Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your account status, and whether you have an appointment
Many banks employ notaries on staff or contract with notaries who work in their branches. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks have notaries available to customers. However, not every branch has one, not every notary works every day, and some banks charge a fee while others offer it free to account holders.
The fastest way to find out is to call your branch directly and ask whether a notary is available that day. Do not assume based on bank size or location — a large downtown branch may have no notary on Tuesday, while a smaller branch across town has one available. Bring the documents you need notarized, a valid photo ID, and ask about the fee before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks have notaries available, but you must call your specific branch to confirm one is working that day.
- Many banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge $5 to $15 for non-customers, though fees vary by bank and location.
- You need a valid photo ID and the documents you want notarized; some banks require an appointment while others take walk-ins.
- If your bank has no notary or the wait is too long, credit unions, UPS stores, and FedEx locations often have notaries available with shorter wait times.
How to check if your bank has a notary available
Call the branch where you have your account or the branch closest to you. Ask specifically whether a notary is available today or on the day you plan to visit. Do not ask whether the bank offers notary services — ask whether one is working right now, because the answer to the first question does not may provide the answer to the second.
If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak to a manager or the branch operations person. Notaries often work part-time or split their time between branches, and front-line staff may not have the schedule. Some banks also allow you to book a notary appointment online through their website or app, which guarantees someone will be there when you arrive.
What you need to bring and what it costs
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring the original documents you need notarized. Some banks will not notarize copies, and some will not notarize certain types of documents like powers of attorney or real estate deeds, so ask when you call.
Fees range from free for account holders to $10 to $15 per signature for non-customers. Some banks charge per document instead of per signature. A few banks notarize one or two signatures free and charge for additional ones. Ask the fee when you call so you know what to expect.
Banks that commonly have notaries on staff
| Bank | Free for account holders? | Fee for non-customers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | Yes | $10 to $15 | Not all branches have notaries; call ahead |
| Bank of America | Yes | $10 to $15 | Availability varies by branch and day |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | $10 to $15 | Some branches require appointment |
| Citibank | Yes | $10 to $15 | Limited availability; call first |
| Local/regional banks | Often yes | $5 to $15 | Policies vary; ask your specific branch |
These fees and policies change by location and over time. The table above reflects common practice, but your branch may differ. Always call to confirm the current fee and availability before you visit.
When your bank cannot help or the wait is too long
If your bank has no notary, the notary is not available that day, or the wait is longer than you can manage, you have other options. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples often have notaries on staff and typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Many accept walk-ins and have shorter wait times than banks.
Credit unions frequently have notaries available to members at no charge. If you belong to a credit union, call your branch first. County courthouses and some public libraries also have notaries on staff, usually free or for a small fee. Search online for "notary public near me" to see what is available in your area, or call your local courthouse to ask where notaries are located.
What happens during the notarization
The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will check your photo ID to confirm your identity. They will then sign and stamp the document, and may record the notarization in a journal. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per document.
Some notaries will refuse to notarize certain documents — for example, blank documents, documents you did not sign in front of them, or documents where the signature is already there. This is normal and protects you. If the notary refuses, ask why; they can explain what the document needs before it can be notarized.
Preparing your documents before you visit
Bring the original document, not a copy. Make sure the document is complete and you understand what you are signing. If there are blank spaces or missing information, fill them in before you go — the notary will not do this for you.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, some notaries will still notarize it, but others will refuse. Call ahead and ask the bank's policy if your document is already signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to get a notary there?
No. Most banks notarize documents for non-customers, but they charge a fee — usually $10 to $15 per signature. Account holders often get it free. Call your branch to ask their specific policy.
Can I notarize a document that I already signed?
Some notaries will, and some will not. It depends on the notary and the document type. Call the bank or notary location ahead of time and describe your situation. If the document is already signed, ask whether they can still notarize it before you visit.
What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?
Ask why. Common reasons include the document being blank, the signature already present, or the document type being outside the notary's scope. The notary can usually explain what needs to change. If they still cannot help, try another notary — policies vary.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization takes 5 to 10 minutes. The wait time depends on how busy the branch is. Call ahead to ask how long the wait typically is on the day you plan to visit, or book an appointment if the bank offers one.
Can I notarize documents by mail or video?
Most banks require you to appear in person with a photo ID. Some notaries now offer remote notarization by video, but this is not yet common at bank branches. Call your bank to ask whether they offer this option.