Where to Find a Notary Public Near You

A notary public is usually easier to find than you think. Banks, credit unions, and law offices almost always have one on staff or can direct you to one. Many will notarize documents for free if you have an account; others charge a small fee, typically two to five dollars per signature. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask whether they charge.

Your local courthouse often has a notary public available to the public during business hours, usually at no cost or for a minimal fee. Some county clerk offices also provide this service. If you need a notary outside normal business hours, UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacies offer notary services for a fee — usually five to fifteen dollars per document.

Online notary services have become common in recent years. These allow you to upload your document, verify your identity through video, and receive a notarized copy by email. They work in most states but not all, and some documents — like real estate deeds — cannot be notarized online in any state. Check your state's notary laws before choosing this route.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions often notarize documents free for account holders, so call your own bank first.
  • County courthouses and clerk offices provide notary services during business hours, usually at no cost or for a small fee.
  • UPS stores, FedEx Office, and some pharmacies offer notary services for five to fifteen dollars if you need evening or weekend hours.
  • Online notary services work in most states but cannot notarize certain documents like real estate deeds, so confirm your state allows it before you start.
  • Bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document you need notarized; the notary will watch you sign it in person.

What to Bring When You Visit a Notary

You must bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm your identity before witnessing your signature. Bring the unsigned document itself, not a copy. The notary must watch you sign it in person; they cannot notarize a document you signed before you arrived.

If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, bring it with you anyway. The notary will tell you if there is a problem — for example, if the document is missing required language or if your state does not allow notarization of that particular type of document. Bring cash or a card if the notary charges a fee; not all accept both payment methods.

How Much a Notary Costs

Notary fees vary widely depending on where you go. Banks and credit unions typically charge nothing for account holders and five to ten dollars for non-account holders. County offices usually charge one to five dollars per signature. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations typically charge ten to fifteen dollars.

Online notary services usually cost between twenty-five and fifty dollars per document, though some charge per signature if a document has multiple signers. Ask the notary service for their exact fee before you proceed. Some services quote a price online; others require a phone call or email to confirm.

Using an Online Notary Service

Online notarization works through video. You upload your document, schedule a time slot, and join a video call with a notary public. The notary watches you sign the document on camera, verifies your identity using government-issued ID, and sends you a notarized copy by email. The whole process usually takes fifteen to thirty minutes.

Not all documents can be notarized online. Real estate deeds, powers of attorney for real estate, and certain financial documents cannot be notarized remotely in most states. Check your state's notary laws or ask the online service whether your specific document is may be able to access. If it is not, you will need to visit a notary in person.

Online notary services are useful if you live far from a notary office, work irregular hours, or need notarization outside business hours. They are also faster than scheduling an in-person appointment if the service has same-day slots available. However, they cost more than in-person notarization and require a stable internet connection and a camera.

Finding a Notary on Short Notice

If you need a notary quickly, call your bank first — many can notarize documents the same day if you visit in person during business hours. If your bank cannot help, call the county courthouse or clerk office; they usually have notaries available without an appointment, though you may wait in line.

UPS stores and FedEx Office locations often have notaries available same-day, but availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm a notary is on duty. If it is evening or weekend and you cannot wait until Monday, an online notary service may be your only option — many offer same-day or next-day appointments.

Do not wait until the last minute if your document has a important date. Notaries can be busy, and some services book up days in advance. If you know you will need notarization, schedule it as soon as you know the document will be ready.

What Happens During Notarization

When you arrive, the notary will ask for your ID and check it carefully. They will ask you to confirm that you are signing the document of your own free will and that you understand what you are signing. You will then sign the document in front of the notary. They will not read the document or advise you on its contents — that is not their job.

After you sign, the notary will add their official seal or stamp, sign the document themselves, and record the date and time. Some notaries keep a journal of every notarization they perform; they may ask you to initial or sign this journal as well. The notary will give you the original notarized document. Keep it safe — you cannot get another notarization of the same document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary public notarize a document I already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in person. If you signed it before arriving, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it in front of the notary instead.

Do I need an appointment to see a notary?

It depends on where you go. Banks and county offices usually do not require appointments and will notarize documents on a walk-in basis, though you may wait. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations sometimes require appointments; call ahead. Online notary services always require you to book a time slot in advance.

What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?

A notary can refuse if the document is missing required language, if you cannot prove your identity, or if your state does not allow notarization of that type of document. Ask the notary why they are refusing. If you believe they are wrong, you can contact your state's notary regulator — usually the Secretary of State — for guidance.

Can a notary public give me legal information about a document?

No. A notary's job is only to verify your identity and witness your signature. They cannot tell you whether a document is correct, what it means, or whether you should sign it. If you need legal information, speak to a lawyer.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

Once notarized, a document does not expire. However, the organization that receives it may have its own rules about how old a notarized document can be. Some banks or government offices will not accept notarizations older than a few months. Ask the organization that needs the document whether there is an age limit.