UPS Store locations do offer notary services, but availability varies by location
Many UPS Store locations have a notary public on staff, but not all of them do. The service is available at thousands of UPS Store branches across the United States, though you will need to call ahead or check online to confirm whether your specific location offers it. UPS Store notaries can notarize documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, and real estate paperwork.
The catch is that availability depends entirely on which UPS Store you visit. Some locations have a notary available during all business hours; others have one only on certain days or during limited hours. A few locations do not have notary services at all. Before you make the trip, contact the store directly or use the UPS Store locator tool on their website to check whether notary services are available at your nearest branch.
Key Takeaways
- Not every UPS Store has a notary on staff, so you must confirm availability at your specific location before visiting.
- UPS Store notaries typically charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though prices vary by location and document type.
- You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document that needs notarization.
- Some UPS Store locations have limited notary hours, so calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
How to find a UPS Store notary near you
The UPS Store website has a location finder tool where you can search by address or zip code. Once you find a store, click on it to see the full details, which should list whether notary services are available. If the listing does not mention notary services, that location likely does not offer them.
Calling the store directly is the fastest way to confirm. Ask whether a notary is available on the day and time you plan to visit. Some stores have one notary who works specific shifts, so you may need to schedule around their schedule. A few locations offer notary services by appointment only, especially if the notary is not always on-site.
What documents UPS Store notaries can and cannot notarize
UPS Store notaries can notarize most common documents, including powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate deeds, travel consent forms for minors, and statutory declarations. They can also notarize copies of documents to certify that a copy matches the original.
There are limits to what they can notarize. A notary cannot notarize a document they drafted, a document in which they have a financial interest, or a document where the signer is not physically present. They also cannot notarize blank documents or documents that are already signed. If your document falls into one of these categories, you will need to find a different notary or a lawyer.
What to bring to a UPS Store notary appointment
Bring your unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will not notarize a document without seeing your ID in person.
Bring the original document, not a copy. The notary needs to see the actual document you are signing. If you need multiple copies notarized, bring all of them. Some notaries will notarize multiple pages of the same document for a single fee, while others charge per page or per signature, so ask about pricing when you call.
UPS Store notary fees and payment methods
UPS Store notary fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though some locations charge by the page or by the document. Prices vary by location and by what the document is for. Call ahead to ask what the fee will be for your specific document.
Most UPS Store locations accept cash and card payments. Some may require payment upfront, while others bill you after the notarization is complete. Ask about payment methods when you call to confirm availability.
Alternatives if your UPS Store does not have a notary
If your nearest UPS Store does not offer notary services, you have several other options. Banks often have notaries on staff for customers, though some banks limit notary services to account holders. Credit unions frequently offer notary services to members at no cost. Call your bank or credit union to ask whether a notary is available.
Public libraries in many cities have notaries on staff or can refer you to one nearby. Law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies all employ notaries and often notarize documents for the public for a fee. You can also search for independent notaries in your area through the National Notary Association website, which has a locator tool.
What happens during a notarization at UPS Store
When you arrive, the notary will ask to see your ID and will examine it carefully to verify your identity. They will ask you to sign the document in front of them. The notary will then sign and stamp the document, adding their notary seal and the date. The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes.
The notary may ask you questions about the document to confirm that you understand what you are signing and that you are signing it of your own free will. This is a standard part of the notarization process and is required by law. Once the notary has completed their work, you will have a notarized copy of your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document online at UPS Store?
No. UPS Store notaries notarize documents in person only. You must be physically present with your ID and the unsigned document. Some states now allow remote notarization through other providers, but UPS Store does not currently offer this service.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
A notary cannot notarize a document without seeing a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one before visiting. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. A notary will not accept a work ID, school ID, or credit card as proof of identity.
Can I notarize a document that is already signed?
No. A notary can only notarize a document that you sign in front of them. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need an unsigned copy of the document to bring to the notary.
How long does a notarization take at UPS Store?
Most notarizations take five to ten minutes. If the store is busy, you may wait longer. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment can reduce your wait time, especially if the notary works limited hours.
Can I get a notarized copy of a document I already have?
Yes. A notary can certify that a copy of a document matches the original. Bring both the original and the copy you want certified. The notary will compare them and stamp the copy to confirm it is a true copy of the original.