The UPS Store can notarize documents, but not every location offers the service

Many UPS Store locations have a notary on staff, but availability depends on which store you visit. The UPS Store does not operate as a single chain with uniform services — each location is independently owned and operated, so notary services vary by franchise. Before you go, call the specific store nearest you or check their website to confirm they have a notary available and what their current hours are.

If your local UPS Store does not offer notary services, you have other options: banks, credit unions, law offices, and some public libraries all provide notarization. Some UPS Store locations may refer you to another nearby business that does notarize.

Key Takeaways

  • Not every UPS Store notarizes — you must call ahead to confirm your specific location offers the service.
  • The person being notarized must be present in person with a valid government-issued photo ID.
  • UPS Store notary fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though this varies by location.
  • Banks, credit unions, and libraries are common alternatives if your nearest UPS Store does not notarize.
  • Notarization takes a few minutes and does not require an appointment at most UPS Store locations, but calling first prevents a wasted trip.

What documents the UPS Store will and will not notarize

The UPS Store notarizes most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, travel consent forms for minors, and property-related paperwork. A notary public verifies that the person signing the document is who they claim to be and that they are signing of their own free will — they do not judge whether the document is legal or appropriate.

The UPS Store notary will refuse documents they cannot legally notarize. These include wills (in most states), documents where the signer is not present, and documents the notary suspects are fraudulent. If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, describe it to the store when you call — they can tell you whether that location's notary will handle it.

What to bring when you go to get a document notarized

Bring the unsigned document itself. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them — you cannot sign it beforehand. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary checks your ID to confirm your identity matches the name on the document.

If the document requires multiple signatures or multiple people to be notarized, everyone who needs to sign must be present with their own ID. Some documents ask for a notary seal and signature on multiple pages — the notary will handle this. Bring any other paperwork the document references if you have it, though the notary will tell you if they need it.

How much notarization costs at the UPS Store

UPS Store notary fees are set by each franchise owner, so prices vary. Most locations charge between $5 and $15 per signature notarized. Some charge a flat fee per document instead. Call your local store to ask their exact fee before you go — this prevents surprises at the counter.

If you need multiple documents notarized on the same visit, ask whether the store charges per signature or per document. A few locations offer discounts if you notarize several pages at once, though this is not standard.

How to find a UPS Store notary near you

Go to upsstore.com and use their location finder. Enter your address or zip code, and the results will show which stores are nearby. Click on each location to see its hours and services — some store pages list notary services directly, though not all do.

If the website does not clearly state whether notary services are available, call the store directly. The phone number appears in the location listing. Ask whether they have a notary on staff, what their hours are, and whether you need an appointment. Most UPS Store locations do not require an appointment for notarization, but calling first confirms the notary is there and not busy with another customer.

What happens during the notarization process

When you arrive, tell the staff member you need notarization. They will direct you to the notary or bring the notary to you. The notary will ask you to state your name and confirm it matches your ID. They will watch you sign the document in front of them — this is required by law. The notary then signs and stamps the document with their official seal, which proves they witnessed your signature.

The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes. The notary keeps a record of the notarization in a journal (a log they maintain), but you do not receive a copy of that record. You keep the notarized document itself. If you need a certified copy later, you will have to return to the same notary or contact them to request one.

When a UPS Store notary cannot help you

Some documents cannot be notarized at a UPS Store because they require a specific type of notary or because the UPS Store notary is not licensed to handle them. Wills, for example, cannot be notarized in many states — they require a lawyer or a specialized witness. Documents that need to be apostilled (certified for use in another country) may require a different process than standard notarization.

If the UPS Store notary tells you they cannot notarize your document, ask them why. They can often direct you to someone who can. A lawyer's office, your bank, or your county clerk's office may be able to help. Some documents need to be notarized by a notary in a specific state or county — if you are moving or the document is for out-of-state use, confirm the notary's location meets the requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized at the UPS Store without an appointment?

Most UPS Store locations do not require an appointment for notarization, but you should call ahead to confirm the notary is available and to ask about wait times. Some stores may be busy during certain hours, so calling first prevents a wasted trip.

What if I cannot go in person to get my document notarized?

Notarization requires you to be present in person — the notary must see you sign the document and verify your ID face-to-face. Remote notarization exists in some states but is not offered at most UPS Store locations. Check whether your state allows remote notarization and whether any local notaries offer it online.

Can the UPS Store notarize a copy of a document instead of the original?

Most notaries will notarize the original document only. Some documents, like powers of attorney, must be notarized on the original. If you need a certified copy of an already-notarized document, you may need to return to the same notary or contact them to request one.

What if the UPS Store notary says my document looks fraudulent?

A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they suspect fraud or if something about the situation seems wrong. If this happens, ask the notary to explain their concern. You can then take the document to a lawyer or another notary for a second opinion, but you cannot force a notary to proceed if they are uncomfortable.

Do I need to bring anything else besides my ID and the document?

Bring your ID and the unsigned document. If the document references other paperwork — like a property deed or a court order — bring those too, though the notary will tell you if they need them. Have cash or a card ready to pay the notary fee.