Not all UPS stores have a notary, and availability varies by location
UPS does offer notary services at many of its locations, but the service is not available everywhere. Whether your nearest UPS store has a notary depends on the individual franchise owner's decision to offer it. Some UPS stores have a notary on staff during business hours; others do not offer the service at all. The only way to know for certain is to call the specific location or check their website before you go.
UPS is a franchise system, which means each store is independently owned and operated. The parent company does not require all franchises to provide notary services. This is different from a bank or government office, where notary availability is more standardized. Your local UPS store may have decided that notary services are not worth the cost or staffing commitment, or the owner may not have a notary on the payroll.
Key Takeaways
- UPS stores are franchises, so each location decides independently whether to offer notary services.
- Call your local UPS store directly or visit their website to confirm they have a notary before you visit.
- Hours for notary service may be different from store hours, so ask when the notary is available.
- You will typically need to bring a valid photo ID and the document that needs to be notarized.
- If your UPS store does not have a notary, banks, credit unions, and public libraries often do.
How to learn about your UPS store has a notary
The fastest way is to call the store directly. Look up your local UPS store on the UPS website or Google Maps, then call the phone number listed. Ask whether they have a notary on staff and what their hours are. Some notaries work part-time or only certain days of the week, so knowing the schedule matters.
You can also visit the UPS store locator on their website and click on the specific location. Some store pages list services offered, including notary, though not all locations update this information regularly. If the listing does not mention notary services, that does not mean they are unavailable—call to be sure.
What to bring when you visit for notary services
Bring a valid photo ID issued by a government agency. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity before notarizing your document.
Bring the original document that needs to be notarized. The notary will not notarize a photocopy or a document you sign in front of them for the first time. You must sign the document in the notary's presence. Bring any other copies you need notarized as well, since you will be paying per signature or per document.
Cost of notary services at UPS
UPS stores typically charge between $5 and $15 per notarization, though the exact price varies by location and franchise owner. Some stores charge per signature, others per document. Call ahead to ask the cost so you are not surprised at the register.
This price is lower than many private notaries but may be higher than banks or credit unions, which sometimes offer notary services to account holders for free or at a reduced rate. If cost is a concern, check whether your bank offers notary services before you go to UPS.
When UPS notary services are not available
If your UPS store does not have a notary, or if their hours do not work for you, other places commonly offer notary services. Banks and credit unions often have notaries on staff, and many offer the service free to account holders. Public libraries in most cities have notaries available, usually at no cost or for a small fee. Some pharmacies, shipping centers, and real estate offices also employ notaries.
You can search for notaries near you on the National Notary Association website or by typing "notary near me" into Google Maps. This will show you all available options and their hours, so you can find the most convenient location.
What documents can and cannot be notarized
A notary can notarize most documents that require a signature to be verified—power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, travel consent letters for minors, and real estate paperwork are common examples. The notary's job is to confirm that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly.
A notary cannot notarize a document you did not sign in front of them, a document that is already signed by someone else, or a document that is blank or incomplete. They also cannot notarize their own signature or a document for a family member in most states. If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, call the UPS store or the organization requesting the notarization and ask.
Preparing your document before you go
Make sure your document is complete and ready to sign. Do not sign it before you arrive—the notary must watch you sign. If the document has blank spaces that should be filled in, complete them before you go, or bring the information with you so you can fill them in at the store.
Read the document carefully to understand what you are signing. A notary will not explain the legal meaning of a document or advise you on whether you should sign it. Their only role is to verify your identity and witness your signature. If you have questions about what the document means or whether you should sign it, ask a lawyer or the organization that provided the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a photo ID?
No. A notary must see a valid government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to get a state ID card from your local DMV before you can have a document notarized.
Can I notarize a document that is already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If you have already signed it, they cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it in front of the notary.
How long does a notarization take?
Most notarizations take five to ten minutes. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign, and then add their seal and signature. If the store is busy, you may wait longer, so plan to arrive with extra time.
Do I need an appointment for notary services at UPS?
Most UPS stores do not require an appointment for notary services, but calling ahead is a good idea. This way you can confirm the notary is available and avoid a wasted trip if they are busy or off that day.
What if I need multiple documents notarized?
Bring all of them at once. The notary will notarize each one, and you will pay per document or per signature depending on the store's pricing. This is faster and cheaper than making multiple trips.