Most DMV offices do not have a notary on staff, but some do—and it depends on your state and which office you visit

The short answer: call your DMV office directly. Some state DMVs employ notaries or contract with one on-site, but most do not. Even within the same state, one branch may have a notary and another may not. A five-minute phone call to the specific office where you plan to go will tell you whether they can notarize a document while you wait.

If your DMV does not have a notary, you have other fast options nearby—banks, UPS stores, and some pharmacies offer notary services, often for $5 to $15 per signature. Many are open longer hours than the DMV and do not require an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your local DMV office before you go; notary availability varies by state and by branch location.
  • If your DMV does not have a notary, banks, UPS stores, and pharmacies often provide notary services nearby for a small fee.
  • Notaries require you to bring a government-issued photo ID and sign the document in front of them.
  • Some states allow online notarization for certain documents, which may be faster than visiting an office in person.

How to learn about your DMV has a notary

Start by searching "[your state] DMV notary services" or "[your city] DMV notary." Many state DMV websites list which offices have notaries available. If the website does not say, call the office directly and ask whether a notary is on-site and whether you need an appointment.

When you call, ask whether the notary charges a fee. Some DMVs offer notary services free to customers, while others charge a small amount. Also ask what documents they can notarize—some offices only notarize DMV-related paperwork, not general documents.

What to bring when you get a document notarized

You will need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID and verify that you are the person signing the document. You must also bring the document itself, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them.

Bring the original document, not a copy. Notaries notarize originals. If you need multiple copies notarized, bring all of them unsigned so the notary can witness each signature.

Banks and other places that offer notary services

If your DMV does not have a notary, your bank is often the fastest option. Most banks offer notary services free to account holders and for a small fee to non-customers. Call ahead to confirm the notary is available—some branches have one notary who may be busy or out.

UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some CVS and Walgreens pharmacies also offer notary services. Hours are often longer than the DMV, and many do not require an appointment. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature. Search "notary near me" online to see what is available in your area and check their hours before you go.

Online notarization as an alternative

Some states now allow remote online notarization for certain documents. You sign the document on a video call with a notary, who verifies your ID electronically. This is faster than visiting an office and works from home, though not all document types may have access to and not all states offer it yet.

Search "[your state] remote notary" or "[your state] online notarization" to see whether your state allows it and which companies are licensed to do it. Fees are usually similar to in-person notarization, around $10 to $25 per signature.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not sign the document before you meet the notary. The notary must watch you sign it. If you sign it beforehand, the notary cannot notarize it and you will have wasted a trip.

Do not assume all DMV offices in your state have a notary. Even if one branch does, another may not. Call the specific office you plan to visit. Also do not assume the notary can notarize any document—some DMVs only notarize DMV forms, not general documents like affidavits or powers of attorney.

What happens after a document is notarized

Once the notary signs and stamps your document, it is complete. The notary keeps a record of the notarization in their journal, but you do not need to do anything else. The document is now notarized and can be submitted wherever it is needed.

Keep the original notarized document safe. Some organizations will not accept photocopies of a notarized document—they want the original with the notary's stamp and signature. Ask the organization that requested the notarization whether a copy is acceptable before you make one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized at the DMV without an appointment?

It depends on your state and office. Some DMVs handle notarizations on a walk-in basis, while others require an appointment. Call ahead to ask. If your DMV requires an appointment and you cannot get one soon, a bank or UPS store may be faster.

How much does a notary cost at the DMV?

Fees vary by state. Some DMVs notarize documents free, while others charge $1 to $5 per signature. Call your local office to ask. Banks often notarize free for account holders, and UPS stores typically charge $5 to $15.

Can the notary at the DMV notarize any document?

Not always. Some DMVs only notarize DMV-related forms. Others will notarize general documents like powers of attorney or affidavits. Ask when you call whether they can notarize the specific document you need.

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

A notary cannot notarize a document without seeing a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to get a state ID card first. Some notaries may accept other forms of ID—ask before you go.

How long does notarization take?

Notarization itself takes only a few minutes—usually five to ten. The wait time depends on how busy the office is. At a bank or UPS store, you may wait anywhere from zero to thirty minutes. Call ahead to ask how busy they are.