Where to find a notary in your area

A notary public is usually available within a few miles of where you live or work. Banks, credit unions, and law offices keep notaries on staff during business hours. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some Staples branches offer notary services for a fee—typically $5 to $15 per signature. Your county clerk's office can direct you to notaries in your area, and many publish lists online.

Search "notary public near me" in Google Maps to see what's closest and what hours they keep. Call ahead before you go—some notaries work by appointment only, and a few require you to be a customer (banks often do this). If you need a notary outside normal business hours, some areas have mobile notaries who travel to you, though they charge more.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks, credit unions, and law offices have notaries on staff during business hours, often at no charge if you're a customer.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and some Staples locations offer notary services for $5 to $15 per signature.
  • Your county clerk's office maintains a list of notaries in your area and can tell you which ones are available today.
  • Mobile notaries will come to your home or office but charge more than in-person visits, usually $25 to $50 or higher.
  • Always call or check hours before you go—many notaries work by appointment and some require you to be a customer.

What to bring when you visit a notary

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the document that needs to be notarized, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them; they cannot notarize a document you signed before you arrived.

If the document is a deed, mortgage, or power of attorney, bring any other paperwork the notary asks for—they may need to see proof of your relationship to the property or the person you're acting for. Have cash or a card ready to pay the fee if you're going to a UPS Store or FedEx Office. Banks and credit unions usually charge nothing for customers.

Banks and credit unions

Most banks and credit unions have at least one notary on staff. Call your branch and ask if they offer notary services and whether you need an appointment. Many do not charge customers, but some charge $5 to $10 per signature. A few banks limit notary services to customers only, so confirm that before you go.

Hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and some branches are open Saturday mornings. If your bank doesn't have a notary, ask if they can refer you to one nearby. Larger branches are more likely to have a notary than smaller ones.

Retail notary services

UPS Store, FedEx Office, and some Staples locations offer notary services. Fees are usually $5 to $15 per signature, and you do not need to be a customer. Hours vary by location—many are open until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday. Call ahead to confirm the notary is in that day; some locations share one notary across multiple branches.

These services are fast and convenient if you need a notary outside bank hours. The downside is that not every location has a notary, so search online or call before you go. Some locations require an appointment, especially if the notary is part-time.

County clerk and government offices

Your county clerk's office keeps a list of notaries in your county and can tell you which ones are available today. Some clerk's offices have a notary on staff and will notarize documents for free or a small fee. Call your county clerk's main number or search "[your county] clerk notary" online to find the list and hours.

Government notaries are usually available during regular business hours—9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. They may require an appointment or have a walk-in window. This is a good option if you need a notary quickly and want to avoid fees.

Mobile notaries and evening services

If you cannot get to a notary during the day, a mobile notary will come to your home, office, or another location you choose. Search "mobile notary near me" or ask your county clerk for a referral. Mobile notaries charge more than in-person visits—usually $25 to $50 or higher depending on distance and time of day.

Some mobile notaries work evenings and weekends. This is useful if you work during the day or need a notary outside normal hours. Confirm the fee and any travel charges before you book. A few areas have 24-hour notary services, though these are rare and expensive.

How to check if a notary is legitimate

A notary public is commissioned by your state and has a commission number. Ask to see their notary seal and commission certificate before you hand over your document. The seal should show your state's name and the notary's name and commission number. If something looks wrong or the notary seems unsure, do not use them.

You can verify a notary's license by calling your state's Secretary of State office or searching their website. Most states have an online database where you can look up a notary by name. If a notary is not in the database, they are not licensed and cannot notarize your document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you signed it before you arrived, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it again in front of the notary.

How much does a notary cost?

Banks and credit unions usually charge nothing for customers. UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples charge $5 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $50 or more. Government offices may charge a small fee or nothing at all—call your county clerk to ask.

Do I need an appointment?

Banks and retail locations sometimes take walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer. Mobile notaries almost always require an appointment. Your county clerk's office may have a walk-in window or require an appointment—check their website or call.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or holiday?

Some UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are open Saturday, and a few have notaries on staff. Mobile notaries sometimes work weekends for an extra fee. Call ahead to confirm. Most government offices are closed on weekends and holidays.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you are not who you say you are, if the document looks forged or altered, or if they have a conflict of interest. A notary cannot notarize a document for a family member in most states. If a notary refuses, ask why and try another notary.