Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank and location
Many banks provide notary services to their customers at no charge or for a small fee, typically between $0 and $15 per signature. However, not every branch offers this service, and policies vary widely. Some banks limit notary services to account holders only, while others serve the public. The fastest way to find out is to call your specific branch and ask whether a notary is available and what documents they will notarize.
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank generally offer notary services at most locations, but you may need an appointment. Regional and community banks often do as well, though smaller branches may not have a notary on staff. Credit unions sometimes offer the service to members. The key is that availability is not may provide — a bank down the street may have a notary while the one near your home does not.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask if notary services are available, what the fee is, and whether you need an appointment.
- Most banks notarize documents only for account holders, though some will serve the public for a fee.
- Large national banks are more likely to have notaries on staff than small branches, but you may still need to visit during business hours or by appointment.
- If your bank does not offer notary services, title companies, law offices, and UPS stores are common alternatives.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Banks will notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and travel consent forms for minors. They will not notarize documents they believe are fraudulent, documents you did not sign in front of them, or documents where they have a financial interest. A notary cannot notarize a document for a family member in most states, and they cannot notarize a blank document or one already signed.
Before you go to the bank, bring the unsigned document and a valid photo ID. The notary will watch you sign it, verify your identity, and add their seal and signature. Some banks will not notarize certain types of documents — for example, some refuse to notarize immigration forms or documents related to court cases. Call ahead and describe what you need notarized so the bank can tell you whether they will do it.
How to find a notary at your bank
Start by calling the branch where you have your account. Ask to speak with someone in customer service and say you need a notary. They will tell you whether one is available, what the fee is, and whether you need an appointment. Many banks do not require an appointment for notary services, but some do, especially if the notary is busy or works part-time.
If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether another branch nearby does. Some banks will transfer you to a branch that can help, or they may give you the phone number to call directly. If you are not an account holder at that bank, ask whether they notarize for the public and what the fee is. Write down the branch address, hours, and any fees before you go.
Fees and what to bring
Bank notary fees range from free (for account holders at some banks) to $15 per signature. A few banks charge per document rather than per signature — if a document has multiple pages but only one signature, you pay once. Ask about the fee when you call so you know what to expect.
Bring your unsigned document and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Do not sign the document before you arrive. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the original, not a copy, unless the document is a certified copy that needs to be notarized. Some banks will make a copy for you after notarizing, but ask first.
When a bank notary is not available
If your bank does not offer notary services or you cannot get an appointment in time, other places notarize documents. Title companies notarize real estate documents and often charge $10 to $25 per signature. Law offices notarize for clients and sometimes for the public. UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries on staff in many locations, usually charging $5 to $15 per signature. Some public libraries also offer notary services, often free or for a small donation.
Online notary services are another option if you need something notarized outside business hours. These services use video conferencing to connect you with a notary who can notarize certain documents remotely. Not all documents can be notarized online — real estate deeds and some financial documents cannot — so check whether your document is may be able to access before you sign up.
Account holder versus public notary services
Many banks notarize for account holders only, meaning you must have a checking or savings account at that bank to use the service. Some banks offer notary services to the public for a fee, even if you do not have an account. A few banks do both — free for account holders, a fee for the public. When you call, ask explicitly whether they notarize for non-account holders and what the cost is.
If you are not an account holder anywhere and need a notary, start with UPS stores, FedEx locations, or your local library. These are usually faster than trying to find a bank that serves the public, and the fees are comparable. You can also search online for "notary public near me" to see what is available in your area and their hours.
Hours and appointment requirements
Bank notaries work during regular business hours, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes Saturday mornings. If you need a notary outside these hours, a UPS store or online notary service may be your only option. Some banks require an appointment for notary services, especially at busy branches. Others handle walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis, but you may wait 15 to 30 minutes.
Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether an appointment is necessary. If you need something notarized urgently, ask whether the bank can fit you in the same day. Many can, but it depends on how busy the notary is. If the bank cannot help you quickly, move on to a UPS store or title company rather than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer at the bank to get something notarized?
Most banks notarize only for account holders, but some serve the public for a fee. Call your bank and ask. If they do not serve non-customers, try a UPS store, FedEx location, or title company instead.
Can a bank notary notarize a document I already signed?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If it is already signed, they cannot notarize it. Bring the unsigned original and sign it in front of the notary.
How much does bank notary service cost?
Most banks charge $0 to $15 per signature for account holders. Non-account holders may pay $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks charge per document instead of per signature. Call your branch to ask about their specific fee.
What if my bank does not have a notary available?
UPS stores, FedEx locations, title companies, and some libraries offer notary services. Online notary services are also available if you need something notarized outside business hours, though not all documents can be notarized remotely.
Do I need an appointment for a bank notary?
Some banks require appointments, others do not. Call ahead to ask. Even if appointments are not required, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during busy times. If you need something notarized quickly, ask whether the bank can see you the same day.