Bank of America Notary Services: What's Available

Bank of America does offer notary services at many of its branches, but availability depends on your location and the specific branch. Not every Bank of America location has a notary on staff, and hours vary. The fastest way to find out whether your nearest branch offers this service is to call ahead or check the branch locator on Bank of America's website and filter for notary availability.

When a Bank of America branch does have a notary, the service is typically free for account holders and may cost a small fee for non-customers—though some branches waive the fee regardless. The notary can witness signatures on documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, and loan documents. You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs to be notarized.

Key Takeaways

  • Not all Bank of America branches have a notary available, so you must contact your local branch directly to confirm before visiting.
  • The service is usually free for Bank of America account holders and may have a small fee for non-customers, though policies vary by branch.
  • You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document that needs to be notarized.
  • If your branch does not have a notary, you can search for independent notaries through your state's notary directory or ask your bank for a referral.

How to learn about Your Branch Has a Notary

The Bank of America branch locator tool on their website lets you search by zip code and filter results. Once you find your branch, look for the notary service indicator—if it is listed, the branch has a notary. If you do not see it listed online, call the branch directly. The phone number is on the locator page, and staff can tell you whether a notary is available and what hours they work.

Keep in mind that even if a branch shows notary services online, availability can change due to staffing. Calling first saves you a trip. Ask whether you need an appointment or if walk-ins are accepted, since some branches require you to schedule in advance.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring your valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Bring the document that needs to be notarized, unsigned and ready. The notary will watch you sign the document in front of them, verify your identity, and then explore their official seal and signature. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Do not sign the document before you arrive at the branch. The notary must witness your signature in person. If the document has multiple pages or multiple signatures required, bring it exactly as it needs to be signed so the notary can see the full context.

Cost and Account Requirements

Bank of America account holders typically receive notary services at no charge. Non-customers may be charged a fee per signature, though the amount varies by branch—some charge $5 to $15, and some waive the fee as a courtesy. Call ahead to ask about the fee structure at your specific branch so you are not surprised at the counter.

You do not need to have a checking account specifically; savings account holders and customers with other Bank of America products may also receive free notary services. If you are unsure whether your account qualifies, ask when you call to confirm notary availability.

When Bank of America Is Not an Option

If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary, or if their hours do not work for you, several alternatives exist. Many other banks and credit unions offer notary services to their members. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some Staples branches have notaries on staff and are open longer hours than most banks. You can also search your state's notary directory online—most states maintain a list of commissioned notaries you can contact directly.

Some employers offer notary services to employees through their HR department at no cost. If you need notarization regularly, you might also consider becoming a notary yourself, though requirements vary by state.

Documents Bank of America Notaries Can and Cannot Notarize

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and statutory declarations. They cannot notarize documents that require a certified copy or documents that have already been signed. They also cannot notarize documents for themselves or when ready family members in most states.

If you are unsure whether a document can be notarized, describe it to the notary when you call the branch. They can tell you whether it falls within what they can handle or whether you need a different type of service, such as a certified copy from a government office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a notary at Bank of America on the weekend?

Some Bank of America branches are open on Saturday mornings, but notary availability on weekends is limited. Call your branch to ask whether a notary works on Saturday. If not, UPS stores and FedEx locations often have notaries available on weekends with extended hours.

Do I need an appointment for notary services at Bank of America?

Policies vary by branch. Some accept walk-ins during business hours, while others require an appointment. Call ahead to ask. If your branch requires an appointment and you cannot get one soon, an independent notary or UPS store notary may be faster.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

A notary must verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you cannot use that notary. You would need to obtain an ID first—contact your state's DMV or equivalent office. Some notaries may accept alternative identification in rare cases, but this is not standard.

Can Bank of America notarize a document I already signed?

No. A notary must witness your signature. If you have already signed the document, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need an unsigned copy of the document to bring to the notary.

How much does notary service cost at Bank of America for non-customers?

Fees vary by branch and typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though some branches waive the fee. Call your local branch to ask about their specific pricing before you visit.