Not every UPS Store has a notary on staff

UPS Stores do offer notary services, but availability depends on the individual location. Some UPS Stores employ a notary public, while others do not. The only way to know whether your nearest UPS Store has one is to call ahead or check their website, because there is no master list showing which locations have notaries and which do not.

UPS Stores are franchises, meaning each one is independently owned and operated. The parent company does not require every location to have a notary on site. Some busy urban locations have one; some smaller or rural locations do not. A store that had a notary last year may not have one now if that employee left.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your local UPS Store directly before visiting, because notary availability varies by location and changes when staff turns over.
  • UPS Stores that do have notaries typically charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though prices vary by state and location.
  • If your nearest UPS Store does not have a notary, banks, credit unions, and public libraries often do, and many offer the service free or for a small fee.
  • Some UPS Stores can refer you to a notary in the area if they do not have one on staff.

How to learn about your UPS Store has a notary

The fastest way is to call the store directly. Look up your nearest UPS Store on ups.com, find its phone number, and ask whether they have a notary public available. If you reach someone who does not know, ask to speak with the manager.

You can also visit in person and ask, but calling first saves a trip. Some UPS Stores list notary services on their location page on the UPS website, though not all do. If the website does not mention it, that does not mean the store lacks a notary—it may straightforward mean the information was not updated.

What to bring and what it costs

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The notary will verify your identity before notarizing your document. You will also need the document itself—bring the original, not a copy, because the notary must see the actual document you want notarized.

Cost varies by state and by store. Most UPS Stores charge between $5 and $15 per signature. Some charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature, so if your document has multiple places to sign, the total cost may be higher. Ask the price when you call.

When a UPS Store notary cannot help

A notary public can witness your signature and certify that you signed in front of them. They cannot provide legal information, draft documents, or tell you whether a document is correct. If you need help understanding what you are signing or whether a document is appropriate for your situation, you may need to speak with a lawyer instead.

Some documents require a notary with specific training or bonding—for example, loan documents or real estate papers sometimes have special requirements. Call the UPS Store notary and describe what you need notarized. If they say they cannot do it, ask whether they can refer you to someone who can.

Other places to find a notary if UPS does not have one

Banks and credit unions often have notaries on staff, and many offer the service free to customers. Call ahead to confirm availability and ask whether you need to be a customer to use the service.

Public libraries in many areas have notaries or can refer you to one nearby. Some charge a small fee; others do not charge at all. County clerk offices and some government buildings also employ notaries, usually at no cost to the public.

If you need a notary outside normal business hours, some UPS Stores are open early or late, and a few are open 24 hours. Check the hours for your location before you go.

What happens during a notary appointment

The notary will ask to see your photo ID and will verify that the name on the ID matches the name on the document. They will watch you sign the document in front of them. They will then add their notary seal and signature to the document, along with the date and their notary number. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.

Bring a pen. Some notaries provide one, but it is safer to bring your own. Do not sign the document before you arrive—the notary must see you sign it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a photo ID?

No. A notary must verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID before they can notarize your signature. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to get a state ID card first. Some notaries may accept other forms of ID in rare cases—ask the notary directly.

Can a notary notarize a document I signed before coming in?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get an unsigned copy and sign it in front of the notary.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

A notarized signature does not expire. Once a document is notarized, it remains notarized. However, the organization that receives the document may have its own rules about how old a notarized document can be before they will accept it. Ask whoever is requesting the notarization whether there is a time limit.

Can I notarize a document for someone else?

No. A notary must notarize the signature of the person whose name is on the document. You cannot sign on someone else's behalf, and a notary cannot notarize a signature that is not the person's own.