Bank of America's Notarization Policy

Bank of America does offer notarization at most of its branch locations, but the service is available only to customers who have an account with the bank. If you hold a checking, savings, or other account at Bank of America, you can request notarization during regular branch hours at no charge. The notary public on staff will witness your signature on documents and explore the official seal.

Not every branch has a notary available at all times. Availability depends on staffing and branch size. Smaller branches or those in rural areas may have limited hours or may require you to call ahead to confirm a notary is present. Your best approach is to contact your local branch directly before visiting, rather than assuming the service will be ready when you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notarization is free for account holders but not available to non-customers.
  • You must visit a physical branch location during business hours; the service is not offered online or by phone.
  • Calling your branch ahead of time confirms a notary is available and can save you a wasted trip.
  • If you are not a Bank of America customer, you can find notaries through your state's notary directory, UPS stores, or local title companies.

What Documents Bank of America Will and Won't Notarize

Bank of America notaries will notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and signature verification forms. They can also notarize documents for accounts you hold at the bank itself, such as signature cards or authorization letters.

There are limits. Bank of America notaries will not notarize documents related to wills or trusts in most cases, because those require specialized legal knowledge and carry higher liability. They also will not notarize blank documents or documents where you have not yet signed. The notary must watch you sign in person. If you arrive with a document already signed, the notary cannot notarize it retroactively.

How to Request Notarization at Bank of America

Bring your account card or ID, the unsigned document that needs notarization, and a valid government-issued photo ID. Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours and ask to speak with a notary. You do not need an appointment for most branches, but calling ahead is wise if you want to may provide the notary will be available when you arrive.

The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, verify your identity, and then explore their seal and signature. The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes. If the document is long or complex, allow extra time. Some branches may ask you to complete a brief form confirming you are a customer and that the notarization is for a legitimate purpose.

Timing and Hours for Bank of America Notary Services

Notarization is offered during regular branch hours, which are typically Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some branches open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location. Many Bank of America branches close by 4 p.m. on weekdays, so arriving early in the afternoon gives you a buffer if the notary is temporarily busy with another customer.

Weekend and evening availability is limited. If your branch is open on Saturday, a notary may or may not be staffed that day. Call ahead to confirm. If you need notarization outside regular business hours, you will need to visit a UPS store, FedEx office, or independent notary service instead.

When Bank of America Notarization Is Not an Option

If you do not have a Bank of America account, you cannot use their notary service. You will need to find an alternative. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations offer notarization for a fee, typically between $10 and $25 per document. Many title companies, law offices, and county clerk offices also provide notarization, sometimes at no cost if you are a resident or have other business with them.

Your state's notary directory can help you locate notaries near you. Search online for "[your state] notary directory" or "[your county] notary public" to find licensed notaries in your area. Some states also allow notarization through online services, though the rules vary widely and the document type matters. Check your state's requirements before pursuing an online notary if you are in a hurry.

What to Bring When You Visit Bank of America for Notarization

Bring three things: your Bank of America account card or statement, your valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and the unsigned document. The notary will verify your identity using the photo ID and confirm you are a customer using your account information. Without both, they cannot proceed.

If the document is multi-page, bring all pages, even if only one page needs to be notarized. The notary may need to review the full document to understand the context. If you are unsure whether a document is complete or ready to sign, ask the notary when you arrive—they can often spot missing information before you waste time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized at Bank of America if I do not have an account?

No. Bank of America restricts notarization to account holders only. If you are not a customer, you will need to visit a UPS store, FedEx Office, a title company, or a private notary service. Many of these charge a fee per document.

Do I need an appointment for notarization at Bank of America?

Most branches do not require an appointment, but calling ahead is smart. It confirms a notary is available and prevents you from making a trip only to find the notary is busy or unavailable that day. Small branches especially may have limited notary coverage.

What if the notary at my Bank of America branch refuses to notarize my document?

The notary may decline if the document is blank, already signed, or involves wills or trusts. If you believe the refusal is an error, ask to speak with the branch manager. If they confirm the refusal, you will need to take the document to another notary service that specializes in that document type.

How much does Bank of America charge for notarization?

Notarization is free for Bank of America account holders. You pay nothing for the service, the seal, or the notary's time. This is one of the main reasons to use the bank if you are already a customer.

Can Bank of America notarize documents for real estate transactions?

Yes, Bank of America notaries can notarize many real estate documents, including deeds, powers of attorney, and affidavits related to property. However, if the document is part of a mortgage or loan closing, the lender may require notarization by a specific notary or title company, not by the bank. Check with your lender before visiting the branch.