Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account
Bank of America provides notary services through its branch network, and the service is typically free for account holders. However, not every branch offers it, hours vary, and you may need an appointment. If you're not a Bank of America customer, some branches will still notarize documents for a fee, though policies differ by location.
The fastest way to find out whether your nearest branch offers notary services is to call ahead or check the branch locator on Bank of America's website. Many branches do, but staffing and demand mean some locations have limited availability or may ask you to come back at a different time.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary services are free for account holders at most branches, but you should call ahead to confirm availability and book an appointment if required.
- Non-customers may be able to use the service for a fee at some branches, but policies vary by location and you should ask when you call.
- You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarizing; the notary will not notarize blank documents or ones you haven't signed yet.
- If your local Bank of America branch does not offer notary services, you can find alternatives through your state's notary public directory, UPS stores, or other banks in your area.
How to find a Bank of America branch that notarizes documents
Start by using the Bank of America branch locator on their website. Enter your zip code or address, and a list of nearby branches appears. However, the locator does not always show which branches have notary services available, so you will need to call the branch directly to ask.
When you call, ask whether the branch offers notary services, what the hours are, and whether you need an appointment. Some branches require appointments, especially during busy times. If the branch you prefer does not offer the service, ask the representative to recommend another location nearby that does.
What you need to bring and what the notary will and will not do
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You must also bring the document that needs notarizing. The notary will not notarize a blank document, and they will not sign a document on your behalf. You must sign it yourself in front of the notary.
The notary's job is to verify your identity and witness your signature. They will then add their seal and signature to the document, along with the date and their notary number. This confirms that you signed the document knowingly and in their presence.
Some documents have specific notarization requirements — for example, a power of attorney may need to be notarized in a particular way, or a real estate document may require additional steps. If you are unsure whether your document meets the notary's requirements, bring it with you or describe it when you call the branch.
Cost for Bank of America customers versus non-customers
The service is free for Bank of America account holders. Non-customers may be charged a fee, but the amount and whether the service is offered at all varies by branch. Some branches charge $5 to $15 per signature, while others may decline to notarize for non-customers altogether.
Call ahead if you are not a Bank of America customer. This way you will know whether the branch will serve you and what to expect to pay. Do not assume that because one branch turned you away, all Bank of America branches will — policies differ.
Appointment requirements and wait times
Many Bank of America branches can notarize documents while you wait, but some require an appointment, especially during peak hours. Call the branch to ask whether you can walk in or need to schedule ahead. If an appointment is required, the branch can usually fit you in within a day or two.
If you walk in without an appointment, be prepared to wait. During lunch hours or late afternoon, the notary may be busy with other customers. Going early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits.
What to do if your Bank of America branch does not offer notary services
Not all Bank of America branches have a notary on staff. If yours does not, ask the representative which nearby branches do offer the service. You can also search your state's notary public directory — most states maintain a list of commissioned notaries, and you can often search by zip code to find someone near you.
Other options include UPS stores, which offer notary services at most locations for a fee, and other banks in your area. Some credit unions also provide notary services to members. Libraries and courthouses sometimes offer the service as well, though availability varies by location.
Documents Bank of America notaries commonly handle
Bank of America notaries regularly notarize powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, and general declarations. They can also notarize travel documents, vehicle titles, and other common paperwork. However, they cannot notarize certain documents, such as those that require a certified copy or documents that are already signed by someone else.
If you have a specialized or unusual document, describe it when you call the branch. The notary can tell you whether they can handle it or whether you need to find a notary with additional credentials or experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a notarized copy of a document at Bank of America?
No. A notary public can notarize your signature on an original document, but they cannot make certified copies. If you need a certified copy — for example, a certified copy of a birth certificate or diploma — you must contact the organization that issued the original document.
Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary services?
No, but non-customers may be charged a fee and some branches may decline to serve you. Call ahead to confirm the branch will notarize for non-customers and ask what the fee is.
What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?
Bank of America branches have standard business hours, so weekend and evening notary services are not available. Search your state's notary directory for a mobile or independent notary who works outside standard hours, or check whether UPS stores in your area offer weekend notary services.
Can the Bank of America notary notarize a document I haven't signed yet?
No. You must sign the document yourself in front of the notary. They will not sign it for you or notarize a blank document.
How long does a notarization take?
The process usually takes five to ten minutes, depending on how many signatures need notarizing and how busy the branch is. If you have an appointment, the time is often shorter.