Yes, The UPS Store offers notary services at most locations, but availability varies by store and you should call ahead

The UPS Store is one of the larger retail chains offering notary services. Most locations have at least one notary public on staff during business hours, and many are open evenings and weekends — which can be more convenient than a bank or courthouse. However, not every UPS Store location notarizes documents, so you need to confirm with your specific store before you go.

The cost is typically between $5 and $15 per signature, depending on the store's location and local market rates. Some stores charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature, so ask when you call. You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and the document itself must be present and unsigned at the time of notarization.

Key Takeaways

  • Most UPS Store locations have a notary on staff, but you should call your local store to confirm they offer the service before visiting.
  • You must bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document to the notary; the notary will watch you sign it.
  • Costs range from $5 to $15 per signature depending on location, so ask about the fee when you call.
  • UPS Store hours often extend into evenings and weekends, making notarization more accessible than banks or courthouses in many areas.
  • If your local UPS Store does not notarize, ask the staff for a referral to another nearby notary.

How to find a UPS Store notary near you

Start by visiting the UPS Store locator at upsstore.com and entering your zip code or city. The results will show store addresses and phone numbers. Call the store directly and ask whether they have a notary public available and what their hours are. Do not assume the website lists this information — it often does not — so a phone call is the fastest way to confirm.

If the nearest UPS Store does not notarize, ask the staff member who answers whether they know of another notary in the area. Many retail locations keep a list of local notaries for this reason. You can also search your state's notary directory if one exists — some states maintain a public registry of commissioned notaries, though not all do.

What you need to bring

Bring your original unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary must see you sign the document in front of them; they cannot notarize a document you have already signed. Your ID must be current or expired no more than a few years — the exact rules vary by state, but most notaries accept a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID.

If the document requires multiple signatures, bring it unsigned. If it has already been signed by someone else, that is fine — the notary only needs to watch you sign your portion. Some documents specify which pages need to be notarized; if yours does, bring the whole document but point out the relevant pages when you arrive.

When UPS Store notarization may not work

A few types of documents fall outside what most notaries will handle. Notaries typically cannot notarize documents for themselves or their when ready family members, so if the notary at your UPS Store is related to you, they will decline. Some states also restrict notaries from notarizing certain legal documents like powers of attorney or affidavits in specific contexts — the rules vary widely.

If your document is unusual or you are unsure whether a notary can handle it, call the UPS Store and describe it before you visit. The notary can tell you whether it is within their scope. If it is not, they can often refer you to a lawyer or courthouse notary who handles more specialized work.

Cost and payment methods

Expect to pay between $5 and $15 per signature. Some stores charge a flat fee per document instead — for example, $10 for any document regardless of how many signatures it needs. A few stores may charge more in high-cost areas like major cities. Ask about the fee when you call to confirm they notarize, so you know what to budget.

Most UPS Store locations accept cash and card payments. If you plan to pay by check, call ahead to confirm the store accepts it, as policies vary by location.

Alternatives if your local UPS Store does not notarize

If the nearest UPS Store does not offer notary services, you have several other options. Banks often have notaries on staff for customers, though some charge a fee and others provide it free. Credit unions frequently notarize for members at no cost. Many law offices will notarize for a small fee even if you are not a client. Some courthouses have notaries available during business hours, usually for a minimal charge.

Online notary services have also become common in recent years. These allow you to upload your document and meet with a notary via video call; the notary then mails you the notarized document. Costs range from $25 to $50 per signature, which is higher than in-person notarization, but it works if you cannot leave home or live far from any notary. Check whether your state allows remote notarization — not all do — and whether the document you need notarized is may be able to access for it.

What happens during notarization at The UPS Store

When you arrive, tell the staff you need notary services. The notary will ask to see your ID and examine it to confirm it is valid. They will then ask you to sign the document in front of them while they watch. After you sign, the notary will sign and stamp the document, usually adding their commission number and the date. The whole process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.

The notary may ask you questions about the document — for example, whether you understand what you are signing or whether anyone is forcing you to sign it. These questions are routine and required by law. Answer honestly. If the notary has concerns about the document or your identity, they can refuse to notarize it, and you will not be charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document that is already partially signed?

Yes. The notary only needs to watch you sign your portion. If someone else has already signed it, that is fine — bring the document as is and sign where required. The notary will notarize your signature.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

You cannot be notarized without a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain a state ID card or passport first. A notary cannot proceed without it, regardless of how well they know you.

Can The UPS Store notarize documents I need to send out of state?

Yes. A notarization from any state is valid in any other state. The UPS Store notary's commission is recognized nationwide, so you can use the notarized document wherever you need to send it.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

Once notarized, a document does not expire. However, the organization you are submitting it to may have its own rules about how old a notarized document can be — some require it to be notarized within 30 or 60 days of submission. Check with whoever is asking for the notarized document before you have it notarized.

Do I need an appointment for notary services at The UPS Store?

Most UPS Store locations do not require appointments for notary services and handle them on a walk-in basis. However, calling ahead is still a good idea to confirm a notary is available, especially during busy times or if you are visiting during evening hours.