Bank of America's Notary Services

Bank of America does offer notary services, but only at certain branches and only for account holders. You cannot walk into any branch and expect to find a notary. The service is free for customers with an active Bank of America account, but availability depends on your location and the branch's staffing.

Not every Bank of America branch has a notary on staff. Larger branches in urban areas are more likely to have one than smaller branches or those in rural locations. Before you travel to a branch, call ahead to confirm that a notary is available and ask whether you need an appointment.

If you do not have a Bank of America account, the branch cannot notarize your documents. You will need to find a notary elsewhere — through your employer, a local law office, a UPS Store, a library, or a dedicated notary service.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notarizes documents free for account holders, but only at branches that have a notary available.
  • You must call your local branch in advance to confirm a notary is present and to ask whether an appointment is required.
  • Non-account holders cannot use Bank of America's notary service and must find a notary through another source.
  • Larger branches are more likely to have a notary than smaller ones, so location matters when choosing where to go.
  • Bring your original documents, a valid photo ID, and any other identification the notary requests before you arrive.

What Documents Bank of America Will and Will Not Notarize

Bank of America notaries will notarize most standard documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, real estate deeds, loan documents, and signature verification pages. They can witness your signature and certify that you signed in their presence.

Some documents fall outside what a notary can handle. Notaries cannot notarize documents that are already signed, documents you did not bring in person, or documents that require a notary's seal on a blank page. If a document asks for something unusual — such as a certified copy of a birth certificate or a notarized translation — a notary cannot do that work.

Before you go to the branch, read the document carefully or call the notary to ask whether it falls within their scope. This prevents a wasted trip.

How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment

Bring your original, unsigned document to the branch. The notary must watch you sign it in their presence. Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some notaries may ask for a second form of ID if they do not recognize you.

Arrive with the document unsigned. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. If the document has blanks that need to be filled in, complete them before you arrive so the notary does not have to watch you write.

Know the name and address of the person or organization requesting the notarization. The notary may ask why the document is being notarized and who is requesting it. This is standard procedure and helps the notary confirm the document is legitimate.

Calling Ahead: The Essential Step Most People Skip

Do not assume your branch has a notary. Call the branch directly and ask whether a notary is available, what hours they work, and whether you need an appointment. Some branches require you to schedule in advance; others handle notarizations on a walk-in basis during certain hours.

When you call, give the branch staff the name of the document you need notarized. If it is something unusual, they can tell you whether the notary can handle it. This conversation takes five minutes and saves you a trip.

If your local branch does not have a notary, ask the staff whether another nearby branch does. They may be able to direct you to the closest location with notary services.

When Bank of America Is Not Your Best Option

If you do not have a Bank of America account, you will need to find a notary elsewhere. UPS Store locations have notaries in most areas and do not require you to be a customer. Libraries often offer free notary services to the public. Some employers provide notary services to employees at no cost.

Online notary services are also available in most states. These services connect you with a notary via video call, and the notary can notarize documents electronically. This option works well if you cannot travel to a physical location or if your local notaries are booked.

Law offices and title companies also employ notaries and will notarize documents for a fee, usually between $5 and $15 per signature. If you need multiple documents notarized, a dedicated notary service may be faster than visiting a bank branch.

What Happens During the Notarization

The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will check your ID to confirm your identity. They will then sign and stamp the document with their notary seal, which includes their name, commission number, and the date.

The notary is not reading the document for legal accuracy or advising you on its contents. They are only confirming that you signed it willingly and that you are who you say you are. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

You will receive the original notarized document. Keep it safe — you will need it for whatever transaction or filing it supports. Some organizations may ask for certified copies later, which requires a different process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bank of America charge for notary services?

No, Bank of America notarizes documents free for account holders. Non-account holders cannot use the service. If you use a notary at another location, fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature.

Can I get a document notarized if I am not a Bank of America customer?

No, Bank of America only notarizes for account holders. You can find a notary at a UPS Store, library, law office, title company, or online notary service instead.

What if I already signed the document?

A notary cannot notarize a document that is already signed. You must bring it unsigned so the notary can watch you sign it in their presence. If you have already signed, you will need to obtain a blank copy and start over.

How long does notarization take?

The actual notarization process takes 5 to 10 minutes. However, wait times at the branch depend on how busy it is. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment can reduce your wait.

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

It depends on the branch. Some branches handle notarizations by appointment only; others take walk-ins during certain hours. Call your local branch to find out their policy before you visit.