Where to Find a Notary Near You

A notary public is usually available within a few miles of your home or workplace. The fastest way to find one is to call your bank — most branches have a notary on staff during business hours, and the service is free or costs $5 to $15 per signature. If your bank does not have one, ask the teller for a referral to a nearby notary.

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a public directory of commissioned notaries. You can search by county or ZIP code on that office's website. The directory lists the notary's name, address, phone number, and sometimes their hours. Some states also allow you to filter by whether they offer mobile service (traveling to you) or remote online notarization.

UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some Staples branches employ notaries. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether they are available without an appointment. Local title companies and real estate offices also employ notaries and often serve the public for a fee, typically $10 to $25 per signature.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank is the fastest and often free option — call and ask whether a notary is available during regular hours.
  • Your state's Secretary of State website has a searchable directory of all commissioned notaries in your area, including their phone numbers and hours.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and some Staples locations have notaries on staff, but you should call first to confirm availability and hours.
  • Mobile notaries will travel to your home or office for a higher fee, usually $25 to $50 per signature plus travel costs.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarizing — the notary will not notarize a blank document or one you have not yet signed.

What to Bring When You Visit

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs notarizing, not a copy. The notary will examine it, watch you sign it (or sign it in front of them if you have not already), and then explore their seal and signature.

If you are signing on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation that shows you have the authority to do so — a power of attorney, corporate resolution, or letter from the organization's owner or manager. The notary may ask questions about the document's purpose and your relationship to it. Answer honestly; the notary's job is to confirm that you are who you say you are and that you are signing of your own free will.

Cost and Timing

Notary fees vary by state and by the notary's business model. Banks often charge nothing or $5 to $10 per signature for customers. UPS Store and FedEx Office typically charge $10 to $25. Mobile notaries (who come to you) charge $25 to $50 per signature plus travel fees, which can add $15 to $50 depending on distance. Some notaries charge a flat fee per visit rather than per signature, so if you have multiple documents to notarize, ask about that option.

Most notaries can complete a notarization in 5 to 10 minutes. If the notary needs to verify your identity through an online system or if you have multiple documents, it may take 15 to 20 minutes. There is no waiting period — you can use the notarized document when ready after the notary finishes.

Mobile and Remote Notaries

A mobile notary travels to your home, office, or another location you choose. This is useful if you cannot leave work or home, or if you need notarization outside normal business hours. Mobile notaries typically charge $25 to $50 per signature plus a travel fee of $15 to $50, depending on how far they have to go. You can find mobile notaries through your state's Secretary of State directory (many list whether they offer mobile service) or by searching "mobile notary near me" online.

Remote online notarization allows you to have a document notarized over video call. The notary verifies your identity, watches you sign the document on camera, and applies a digital seal. Not all states allow remote notarization, and not all documents can be notarized remotely — some legal documents require an in-person notarization. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether remote notarization is available and which documents may have access to.

What Documents Can Be Notarized

Common documents that need notarizing include power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, real estate deeds, and travel consent forms for minors. The notary does not need to understand the document's legal purpose — they only need to confirm your identity and witness your signature. However, the notary will refuse to notarize a document that is blank, already signed by someone else, or that appears to be fraudulent.

Some documents have specific notarization requirements. For example, a power of attorney may need to be notarized in front of two witnesses, or a real estate deed may need to be notarized by a notary who is not related to any party to the transaction. If you are unsure whether your document has special requirements, ask the person or organization requesting the notarization, or call a notary and describe the document before you visit.

How to Search Your State's Notary Directory

Go to your state's Secretary of State website and look for a link labeled "Notary Public Directory," "Find a Notary," or "Notary Search." Most directories let you search by county, city, or ZIP code. Enter your location and the search will return a list of notaries in that area, usually with their phone numbers, addresses, and hours of operation.

Some directories also show whether the notary offers mobile service, remote notarization, or both. If the directory does not list hours, call the notary directly — many work by appointment only. If a notary's listing is outdated or their phone number is wrong, report it to your Secretary of State office so the directory can be updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they cannot verify your identity, if the document is blank or already signed, if you appear to be signing under duress, or if the document appears fraudulent. A notary can also refuse if they have a conflict of interest — for example, if they are a party to the transaction or related to someone who is.

Do I have to sign the document in front of the notary?

In most cases, yes. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary can still notarize it, but they will ask you to acknowledge your signature in front of them. Do not sign a document before meeting with the notary unless you are certain that is what they want.

How long is a notarized document valid?

A notarized document does not expire. The notary's seal and signature confirm that the document was signed on a specific date in front of a notary. However, the organization requesting the notarization may have its own important date — for example, a bank may require that a notarized power of attorney be dated within the last 30 days. Ask the organization what their requirement is.

What if I cannot find a notary in my area?

Call your county clerk's office or your local bar association — they often keep a list of notaries and can refer you to one. If you live in a rural area, a mobile notary may be your best option, even if they charge a higher fee. Some notaries also offer remote online notarization, which may be available in your state.

Can a notary notarize a document in a language other than English?

A notary can notarize a document in any language, but they must be able to communicate with you to verify your identity and confirm that you are signing of your own free will. If you need a document notarized in a language the notary does not speak, ask whether they can work with an interpreter, or search for a notary who speaks that language.