Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability depends on your location and account status
Bank of America provides notary services to customers and non-customers at many of its branches. The service is typically free for account holders and costs a small fee for non-customers, though the exact fee varies by state and branch. However, not every branch offers notary services, and hours are often limited to business days during regular banking hours.
The catch is that you cannot call ahead and reserve a notary appointment at most Bank of America locations. You have to visit in person, and wait times can be long during busy periods. Some branches may ask you to come back at a slower time if the notary is unavailable when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary services are free for account holders at most branches, with a fee for non-customers that varies by state.
- Not all Bank of America branches have a notary on staff, so you should call your local branch before visiting to confirm the service is available.
- Notary appointments are walk-in only at most locations; you cannot schedule in advance, and wait times depend on how busy the branch is.
- You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs to be notarized when you visit.
- If your local branch does not offer notary services, you can search for other notaries through your state's notary directory or ask your bank for a referral.
How to learn about your Bank of America branch has a notary
The fastest way is to call your local Bank of America branch directly and ask whether a notary is available. The branch phone number is on the Bank of America website under the branch locator tool, or you can search "Bank of America near me" and click on the branch address to find the number.
When you call, ask specifically whether the notary is in the branch that day and what the current wait time is. Some branches have a notary only on certain days of the week, so knowing the schedule ahead of time saves a wasted trip.
What to bring when you visit
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity before notarizing your document.
Bring the original document that needs to be notarized. The notary cannot notarize a photocopy or a digital image; it must be the actual paper document. If you are not sure whether your document needs to be notarized, bring it anyway and the notary can tell you.
Some documents require you to sign them in front of the notary, so do not sign anything before you arrive. If the document is already signed, the notary may refuse to notarize it, depending on what type of document it is and your state's rules.
Cost and fees at Bank of America
Bank of America account holders receive notary services free of charge at most branches. Non-customers are charged a fee, which varies by state and sometimes by branch. The fee is typically between $5 and $15 per document, but you should confirm the exact amount when you call ahead.
Some states regulate notary fees by law, so Bank of America cannot charge more than the state allows. If you are unsure what the fee should be, ask the branch when you call to confirm they offer the service.
When Bank of America notary services are not available
If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary, or if the notary is not available during hours that work for you, you have other options. Many other banks and credit unions offer notary services to their members. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some Staples stores also have notaries on staff, though they charge a fee.
Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a directory of licensed notaries in your area. You can search that directory online to find independent notaries near you. Some notaries will come to your home or workplace for an additional travel fee.
Documents Bank of America notaries can and cannot notarize
Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents, including affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, and property deeds. They can also notarize acknowledgments and jurats, which are the two main types of notarial acts.
There are some documents notaries cannot notarize. They cannot notarize documents they have a financial interest in, documents for people they are related to, or documents that are already signed by the person requesting the notarization (in most cases). If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, call the branch and describe it to the notary.
What happens after the notary stamps your document
Once the notary has notarized your document, it is ready to use. The notary will stamp it with an official seal and sign it. Keep the original notarized document—do not make copies to submit instead, because the copy will not be accepted as proof of notarization.
Some organizations require the notarization to be recent (within 30 days or 6 months, depending on the organization). If you are notarizing a document for a specific purpose, ask that organization how old the notarization can be before you visit the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document for someone else if I bring their ID?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in front of the notary. The notary needs to see the person sign the document and verify their identity with their own ID. You cannot notarize a document on someone else's behalf.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
You will need a valid photo ID to be notarized. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, a state ID card works. If you have none of these, you cannot be notarized at Bank of America. Some notaries will accept other forms of ID in rare cases, but this is uncommon and you should call ahead to ask.
Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary?
No, but non-customers pay a fee. Bank of America account holders receive the service free. If you are not a customer and want to avoid the fee, you can look for a notary at another bank where you have an account, or search your state's notary directory for independent notaries.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization process takes only a few minutes once the notary is available. However, wait times depend on how busy the branch is. During lunch hours or on Fridays, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes or longer. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times helps you plan.
Can Bank of America notarize documents I need to send to another country?
Bank of America notaries can notarize documents for use abroad, but some countries require an apostille instead of a standard notarization. An apostille is a special certificate that proves the notary's signature is genuine. Bank of America cannot issue apostilles; you have to get those from your state's Secretary of State office after the document is notarized.