Most banks do offer notary service, but availability depends on your bank, your account status, and whether you have an appointment
Many banks employ notaries on staff or contract with them, and will notarize documents for customers at no charge or for a small fee. However, not every branch has a notary available every day, and some banks limit the service to account holders only. The fastest way to find out whether your bank offers it is to call your local branch directly and ask whether a notary is available and what documents you need to bring.
Banks that commonly offer notary service include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional and credit unions, though policies vary by location. Some branches have a notary on-site during business hours; others require you to schedule an appointment or may refer you to a partner location. A few banks charge a fee per signature (typically $5 to $15), while others provide it free to account holders.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's local branch before you go—not every branch has a notary available, and some require an appointment.
- Most banks notarize documents free for account holders, though some charge $5 to $15 per signature.
- You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the unsigned document; the notary will watch you sign it.
- If your bank does not offer notary service or the wait is too long, your local library, post office, or UPS Store are common alternatives.
What to bring when you visit a bank notary
Bring your unsigned document and a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document in front of them, and then add their seal and signature. Do not sign the document before you arrive; the notary must witness your signature.
If the document is long or you are uncertain which pages need to be notarized, bring the whole thing. The notary will tell you which sections require their seal. Bring multiple copies if you need more than one notarized version, since the notary will only seal the pages you present.
Banks that commonly offer notary service
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most credit unions have notaries available at many locations. Regional banks like PNC, US Bank, and TD Bank also typically offer the service. However, availability is not may provide at every branch, and policies on fees and account-holder-only restrictions vary.
If you bank with a smaller institution or online-only bank, call ahead—some do not have notaries on staff and will refer you elsewhere. Even large banks sometimes have branches without a notary, so a phone call to your specific location saves a wasted trip.
Fees and account holder restrictions
Most banks notarize documents free for customers with an active account. Some charge $5 to $15 per signature if you are not an account holder, or if the document is unusually long or complex. A few banks charge account holders a small fee as well, though this is less common.
Ask about the fee when you call. If your bank charges and the cost matters to you, libraries and some government offices notarize documents free or for a lower fee. Post offices do not offer notary service, but UPS Store locations often do for $10 to $25 per signature.
How long the process takes
If a notary is available and not busy, the process takes five to ten minutes. If you need an appointment, wait times vary—some branches can fit you in the same day, while others may have a wait of several days during busy periods. Call ahead to ask about current wait times and whether you can schedule a specific time.
Bring all your documents at once so the notary can complete everything in one visit. If you forget a document or realize you need another page notarized, you will have to return or reschedule.
What to do if your bank does not offer notary service
If your bank has no notary or the wait is too long, your local public library often has a notary available free or for a small fee. Check your library's website or call to ask about hours and whether you need an appointment. Some libraries limit notary service to cardholders only.
UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some pharmacy chains also offer notary service for a fee. Search online for "notary near me" to see what is available in your area and compare fees. Government offices like your county clerk's office may also have a notary, though hours are often limited to business days.
What banks will not notarize
Banks will not notarize documents that are already signed, documents you did not bring in person, or documents the notary believes are fraudulent or improper. They also will not notarize their own internal documents (like loan agreements or account paperwork) in most cases—you will need an independent notary for those.
If a document is in a language other than English, some notaries will still notarize it, but they cannot verify the content. Ask the notary whether they can proceed before you assume they will. If they decline, you may need a certified translator in addition to a notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?
Most banks notarize documents free for account holders and charge non-customers a fee of $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks only notarize for customers. Call your branch to ask their policy before you visit.
Can a notary notarize a document that is already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notarization is invalid. Bring the unsigned version and sign it in front of the notary.
What if I need a notary outside of business hours?
Most banks are open only during standard business hours. Some UPS Store and pharmacy locations offer notary service in evenings or on weekends. Search online for "24-hour notary" or "evening notary" in your area, though these services usually charge higher fees.
Can a notary notarize a document I signed online or remotely?
Traditional notaries require you to be present in person and to sign in front of them. Some states now allow remote notarization through video, but this is not yet standard at banks. Ask your bank whether they offer remote notary service.
How much does bank notary service cost?
Most banks notarize documents free for account holders. Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks charge account holders a small fee as well. Call your branch to confirm their specific fee.