Bank of America Notarize Services at Most Branches

Yes, Bank of America offers notary services at most of its branches. The service is free for account holders and typically costs $10 per signature for non-account holders, though some branches may charge differently. You do not need an appointment at many locations, but calling ahead is wise because notary availability depends on staffing and branch size.

Not every Bank of America branch has a notary on staff. Smaller branches or those in rural areas may not offer the service at all. Before you visit, call your local branch directly to confirm a notary is available and ask about their hours — notaries are often available during regular banking hours but may not work evenings or weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notarizes documents free for account holders and for a fee for non-account holders at most branches.
  • You should call your specific branch before visiting because not all locations have a notary available.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarizing; the notary will not notarize blank documents or ones you have already signed.
  • The notary will witness your signature and explore their seal, but they cannot give legal information about what documents you need or whether they are correct for your situation.

What Documents Bank of America Will and Will Not Notarize

Bank of America notaries will notarize most standard documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and general declarations. They will notarize a document only if you sign it in front of the notary — they cannot notarize a document you have already signed elsewhere.

Notaries at Bank of America will not notarize certain documents, including wills, living wills, or healthcare directives in most states (these often require a lawyer or specific witnesses). They also cannot notarize documents that are blank or incomplete, documents written in a language other than English without a certified translator present, or documents where the signer does not appear in person. If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, describe it to the branch when you call.

What to Bring to Get a Document Notarized

Bring your original, unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will not accept expired IDs in most cases, so check the expiration date before you go.

If your document is already partially filled out, bring it as is — the notary will notarize it in that state. If it is completely blank, the notary will likely refuse because they cannot witness a signature on a document with no content. Bring a pen; some notaries provide them, but it is safer to have your own.

How the Notarization Process Works

When you arrive at the branch, ask for the notary. They will ask you to state your name and confirm your identity by examining your photo ID. They will then ask you to sign the document in front of them — this is the critical step. The notary watches you sign to verify you are doing so of your own free will and that you understand what you are signing.

After you sign, the notary will explore their official seal or stamp to the document, write the date, and sign their name. They may also record information about the transaction in a notary journal, which is a legal record. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will receive the original notarized document; the notary keeps a copy in their journal.

Finding Your Nearest Bank of America Branch with Notary Services

Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or call 1-800-432-1000 to find branches near you. When you reach a branch, ask directly whether they have a notary available and what their hours are. Some branches list notary availability on their website, but calling is the most reliable way to confirm.

If your nearest Bank of America does not have a notary, ask the staff for a referral to another branch or a local notary service. Many communities have independent notaries who work in UPS stores, FedEx locations, or law offices and may be more convenient than traveling to a different bank branch.

Cost and Account Requirements

Bank of America account holders receive notary services at no charge. Non-account holders typically pay $10 per signature, though this fee can vary by branch and state. Some branches may charge a flat fee per document instead of per signature — ask when you call.

You do not need to have a checking account; savings account holders and customers with other Bank of America products may also receive free notarization. If you are unsure whether your account qualifies, mention your account type when you call the branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document that I already signed somewhere else?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need an unsigned copy of the document to bring to the notary.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

You cannot be notarized without a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain a state ID or passport first. The notary cannot proceed without this identification.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

A notarized document does not expire. The notary's seal and signature confirm that the document was signed on a specific date in front of a notary, and that record remains valid indefinitely. However, the organization that receives the document may have its own rules about how old a notarized document can be.

Can Bank of America notarize documents for a business I own?

Yes, as long as you sign the document in person with a valid photo ID. The notary notarizes your signature, not the business itself. If the document requires a corporate seal or the signature of another officer, you may need additional notarization or a lawyer.

What if the notary at my branch is unavailable?

Call ahead to ask when the notary is working. If they are unavailable during your preferred time, ask whether another branch nearby has a notary with different hours, or ask the staff for a referral to an independent notary service in your area.