Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location
Bank of America provides notary services through its branch network, but the service is not uniform across all locations. Some branches offer it free to account holders, some charge a fee regardless of account status, and some branches do not offer it at all. The fastest way to know what your nearest branch provides is to call ahead rather than walk in—notaries may be busy or unavailable, and policies differ by state and individual branch.
If you are a Bank of America customer, start by calling your local branch directly and asking whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free for you. If you are not a customer, ask about their fee. Many branches charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though this varies. Some branches in states with specific regulations may charge differently or decline certain documents.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary availability is branch-specific, so calling ahead is necessary before you visit.
- Account holders often receive free notary services, but non-account holders typically pay a fee ranging from $5 to $15 per signature.
- Not all Bank of America branches employ a notary, and hours may be limited even when one is present.
- Some documents—such as powers of attorney or real estate deeds—may require additional verification or may be declined by the branch notary.
How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch
Call the branch directly using the phone number on Bank of America's website or your debit card. Ask specifically whether they have a notary available and what the current wait time is. Do not rely on the main customer service line—branch staff can tell you immediately whether a notary is in the building and whether they are free or busy.
Bring your document and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will need to see both before notarizing. If your document requires specific language or formatting, bring it exactly as you need it notarized—the notary cannot advise you on legal language or suggest changes to the document itself.
Cost and may be able to access for free notary services
Bank of America typically waives the notary fee for customers who maintain an active checking or savings account. Non-customers are usually charged per signature, with fees ranging from $5 to $15 depending on the branch and state. Some branches may charge account holders a fee if the document is unusually complex or requires multiple notarizations.
Bring your account card or a recent statement if you are a customer, to confirm your account status quickly. If you do not have proof of account with you, the notary can look up your account using your ID and account number, but this may add time to the process.
What documents Bank of America notaries will and will not notarize
Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, travel consent forms, and general declarations. However, some branches decline to notarize real estate deeds, wills, or trusts because of the complexity and liability involved. A few branches also refuse documents related to court proceedings or legal disputes.
Call your branch before you visit and describe the document you need notarized. If the branch cannot handle it, ask whether they can refer you to a notary who can. Many branches have relationships with local notary services or can point you toward a public notary in your area.
Wait times and appointment options
Bank of America does not typically offer scheduled notary appointments—notaries work on a walk-in basis during branch hours. Wait times range from immediate to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is and whether the notary is handling other customer needs. Calling ahead to ask about current wait time is the most reliable way to plan your visit.
If your branch is consistently busy or does not have a notary, consider visiting during off-peak hours (mid-morning on a weekday is often quieter) or finding an alternative notary through your state's notary directory or a local UPS Store, which often offers notary services for a flat fee.
Alternatives if your Bank of America branch cannot help
If your branch does not have a notary, does not notarize your type of document, or the wait is too long, several alternatives exist. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and LandAmerica title companies often provide notary services for $5 to $25 per signature. Many public libraries also employ notaries, sometimes free or for a small donation.
Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a directory of commissioned notaries in your area. You can search by zip code to find independent notaries near you. Some charge less than retail locations, and many offer evening or weekend hours if you cannot visit during business hours.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring the document you need notarized and a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID and verify your identity before notarizing. If you do not have a photo ID, most notaries will decline to notarize the document because it is a legal requirement.
Bring the document unsigned if the notary needs to watch you sign it. Some documents require the notary to witness your signature; others require only that the notary verify your identity and stamp the document. Ask the notary which applies to your document when you arrive. If you are unsure whether the document is ready to notarize, bring it unsigned and let the notary review it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary service?
No, but non-customers typically pay a fee. Account holders usually receive the service free. Call your local branch to confirm their specific policy, as it varies by location.
Can Bank of America notarize a real estate deed or will?
Most Bank of America branches decline to notarize real estate deeds, wills, and trusts because of liability concerns. Call your branch first to ask. If they cannot help, a title company or independent notary may be able to.
How long does notarization take?
The process itself takes 5 to 10 minutes, but wait time depends on how busy the branch is. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, or visit during mid-morning on a weekday when branches are typically quieter.
What if I do not have a photo ID?
Notaries are required by law to verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID. Without one, they cannot notarize your document. Bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
Can I notarize a document that is already signed?
It depends on the document and the notary's interpretation of the law. Some documents can be notarized after signing; others must be signed in front of the notary. Ask when you call the branch, or bring the document unsigned to be safe.