The UPS Store does notarize, but not every location offers it
Many UPS Store locations have a notary on staff, but availability varies by store and region. Some locations have a notary available during all business hours; others have one only on certain days or at certain times. A few locations do not offer notary services at all. Before you go, you need to call your local UPS Store directly to confirm they notarize and to ask about their hours and any fees.
The UPS Store is a franchise operation, which means each location is independently owned. This is why you cannot straightforward look up "notary near me" and assume the closest UPS Store will have one. The parent company does not maintain a central registry of which franchises offer notary services, so a phone call is your only reliable way to check.
Key Takeaways
- Not every UPS Store notarizes; you must call ahead to confirm your specific location offers the service.
- Notary fees at UPS Store locations typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though this varies by franchise.
- You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, and the notary will watch you sign the document in person.
- If your local UPS Store does not notarize, banks, credit unions, and public libraries often have notaries available at no cost or low cost.
How to learn about your UPS Store notarizes
Use the UPS Store locator on their website (upsstore.com) to find the address and phone number of your nearest location. Call that store directly and ask whether they have a notary available. Ask what days and hours the notary works, because even if the store is open until 7 p.m., the notary may leave at 5 p.m.
If the store does not notarize, ask the staff whether they can recommend another nearby location that does. Some franchise owners coordinate with each other, and the staff may know which stores in your area have notaries. If they cannot help, move on to other options—banks, credit unions, and libraries are often faster and cheaper.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, then they will sign and stamp it. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Some documents have specific notary language printed on them—a section that says "Notary Public" and has blank lines for the notary's signature, seal, and the date. If your document does not have this section, ask the notary whether they can add one or whether the document can be notarized as-is. Different states have different rules, and the notary will know what your state requires.
Notary fees at UPS Store locations
UPS Store notary fees are not set by the parent company; each franchise owner sets their own price. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature. Some stores charge a flat fee per document regardless of how many signatures need notarizing; others charge per signature. Ask about the fee when you call to confirm they notarize.
If cost is a concern, compare this to other options. Many banks and credit unions notarize for free if you are a customer, and some do it for free even if you are not. Public libraries in many states offer notary services for free or for $1 to $3 per signature. If you are in a hurry and the UPS Store is convenient, the fee may be worth it; if you have time, a library or bank may save you money.
When UPS Store notarization may not work
Some documents cannot be notarized by just any notary. Powers of attorney, living wills, and certain real estate documents may require a notary who is bonded and insured, or they may require a notary who is a lawyer. Ask the person or organization requesting the notarization whether there are any special requirements for the notary.
If you are notarizing a document for a real estate transaction, a loan, or a legal proceeding, contact the lender, attorney, or court first to ask what kind of notary they need. Some will accept any notary; others require specific credentials. A few minutes on the phone before you go to the UPS Store can save you a wasted trip.
Better alternatives if your UPS Store does not notarize
If your local UPS Store does not offer notary services, start with your bank or credit union. Most offer notarization for free to account holders and often for free to non-customers as well. Call ahead to ask about hours and whether you need an appointment.
Public libraries in most states have a notary on staff or can refer you to one nearby. Many offer the service for free. Check your library's website or call to ask. If neither of those options works, search "notary public near me" online or call your county clerk's office—they can usually direct you to a notary in your area and may offer the service themselves at a low cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document if I am not a UPS Store customer?
Yes. UPS Store notaries notarize for anyone who walks in with a valid ID and the document that needs notarizing. You do not need to have a UPS Store account or have used their shipping services. Just call ahead to confirm the notary is available.
What if I need the document notarized but I do not have a photo ID?
A notary cannot notarize without seeing a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to get a state ID card from your local DMV before you can have the document notarized. This is a legal requirement, not a UPS Store policy.
Can I have a document notarized if someone else signs it on my behalf?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in front of the notary with a valid ID. The notary is confirming that the person signing is who they say they are. If someone else signs for you, the notary cannot notarize it.
How long does notarization take at the UPS Store?
Usually 5 to 10 minutes if the store is not busy. If there is a line, you may wait longer. Call ahead to ask whether it is a busy time, or go early in the morning or mid-afternoon when foot traffic is typically lighter.