Most banks have notary services, but not all branches and not always for free
Many banks do employ notary publics, and some offer the service to customers at no charge. However, availability depends on which bank you use, which branch you visit, and whether you are a customer there. A notary at a bank is often faster and more convenient than hunting for one elsewhere, but you cannot assume every branch has one on staff or that they will notarize documents unrelated to accounts the bank holds.
The best approach is to call your branch directly and ask whether a notary is available, whether there is a fee, and whether you need an appointment. Do not rely on the bank's website—branch staffing changes, and the information online is often outdated.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase typically have notaries at most branches, but smaller regional banks may not.
- Many banks notarize documents for free if you are a customer, but some charge a fee regardless of your account status.
- You will usually need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs notarizing; some banks also require an appointment.
- If your bank does not have a notary or cannot notarize your specific document, your county clerk's office, UPS Store, or a title company can do it instead.
Which banks are most likely to have notaries
Large national banks—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and US Bank—have notaries at most of their branches. These institutions employ notaries as part of their standard service offering, especially at branches in busy urban and suburban areas. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely; some have notaries, others do not.
If you bank at a smaller institution or a credit union, call ahead rather than showing up. Even at large banks, smaller branches or those in rural areas may not have a notary on staff on any given day. The notary may be out sick, on vacation, or handling other duties when you arrive.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Banks will notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and authorization letters. They will not notarize documents they have a financial interest in—for example, a bank will not notarize a mortgage document for a competing lender. They also will not notarize documents that appear fraudulent or that they suspect you do not understand.
Some banks refuse to notarize wills or certain legal documents because of liability concerns. If you have a specialized or unusual document, describe it when you call. The bank can tell you whether they will handle it before you make the trip.
Fees and whether you need to be a customer
Many banks notarize documents for free if you have a checking or savings account with them. If you are not a customer, the bank may charge a fee—typically $5 to $15 per signature, though this varies. Some banks charge customers a small fee as well, especially if you are notarizing many documents or if the document is complex.
Call your branch and ask directly. The fee structure is not always posted online, and staff can tell you the exact cost before you come in. Bring your account number if you are a customer; it speeds up the process.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs notarizing; notaries cannot notarize copies or digital files. If the document is long or you have multiple pages, bring all of them.
Read the document beforehand so you understand what you are signing. The notary will ask you to confirm that you are signing of your own free will and that you understand what the document says. If you do not understand it, ask the bank's notary or an attorney before the appointment—the notary cannot explain legal language or advise you on whether to sign.
Some banks require an appointment, especially for complex documents or during busy times. Call a few days ahead if you can. Walk-ins are often possible, but you may wait or be turned away if the notary is busy.
Alternatives if your bank cannot help
If your bank does not have a notary, does not notarize your type of document, or charges more than you want to pay, several other places offer notary services. Your county clerk's office notarizes documents for a small fee—usually $1 to $5 per signature—and does not require you to be a customer or member of anything. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some Staples branches have notaries on staff. Title companies and real estate offices notarize documents related to property transactions, often for free if you are using them for a closing.
Online notary services exist in most states, though they work differently: you upload your document, verify your identity via video, and the notary signs electronically. These services cost $25 to $50 per document and are useful if you cannot visit a physical location, but not all documents can be notarized this way—some require the notary to see the original paper document in person.
What happens after the notary signs
The notary will sign and stamp your document, usually in a specific location marked on the form. The notary's seal and signature confirm that they verified your identity and that you signed willingly. Keep the original notarized document; most organizations that require notarization will not accept a copy.
The notary keeps a record of the notarization in their journal, which is a legal requirement. You do not receive a copy of this journal, but it exists if questions arise later about whether the document was properly notarized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a government ID?
No. A notary must verify your identity using a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your DMV. Some notaries will accept a passport card or military ID if you do not have a driver's license.
Can a notary notarize a document I sign electronically or digitally?
Traditional notaries cannot notarize digital signatures. However, some states allow remote online notarization, where you sign electronically in front of a notary via video. Ask your bank whether they offer this service, or search for "remote online notary" in your state to find providers.
How long does a notarization take?
A straightforward notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If you have multiple documents or the notary has questions about the paperwork, it may take longer. Appointments are faster than walk-ins because the notary is ready for you.
What if I need a notarization but my bank is closed?
UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are often open evenings and weekends. Some title companies and real estate offices also offer extended hours. Search "notary public near me" online to find locations open when you need them.
Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they suspect fraud, if you appear not to understand the document, if you are signing under pressure, or if the document is illegal. They can also refuse if they have a conflict of interest—for example, if they are a party to the agreement. This is rare, but it happens.