ask you to confirm that you are signing the document of your own free will and that you understand what it says. You will then sign the document in front of the notary. The notary will affix their official seal, sign and date the document, and may record the transaction in their journal (a log that notaries are required to keep).
The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The notary does not check whether the document is correct or whether you should be signing it—they only verify your identity and confirm that you signed it willingly. If you have questions about what the document means or whether you should sign it, ask before you go to the notary, not during the notarization.
What to do if your bank has no notary
Ask the branch staff for a referral to a notary they work with regularly. Many banks have relationships with local notaries and can point you in the right direction. If they cannot help, search your state's notary directory online—most states maintain a public list of commissioned notaries with their phone numbers and addresses.
You can also call your county clerk's office or county courthouse; staff there often know which notaries are active in the area and may have a list to share. UPS stores and FedEx locations in your area may also have notaries on staff. Once you find a notary, call ahead to confirm their hours and fees before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a photo ID?
No. A notary must verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can obtain a state ID card from your state's DMV. Some notaries accept alternative forms of ID, so call ahead and ask what they accept.
Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If you signed it before the notarization appointment, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to obtain a blank copy and sign it during the appointment.
How long does a notarization take?
Most notarizations take 5 to 10 minutes. If you need multiple signatures notarized or if the notary has questions about your ID, it may take longer. Calling ahead to ask how busy the notary is can help you plan your time.
Do I need an appointment to use a bank notary?
Many bank notaries work on a walk-in basis during business hours, but calling ahead is wise to confirm the notary is available and to avoid a wasted trip. Some branches may require an appointment, especially if the notary is part-time.
What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they believe something is wrong—for example, if they suspect fraud or if state law prohibits notarizing that type of document. If this happens, ask the notary to explain why. You can then seek a different notary or consult an attorney about whether the document can be notarized at all.