Most DMVs do not offer notary services, but some state offices do
Whether your state's Department of Motor Vehicles provides notary services depends entirely on which state you live in. A few states—including California, Florida, and Texas—offer notary services at some DMV locations, but most do not. Even in states where the DMV does notarize documents, the service is usually limited to specific locations, not all branches, and may only be available during certain hours or for certain document types.
The safest approach is to contact your local DMV directly before making a trip. Call the branch you plan to visit or check your state's DMV website for a list of services offered at that location. If your DMV does not notarize, you have several other reliable options that are often faster and more convenient.
Key Takeaways
- Only a handful of states offer notary services at DMV locations, and availability varies by branch and by state.
- Calling your local DMV ahead of time is the only way to know whether notary services are available at your specific office.
- Banks, credit unions, and UPS stores offer notary services in nearly every community and often at no cost to customers.
- Online notary services are now legal in most states and can complete documents in minutes if you have a camera and internet connection.
- Some states require the notary to know the signer in person, while others allow remote notarization, so check your state's rules before choosing a service.
Which states have DMV notary services
California's DMV offers notary services at select field offices, though not all branches participate. You can search the California DMV website to find which offices near you provide this service. Florida allows notarization at some DMV locations, but you must call ahead to confirm availability and hours. Texas offers notary services at certain DMV offices as well, though again, not every location does.
Beyond these three states, the vast majority of DMVs do not notarize documents. Even within states that do offer the service, it is common for only a handful of branches to participate, usually in larger cities. Rural and suburban DMV offices are far less likely to have a notary on staff.
Why most DMVs don't notarize documents
Notarization is a service that requires specific training and licensing separate from DMV employment. Most states have decided that staffing notaries at every DMV location is not cost-effective, especially when notary services are widely available elsewhere in the community. The DMV's primary function is vehicle registration and licensing, not document authentication.
Additionally, notary laws vary by state. Some states have strict rules about who can notarize what, and some require the notary to personally know the signer or verify their identity in specific ways. These requirements make it harder for DMV staff to offer the service alongside their regular duties.
Where to find a notary if your DMV doesn't offer one
Banks and credit unions are among the most reliable sources for notary services. Many offer free notarization to customers, and some will notarize for non-customers for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and other shipping centers employ notaries and are open longer hours than banks. You can search for notaries near you on the UPS website or by calling your local store. Fees typically range from a few dollars per signature to around ten dollars, depending on the location.
Real estate agents, title companies, and law offices often have notaries on staff. If you are notarizing a document related to a property transaction or legal matter, these professionals may notarize for free as part of their service.
Online notary services and how they work
Remote notarization—also called online notarization—is now legal in most states. Services like Notarize, LegitScan, and others allow you to upload your document, schedule a video call with a notary, and have the document notarized electronically, all within minutes. The notary verifies your identity through the video call and applies a digital signature to the document.
Online notarization is fastest if you need something done outside business hours or live far from any notary office. However, not all documents can be notarized online—some states restrict remote notarization to certain document types, and some lenders or government agencies may not accept electronically notarized documents. Check whether the organization requesting the notarization will accept a remote notarization before you use this service.
What to bring when you get a document notarized
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see the original document you want notarized, not a copy. Bring the unsigned document with you; the notary will watch you sign it in their presence.
Some notaries require you to know the signer personally or have additional proof of identity depending on your state's laws. Call ahead and ask what the notary needs from you before you go. If you are notarizing a document for someone else, that person must be present in person (unless you are using a remote notary service that your state allows).
State-specific rules that affect where you can get notarized
Some states require the notary to personally know the signer or have known them for a certain period. Other states allow the notary to verify identity solely through a government-issued ID. A few states have recently passed laws allowing remote notarization, but others still require the signer to be physically present.
Your state's Secretary of State office maintains the official rules about notarization. If you are unsure whether a particular notary service will work for your document, contact your Secretary of State's office or the organization requesting the notarization and ask what they require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized at any DMV location?
No. Only a few states offer notary services at DMV offices, and even in those states, only certain branches participate. Call your local DMV to ask whether notary services are available at your specific location before you visit.
How much does notarization cost?
Costs vary. Banks often notarize for free if you are a customer. UPS stores and other commercial notaries typically charge between three and ten dollars per signature. Online notary services usually charge between ten and twenty-five dollars per document. Call ahead to confirm the fee.
Can I notarize a document online?
Online notarization is legal in most states, but not all documents or organizations accept it. Check with the person or organization requesting the notarization before you use an online service. You will need a camera, internet connection, and a valid photo ID.
What if I need a document notarized after business hours?
Online notary services are available twenty-four hours a day in most states. Some UPS stores and FedEx locations are also open evenings and weekends. Search online for "24-hour notary near me" or check the hours of your nearest UPS store.
Do I have to be present when a document is notarized?
In most states, yes—the notary must watch you sign the document in person. However, remote notarization is now legal in many states, which allows you to be notarized via video call. Check your state's rules or ask the notary whether remote notarization is an option.