Bank of America notarizes documents at most branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account there
Bank of America offers notary services at many of its branches, though not every location provides them. The service is typically free for account holders and may carry a small fee for non-customers. Before you visit a branch, you should call ahead to confirm that a notary is available on the day and time you plan to go, because staffing varies by location and some branches have limited hours for this service.
The documents you need notarized must be legitimate business or legal papers — Bank of America notaries will not notarize blank documents, already-signed papers, or items they cannot verify as genuine. You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, in most cases, the person whose signature is being notarized must be present in person.
Key Takeaways
- Call your local Bank of America branch directly to confirm a notary is available before you visit, because not all branches offer this service.
- The service is free for Bank of America account holders and typically costs a small fee for non-customers, though the exact amount varies by location.
- You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, and the person signing the document must be present at the time of notarization.
- Bank of America notaries will not notarize blank documents, pre-signed papers, or documents they cannot verify as legitimate.
- Some branches have limited notary hours or may require an appointment, so calling ahead saves you a trip.
How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch
Start by visiting the Bank of America website and using the branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or address to see nearby branches, then call the branch directly and ask whether a notary is available. Do not rely on the website listing alone — many branches that offer notary services do not clearly advertise it online, and staffing changes frequently.
When you call, ask about the notary's hours, whether an appointment is required, and what the fee is if you are not an account holder. Some branches have a notary available only during certain hours or on specific days, so confirming this before you travel saves time. If your nearest branch does not offer notary services, ask the staff to recommend another location in your area that does.
What documents you can and cannot get notarized
Bank of America notaries can notarize most standard legal and business documents, including power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and travel consent letters for minors. They can also notarize copies of documents you already own, provided the original is present for comparison.
Notaries at Bank of America will refuse to notarize blank documents, papers that are already signed, documents written in a language other than English (unless the notary speaks that language), or papers they believe are fraudulent or improper. They also cannot notarize their own documents or sign as a witness to a document — a notary's role is to verify identity and confirm that a signature was made willingly, not to witness or participate in the signing itself.
What to bring to your notarization appointment
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in person with their own ID. Bank of America notaries will not notarize a document if the signer is not physically there, even if you have a power of attorney or written permission from them.
Bring the original document you need notarized, along with any copies you may want notarized at the same time. If the document refers to other papers or requires context the notary may not understand, bring those supporting documents as well so the notary can verify that the paper is legitimate and that you understand what you are signing.
Cost and account holder benefits
Bank of America account holders receive notary services free of charge at most branches. Non-customers typically pay a per-signature fee, which varies by location but is usually between $5 and $15 per document. Some branches may charge a flat fee for multiple signatures on the same document, while others charge per signature.
Call your branch ahead of time to confirm the exact fee structure, because pricing can differ between locations. If cost is a concern, ask whether your branch offers any discounts or whether there are other notaries in your area with lower fees. Some credit unions, law offices, and shipping stores also offer notary services, often at lower cost than banks.
Alternatives if your branch does not offer notary services
If your Bank of America branch does not have a notary, check other banks in your area — most major banks offer notary services to both customers and non-customers. Credit unions often notarize documents for members at no charge. Shipping and mailing stores like UPS Store and FedEx Office have notaries on staff, though fees are typically higher than at banks.
Law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies also employ notaries and may notarize documents for a fee. Some courthouses offer notary services, usually at a lower cost than private providers. If you need notarization urgently, call several nearby locations to find one with when ready availability rather than waiting for an appointment at your preferred branch.
Common mistakes to avoid when getting a document notarized
Do not sign the document before you arrive at the notary's office. The notary must watch you sign it to verify that you are signing willingly and that the signature is genuine. If you sign beforehand, the notary cannot proceed and you will have wasted the trip.
Do not assume the notary will explain what the document means or whether you should sign it. A notary's job is only to verify your identity and confirm that you signed willingly — they are not lawyers and cannot give legal information. If you do not understand what you are signing, ask a lawyer before you go to the notary, not the notary themselves.
Do not bring an expired ID or a photo ID that does not match your current appearance significantly. Notaries must be confident that the ID belongs to you, and they may refuse to proceed if there is any doubt. If your ID is expired or you have changed your appearance substantially, bring a second form of ID to support the first one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I am not a Bank of America customer?
Yes, most Bank of America branches notarize documents for non-customers, though you will pay a fee. Call your local branch to confirm they offer this service and ask what the fee is, because it varies by location. You will still need a valid government-issued photo ID and must be present in person.
What if the person who needs to sign the document cannot come to the branch?
Bank of America notaries require the signer to be present in person. If the signer cannot travel to a branch, you will need to find a mobile notary who travels to the signer's location, or ask whether the signer can arrange to visit a branch themselves. Some notaries offer remote notarization for certain document types, though this is not yet standard at Bank of America.
How long does notarization take?
Notarization typically takes 5 to 10 minutes per document, though wait times depend on how busy the branch is. Call ahead to ask about typical wait times at your location, and consider visiting during slower hours like mid-morning on a weekday to minimize your wait.
Can Bank of America notarize documents for a business I own?
Yes, Bank of America notaries can notarize business documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and loan papers. You will need to bring a valid photo ID and the original document. If the document requires a corporate seal or signature from a specific officer, bring documentation showing your authority to sign on behalf of the business.
What if I need the document notarized the same day?
Call your nearest Bank of America branch when ready and ask whether a notary is available that day and what their hours are. If your branch cannot accommodate you, call other banks, credit unions, or shipping stores in your area — many have notaries available on short notice. Arriving early in the day gives you the best chance of finding same-day service.