UPS Store notary fees are typically $5 to $15 per signature, depending on your location and the document type
The UPS Store does not set a single national price for notary services. Each franchise location sets its own rates within a range, so the cost at one store may differ from another store in the same city. Most locations charge between $5 and $15 per signature notarized. Some stores charge a flat fee per document instead, which might be $10 to $25 depending on how many signatures the document requires.
The best way to find the exact price is to call your local UPS Store directly and ask. Have the document type ready when you call—for example, "I need to notarize a power of attorney" or "I need three signatures notarized on a real estate form." The staff can tell you the precise fee and whether they have a notary available at that moment.
UPS Store notaries are commissioned by the state, which means they follow state law about what they can and cannot notarize. They cannot charge more for certain document types than others—the fee is per signature, not per document category. However, if your document requires multiple signatures, you pay for each one.
Key Takeaways
- UPS Store notary fees range from $5 to $15 per signature, but each location sets its own price, so call ahead to confirm.
- You pay per signature notarized, not per document, so a form with three signatures costs three times the per-signature fee.
- The notary must see a valid government-issued ID from you and watch you sign the document in their presence.
- Not all UPS Store locations have a notary on staff, so confirm availability before you visit.
- UPS Store notaries follow state law and cannot notarize certain documents, such as powers of attorney in some states or documents where the signer is not present.
What documents UPS Store notaries can and cannot handle
UPS Store notaries can notarize most common documents: affidavits, powers of attorney, real estate documents, loan papers, travel consent forms for minors, and general acknowledgments. However, state law limits what any notary can do. For example, a notary cannot notarize a document if the person signing it is not physically present in front of them. They also cannot notarize their own signature or a document that benefits them financially.
Some states restrict notaries from handling certain high-stakes documents without additional training. Powers of attorney, wills, and trusts sometimes fall into this category. Before you go to the UPS Store, check your state's notary rules or call the location and describe your document. The notary will tell you whether they can handle it. If they cannot, they can usually point you toward a notary public who can, or suggest an alternative.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized
Bring the unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary must see your ID to confirm your identity. Your driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The notary will not accept an expired ID in most cases, so check the expiration date before you go.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you sign it ahead of time, the notary cannot notarize it, and you may have to get a new copy. Bring a pen—the notary will have one, but it is faster if you bring your own.
If the document requires multiple signatures from different people, all signers must be present at the same time. The notary cannot notarize one person's signature today and another person's signature next week on the same document.
How long a notarization takes at UPS Store
A single-signature notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign, and then stamp and sign the document themselves. If the document has multiple signatures or is longer, it may take 15 to 20 minutes.
Wait times depend on how busy the store is. If you arrive during peak hours—lunch time or after work—you may wait 20 to 30 minutes before the notary is free. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is worth the effort, especially if you are on a tight schedule. Some locations allow you to schedule a notary appointment, which guarantees you a time slot.
Comparing UPS Store notary costs to other options
Banks often notarize documents for free if you have an account with them. Call your bank and ask whether they offer this service and whether you need an appointment. Credit unions sometimes do the same. If you do not have a bank account or your bank does not offer notary services, UPS Store is usually faster and more convenient than hunting for an independent notary public.
Independent notary publics may charge the same $5 to $15 per signature, but they are harder to locate and may have limited hours. Some charge travel fees if you need them to come to your home or office. Law offices sometimes notarize documents for clients at no charge, but they typically will not notarize for strangers. If you need notarization urgently, UPS Store is usually your fastest option because most locations are open six or seven days a week.
What happens after the notary stamps your document
Once the notary stamps and signs your document, it is notarized. The notary keeps a record in their journal—a log of every notarization they perform. You do not need to do anything else. The document is now ready to submit to whoever requested it: a court, a lender, a government agency, or a private party.
Keep the original notarized document safe. Do not lose it or write on it after notarization. If you need copies, make photocopies of the notarized version. Some organizations will not accept a photocopy and will require the original, so ask the person or organization requesting the notarization whether they need the original or a copy.
Common mistakes to avoid when getting a document notarized
The most common mistake is signing the document before you arrive at the notary. Once you sign it, the notary cannot notarize it. The second mistake is bringing an expired ID. A notary cannot verify your identity with an expired ID, so you will have to come back another day with a valid one.
A third mistake is not bringing all required signers at the same time. If a document needs two signatures and only one person shows up, the notary cannot proceed. Plan ahead and make sure everyone who needs to sign can be there at the same time.
Finally, do not assume the UPS Store location nearest you has a notary. Some smaller locations do not. Call first to confirm that a notary is on staff and available at the time you plan to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document online at UPS Store?
No. UPS Store notaries perform in-person notarizations only. You must be physically present in front of the notary, show your ID, and sign the document while they watch. Remote notarization is not available at UPS Store locations.
What if I need a notarized copy, not just the original?
The notary stamps and signs the original document. You can make photocopies of the notarized original yourself. However, some organizations require a "certified copy"—a photocopy stamped by the notary as a true copy of the original. Ask the UPS Store notary whether they offer certified copies and what the additional fee is.
Do I need an appointment for UPS Store notary services?
Most UPS Store locations accept walk-ins, but availability depends on staffing. Calling ahead or scheduling an appointment guarantees you a time slot and avoids a long wait. Ask your local store whether they take appointments when you call to confirm the fee.
Can a UPS Store notary notarize a document in a language other than English?
A notary can notarize a document in any language, but they cannot translate it. If the document is in another language, the notary will still stamp and sign it, but they cannot verify the content. Some organizations may require a certified translation in addition to notarization.
What if the UPS Store notary says they cannot notarize my document?
State law limits what notaries can do. If the UPS Store notary cannot help, ask them for a referral to another notary or a lawyer who can. You can also search your state's notary public directory online or contact your state's Secretary of State office for a list of notaries in your area.