The UPS Store offers notary services at most locations, but availability depends on your specific store
Most UPS Store franchises do have a notary on staff, but not all of them. The service is available at thousands of locations nationwide, though you will need to call ahead to confirm your local store offers it. Some UPS Stores are busier than others, and a few locations — particularly in smaller towns — may not have a notary available.
The cost is typically between $5 and $15 per signature, though prices vary by location and by state. Some states set maximum fees that notaries can charge, while others leave it to the business. You will pay more if you need multiple documents notarized or if the notary has to travel to you.
The process is straightforward: bring your unsigned document, a valid government-issued ID, and arrive during business hours. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and add their seal and signature. The whole thing usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Call your local UPS Store before you go — not every location has a notary, and hours vary by franchise.
- Bring an unsigned document and a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card).
- Expect to pay $5 to $15 per signature, depending on your state and the store's pricing.
- The notary must watch you sign the document in person — they cannot notarize a document you signed beforehand.
- If your local UPS Store does not have a notary, banks, credit unions, and public libraries often do.
How to find a UPS Store notary near you
Start by going to upsstore.com and using their location finder. Enter your zip code or city, and the results will show which stores are nearby. However, the website does not always list whether a notary is on staff, so you will still need to call.
When you call, ask directly: "Do you have a notary available?" and "What are your hours?" Some stores have a notary only during certain days or times. If the person who answers is unsure, ask to speak with a manager — they will know for certain.
If your nearest UPS Store does not have a notary, ask the staff where they recommend going. Many UPS Store employees know other local notaries or businesses that offer the service.
What documents the UPS Store notary can and cannot notarize
A notary at The UPS Store can notarize most standard documents: power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and general declarations. They can also notarize copies of documents to certify that a copy matches the original.
There are limits. Notaries cannot notarize documents they have a financial interest in — for example, a notary cannot notarize a will that names them as a beneficiary. They also cannot notarize documents that are already signed, and they cannot backdate a signature. Some states have additional restrictions on what notaries can do, so if you have a specialized document, mention it when you call.
If the notary tells you they cannot notarize your document, ask why. Sometimes the issue is fixable — for instance, if you signed it already, you may be able to get a blank copy and sign it in front of the notary instead.
What to bring and how long it takes
Bring your unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. The notary will check your ID to confirm you are who you say you are.
If you have multiple documents to notarize, bring them all at once. The notary will charge per signature, not per document, so if you have three documents that each need one signature, you will pay three times. If one document needs two signatures, that is two charges.
Plan for 10 to 15 minutes if the store is not busy. During peak hours — lunch time, after 5 p.m., and weekends — you may wait longer. Arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday is usually fastest.
Cost and payment methods at The UPS Store
Notary fees at The UPS Store range from $5 to $15 per signature. Some states cap what notaries can charge — California, for example, limits notaries to $15 per signature — while other states have no cap. The store's location and local competition also affect the price.
Most UPS Stores accept cash and card. If you are unsure about the exact cost, ask when you call to confirm they have a notary. Some stores may charge extra if you need the notary to travel to you or if you need same-day service.
Alternatives if your UPS Store does not have a notary
Banks and credit unions often have notaries on staff, and many offer the service free to account holders. Call your bank first — if they have a notary, this is usually your fastest and cheapest option.
Public libraries in many cities have notaries available during regular hours, sometimes for free or for a small fee. Check your library's website or call ahead to confirm.
Real estate agents, title companies, and law offices also employ notaries. If you are having a document notarized for a real estate transaction, the title company handling the closing may notarize it as part of the process.
Online notary services are another option if you cannot reach a physical location. These services connect you with a notary via video call, and the notary can notarize documents remotely in most states. The cost is usually $25 to $50, and the process takes a few minutes.
What happens after the notary signs your document
Once the notary has signed and sealed your document, it is complete. The notary's seal and signature certify that they watched you sign the document and verified your identity. Most organizations that require notarized documents — banks, courts, government agencies — will accept it when ready.
Keep the original notarized document safe. Do not alter it after it has been notarized. If you need copies, you can photocopy a notarized document, but the copy will not have the same legal weight as the original. Some organizations will accept a certified copy (a copy that a notary has verified matches the original), so ask before you assume a photocopy will work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document I already signed?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If you have already signed it, you will need to get a blank copy and sign it again in front of the notary. This is a common issue, so do not be embarrassed to ask.
Do I need an appointment at The UPS Store for notary services?
Most UPS Stores do not require an appointment, but calling ahead is smart. It confirms the notary is available and gives you an idea of wait time. Some locations may ask you to schedule during busy seasons.
Can a UPS Store notary notarize a document for someone else if I bring it?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present with a valid ID. The notary needs to verify their identity and watch them sign. You cannot sign a document on someone else's behalf.
What if I need a notary outside of business hours?
Call your local UPS Store to ask about extended hours or weekend availability. If they cannot help, try a 24-hour bank branch, an online notary service, or search for a mobile notary in your area who travels to you.
Is a notarized document the same as a certified copy?
No. A notarized document means a notary watched you sign it and verified your identity. A certified copy means a notary has verified that a photocopy matches the original. Some documents need one, some need the other, and some need both. Check with whoever is asking for the document to be sure.