UPS Stores offer notary services at most locations, but availability varies by store and state

Many UPS Store locations do have notaries on staff, but not all of them. Whether your local UPS Store offers notary services depends on the individual franchise owner's decision and your state's regulations. Some UPS Stores prominently advertise notary services; others do not offer them at all. The only reliable way to know is to call your nearest location directly or check their website before you go.

UPS Stores are franchises, which means each location is independently owned and operated. The parent company does not require every store to have a notary, so the service is optional. This is different from a bank or government office, where notary services are often standardized across all branches.

Key Takeaways

  • Not every UPS Store has a notary; you must call ahead to confirm your specific location offers the service.
  • UPS Stores that do have notaries typically charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though prices vary by location and state.
  • You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and the document you want notarized when you visit.
  • Some states restrict what documents UPS notaries can notarize, so confirm your document type is allowed before making the trip.

How to find a UPS Store notary near you

Start by visiting the UPS Store locator at upsstore.com. Enter your address or zip code, and a list of nearby locations will appear. Click on each store's listing to see if notary services are mentioned in the services section. If the listing does not mention notaries, call the store directly at the phone number provided.

When you call, ask specifically: "Do you have a notary available?" and "What is your fee?" Some stores have a notary on-site every day; others have one only on certain days or by appointment. A few stores may have a notary who works part-time or shares the role with other staff, so availability can be unpredictable. If the first store says no, try the next closest location—you may find one within a few miles.

You can also search online for "notary near me" or "UPS Store notary [your city]" to see which locations are listed as offering the service. Google Maps and Yelp sometimes include notary availability in store listings, though this information is not always current.

What to bring and what it costs

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID to verify your identity before notarizing your signature. You will also need the original document you want notarized. Photocopies or digital versions are not acceptable for notarization.

Fees at UPS Stores typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the location and your state. Some states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge; others allow notaries to set their own price. Call ahead to ask the exact fee so you know what to bring in cash or whether they take cards.

If you need multiple documents notarized or multiple signatures on the same document, you may be charged per signature rather than per document. Ask about the fee structure when you call.

State restrictions on what UPS notaries can notarize

Most states allow notaries to notarize common documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and loan documents. However, some states have restrictions on what notaries can notarize, and a few documents are restricted nationwide. For example, notaries cannot notarize wills in most states, and some states do not allow notaries to notarize certain real estate or legal documents without additional training.

Before you go to the UPS Store, confirm that your document type is one a notary can legally notarize in your state. You can check your state's notary laws on your Secretary of State's website, or call the UPS Store and describe the document—the notary can tell you whether they can handle it.

Alternatives if your local UPS Store does not have a notary

If no nearby UPS Store offers notary services, you have several other options. Banks often have notaries available to customers during business hours, sometimes for free if you have an account. Credit unions, law offices, and title companies also commonly offer notary services. Some pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, have notaries at select locations.

You can also search for independent notaries in your area through the National Notary Association's locator tool at notarylocator.com. Many independent notaries work from home or small offices and may offer evening or weekend hours, which can be more convenient than a retail location.

Some documents can be notarized remotely using a video call with a notary, though this option is not yet available in all states and not all documents may have access to. If you are unable to leave home, ask whether remote notarization is an option in your state.

What happens during the notarization process

The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will examine your ID to confirm your identity, and they may ask you questions about the document to confirm you understand what you are signing. The notary will then stamp and sign the document, adding their notary seal and the date. The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes.

The notary is not checking whether the document is correct or whether you should sign it—they are only confirming that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly. If you have questions about what the document means or whether you should sign it, ask before the notary stamps it, because changes cannot be made after notarization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a photo ID?

No. A notary must see a valid government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV. Some notaries may accept alternative forms of ID in rare cases, but this is uncommon and depends on state law.

Can UPS notarize a will?

Most states do not allow notaries to notarize wills. Wills typically require witnesses and sometimes a lawyer's involvement, depending on your state. Call the UPS Store and describe your document before you go, or check your state's notary laws to be sure.

What if I need a document notarized but the UPS Store is closed?

Search for a 24-hour notary service in your area, or use a remote notary service if your state allows it. Some independent notaries work evenings and weekends. You can also wait until the UPS Store reopens if the notarization is not urgent.

Do I need an appointment for notary services at UPS?

Some UPS Stores take walk-ins for notary services; others require an appointment. Call ahead to ask whether you need to schedule a time or whether you can drop in.

Can someone else sign the document 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 you personally signed the document.