Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your branch, and whether you have an account there
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank have notaries on staff at many branches. Credit unions often have them too. However, not every branch carries a notary, and some banks charge a fee while others provide it free to account holders. The fastest way to know is to call your specific branch and ask whether a notary is available that day — many work by appointment only, and some branches share a notary across multiple locations.
If your bank does not have a notary or you do not bank there, you have other options: UPS stores, FedEx Office, Staples, and some public libraries offer notary services for a fee. Your county clerk's office may also have a notary available, sometimes at no cost. The key is knowing what you need notarized and whether the notary has to be a specific type — some documents require a notary public, while others need a notary and a witness, or a notary with specific credentials.
Key Takeaways
- Most large banks have notaries at their main branches, but not all branches carry one, so you need to call ahead to confirm.
- Banks typically charge $5 to $15 per notarization for non-customers and may provide the service free or at a reduced rate to account holders.
- You will usually need to bring a valid photo ID and the document that needs notarizing, and the notary may require you to sign in front of them.
- If your bank does not have a notary available, UPS stores, FedEx Office, and county clerk offices are common alternatives with varying fees and hours.
What to bring when you visit a bank notary
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize a document without confirming your identity. You also need the actual document that requires notarizing; the notary cannot work from a copy or a photo. If the document is not yet signed, bring it unsigned — the notary will watch you sign it in front of them, which is part of the notarization process.
Some documents require additional paperwork. If you are notarizing a power of attorney, a real estate deed, or an affidavit, check with the bank notary beforehand about whether they need anything else — a witness, a second form of ID, or proof that you understand what you are signing. A few states have specific rules about what a notary can and cannot do, so if the document is for use in another state, mention that when you call.
Bank notary fees and account holder discounts
Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per signature notarized. Some banks waive the fee entirely for customers with an account in good standing. Others charge account holders a reduced rate — $2 to $5 instead of the full amount. A few banks do not charge at all, regardless of whether you bank there. Call your branch to ask about their specific pricing before you go in.
The fee usually covers one signature on one document. If you need multiple documents notarized or multiple signatures on the same document, you may pay per signature rather than per document. Some banks have a flat rate for the visit regardless of how many signatures you need. Ask when you call so there are no surprises at the counter.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Call your branch directly — do not rely on the bank's website, which often lists services without noting whether your specific location offers them. Ask for the notary or the customer service desk and confirm that a notary is available. If they say yes, ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in, what hours they work, and what the fee is for your situation (account holder or non-customer).
If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether another branch nearby does. Many banks share notaries across branches, so a location five miles away might have one available. If no branch in your area has a notary, ask the bank representative for a referral to a local alternative — many banks keep a list of nearby notary services for situations like this.
When a bank notary cannot help
Some documents fall outside what a standard notary public can do. If you need a document certified as a true copy of an original, a bank notary may not be able to do that — some states restrict certified copies to specific officials. If you need a document apostilled (a special certification for use in another country), a bank notary cannot do that; you will need your state's Secretary of State office. If the document requires a notary with specific training — like a loan signing agent for a mortgage — a bank notary may not be may have access to.
If the document is sensitive or unusual, call the bank notary before you go in and describe what you need. They can tell you whether they can handle it or whether you need to go elsewhere. This saves you a trip and ensures the notarization will be valid when you need it.
Alternatives if your bank does not have a notary
UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries at most branches and typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Staples also offers notary services at many locations. These services usually do not require an appointment, though wait times vary. Hours are often longer than bank hours, including evenings and weekends at some locations.
Your county clerk's office or courthouse may have a notary available to the public, sometimes at no cost or for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Some public libraries also have notaries on staff or can refer you to one nearby. If you need the notarization urgently and it is after hours, an online notary service may be an option — they connect you with a notary via video call, though not all states allow this and fees are typically higher ($25 to $50 per signature).
What happens during the notarization process
The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will check your ID to confirm your identity and may ask you questions about the document — whether you understand what you are signing, whether anyone forced you to sign it, and whether the signature is yours. They will then sign and stamp the document, usually adding a seal and the date. The entire process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
The notary keeps a record of the notarization in a journal, which is a legal requirement. This record includes your name, the date, the type of document, and the fee charged. If there is ever a question about whether the document was properly notarized, that journal entry is the proof. Do not ask the notary to skip this step or to backdate the notarization — both are illegal and will invalidate the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a photo ID?
No. A notary public must verify your identity using a valid photo ID before notarizing any document. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to obtain one first. Some states accept other forms of photo ID like a state ID card or military ID.
Can a bank notary notarize a document I sign electronically?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in person. Electronic signatures cannot be notarized by a traditional notary public. Some states allow remote online notarization, where you sign via video call with a notary, but this is not available everywhere and requires a specific type of notary.
What if I need a notarized copy of a document, not just a notarized signature?
A standard notary public can notarize your signature on a document, but they cannot certify that a copy is a true copy of an original. For certified copies, you typically need to contact the organization that issued the original — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, for example, or your county clerk for a deed.
Do I need an appointment at a bank notary, or can I just walk in?
It depends on the bank. Some branches take walk-ins during business hours, while others require an appointment. Call your branch ahead of time to ask. If you need it done quickly and your bank requires an appointment, a UPS store or FedEx Office may be faster since many do not require appointments.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you do not understand the document, if you appear to be under duress, if the document appears fraudulent, or if the notarization is outside their legal authority. They can also refuse if you do not have proper ID or if the document is missing required information. If a notary refuses, ask why — it may mean the document needs to be corrected before it can be notarized.