Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability varies by location
Yes, Bank of America branches do have notary public services available to customers and non-customers alike. Most full-service branches employ at least one notary, and the service is typically free or low-cost. However, not every branch location has a notary on staff, and hours may be limited — some notaries work only certain days or during specific windows.
The fastest way to confirm whether your nearest branch has a notary is to call ahead. Bank of America's customer service line can tell you which branches in your area have notaries available and when they work. If your branch does not have one, they can often direct you to another location nearby that does.
Key Takeaways
- Most Bank of America branches have at least one notary on staff, but you should call your specific branch to confirm availability before visiting.
- Bank of America notary services are usually free for customers and may charge a small fee for non-customers, though fees vary by state and location.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarizing; the notary will verify your identity before witnessing your signature.
- If your branch does not have a notary, Bank of America customer service can direct you to the nearest location that does or suggest other notary options in your area.
How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch
Start by calling your local Bank of America branch directly. Ask to speak with someone who can confirm whether a notary is available and what their hours are. Many branches have notaries available during regular business hours, but some locations may have limited availability — for example, a notary might work only on weekday mornings or be absent on certain days.
If your branch does not have a notary, ask the staff member which nearby branches do. Bank of America has thousands of locations, so there is usually another branch within a short distance. You can also visit the Bank of America website and use their branch locator tool, though this will not tell you notary availability — a phone call is more reliable.
What to bring when you visit
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before witnessing your signature, so your ID needs to be current and match the name on the document you are having notarized.
Bring the original document that needs notarizing. The notary will not notarize a photocopy or a document you sign in front of them for the first time — you must sign it in the notary's presence. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them. Some documents require notarization on specific pages only; the notary will tell you which ones need their seal.
Cost and what the notary will do
Bank of America notary services are free for customers with an active account. Non-customers may be charged a fee, though the amount varies by state and location — some branches charge $5 to $15 per signature, while others may charge nothing. Call ahead to ask about the fee if you are not a customer.
The notary's job is to witness your signature and verify that you signed the document of your own free will and with understanding of what you were signing. They will ask you to state your name, confirm your identity by checking your photo ID, and watch you sign the document. They then stamp and sign the document themselves, adding the notary seal and their commission number. This process usually takes five to ten minutes.
When Bank of America notaries cannot help
Bank of America notaries cannot notarize documents if you do not have a valid photo ID, if the document is already signed, or if you are not physically present. They also cannot notarize certain legal documents like wills, powers of attorney, or affidavits in some states — rules vary. If your document falls into a category the notary cannot handle, they will tell you and may suggest you contact an attorney or a dedicated notary public service.
Some documents require a certified copy rather than a notarized signature. A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that a notary or government official has verified as a true copy. Bank of America notaries typically do not provide certified copies — you would need to contact your state's Secretary of State office or a courthouse for that service.
Alternatives if your branch cannot help
If no Bank of America branch near you has a notary, or if their hours do not work for you, other places offer notary services. Many UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples have notaries on staff. Some title companies, real estate offices, and law firms also provide notary services, often for a fee. Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a list of commissioned notaries in your area, which you can search online.
Some banks and credit unions other than Bank of America offer notary services to the public. If you belong to another financial institution, it is worth calling to ask. Online notary services have also become available in many states, though they work differently — you sign the document electronically while on a video call with a notary, and the notarized document is returned to you digitally.
Preparing your document before you go
Make sure the document is complete and ready to sign before you visit the notary. Do not leave blank spaces or lines — fill in all required information. If the document has a specific place marked for a notary seal or signature, leave that blank for the notary to complete. If you are unsure whether the document is filled out correctly, contact the person or organization that gave it to you and ask for clarification.
Bring more than one copy if you need multiple notarized versions. The notary will notarize each copy separately, and you will be charged a fee for each signature notarized (if a fee applies). Having copies ready saves you a trip back to the branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bank of America notarize a document if I am not a customer?
Yes, most Bank of America branches will notarize documents for non-customers. You may be charged a fee, which varies by location and state. Call your nearest branch to ask about their fee policy for non-customers before you visit.
What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?
Some documents fall outside what a notary can legally notarize, depending on your state's laws. If the notary declines, ask them why and whether they can recommend another service. An attorney, title company, or your state's Secretary of State office may be able to help with documents a standard notary cannot handle.
Do I need an appointment to see a Bank of America notary?
Most Bank of America branches do not require appointments for notary services, but availability can be limited during busy times. Calling ahead to confirm the notary is available is a good idea, especially if you are traveling a distance to reach the branch.
Can Bank of America notarize a document that is already signed?
No. The notary must witness you signing the document in front of them. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. You would need to obtain a new blank copy and sign it in the notary's presence.
How long does a Bank of America notary appointment take?
The notarization process itself usually takes five to ten minutes. However, if the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Arriving early in the day or calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit.