UPS Stores offer notary services, but availability varies by location

Many UPS Store locations do have a notary on staff, but not all of them. The UPS Store is a franchise operation, which means each location is independently owned and operated. Some franchise owners employ a notary; others do not. Before you go to your nearest UPS Store, you need to call ahead and confirm that location has notary services available.

To find out whether your local UPS Store has a notary, call the store directly or use the UPS Store locator on their website and filter for "notary services." Some locations list this service in their profile; others do not list it online even if they offer it. A phone call takes two minutes and saves you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Not every UPS Store has a notary—each franchise location decides independently whether to offer the service.
  • Call your local UPS Store directly to confirm notary availability before visiting, since online listings are often incomplete.
  • UPS Store notaries typically charge a per-signature fee, usually between $5 and $15 depending on the location and document type.
  • You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document that needs notarizing.
  • If your UPS Store does not have a notary, banks, credit unions, and public libraries often do.

What to bring when you visit a UPS Store notary

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing any document. Bring the unsigned document itself, not a copy. The notary will watch you sign it and then add their seal and signature.

If you are signing on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation showing you have the authority to sign. A power of attorney, corporate resolution, or board authorization letter may be required depending on the document type. Call the UPS Store ahead of time and describe what you need notarized so they can tell you what paperwork to bring.

Cost and fees at UPS Store notary services

UPS Store notary fees are not set by corporate headquarters—each franchise owner sets their own price. Most locations charge between $5 and $15 per signature. Some charge a flat fee per document; others charge per signature if a document requires multiple signatures. A few locations may charge more for complex documents or out-of-state notarizations.

Call ahead to ask about the specific fee. Some UPS Stores offer notary services free to customers who are also using their shipping or printing services, though this is not universal. Payment is usually cash or card, depending on the location.

When a UPS Store notary cannot help you

A notary cannot notarize a document they themselves signed, and they cannot notarize a blank document or one already signed. They also cannot notarize a document if they have a financial interest in it or a personal relationship with the signer that could create a conflict of interest. Some states have additional restrictions on what notaries can notarize—for example, certain loan documents or powers of attorney may require a notary licensed in that specific state.

If the UPS Store notary tells you they cannot notarize your document, ask them why. Understanding the reason will help you find the right notary elsewhere. Some documents require a notary public licensed in a particular state, or they may need a certified copy rather than a notarized original.

Other places to find a notary if UPS Store is not an option

Banks and credit unions often have notaries on staff for customers, sometimes at no charge. Call your bank's main branch and ask. Public libraries in many cities offer notary services free or for a small fee—check your local library's website or call ahead. Real estate offices, law offices, and title companies have notaries because they use them regularly. Some will notarize for non-clients for a fee.

If you need a notary urgently, search online for "notary public near me" to find independent notaries in your area. Many work from home offices or mobile services and can meet you at a time that suits you. State bar associations and secretary of state offices maintain searchable lists of notaries licensed in your state.

How to prepare your document before visiting a notary

Print or write your document in full before you go. Do not sign it yet—the notary must watch you sign. Make sure all blanks are filled in except for the signature line and the notary's section. If the document has a notary block (the section where the notary adds their seal and signature), leave that blank too.

Read the document carefully to understand what you are signing. Bring two copies if you need two notarized originals, because each signature must be notarized separately. If you are unsure whether the document is correct or whether you should sign it, ask a lawyer before you go to the notary—a notary cannot give legal information.

What happens during the notarization process

The notary will ask to see your photo ID and verify your identity. They will ask you to state your name and confirm that you are signing the document of your own free will, not under pressure. You will sign the document in front of the notary. The notary will then add their official seal (a stamp or embosser), sign the document, and write in the date and their notary license number.

The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. The notary will keep a record of the notarization in their journal, which is a legal requirement. You keep the original notarized document. Some notaries will make a certified copy for you for an additional fee if you need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document online at UPS Store?

No. UPS Stores do not offer remote or online notarization. You must visit in person with your ID and the unsigned document. Some states do allow remote notarization through other providers, but UPS Store locations do not currently offer this service.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

You cannot be notarized without a valid government-issued photo ID. A notary's job is to verify your identity, and a photo ID is the standard way to do that. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to obtain one before visiting a notary.

Can UPS Store notarize a power of attorney?

Most UPS Store notaries can notarize a power of attorney, but some states have special rules about who can notarize them or what form they must take. Call the UPS Store and describe the power of attorney document. If they cannot do it, ask them to recommend a notary who can, or contact your state's secretary of state office for guidance.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

A notarized document does not expire. The notary's seal and signature prove that you signed it on a specific date in front of a notary. However, the organization that receives the document may have its own rules about how old a notarized document can be before they will accept it—some require it to be less than six months old. Check with the organization before you have it notarized.

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

Most UPS Stores handle notarizations on a walk-in basis, but some locations may require an appointment, especially if the notary is part-time. Call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment and what hours the notary is available.