The fastest way to find a notary near you

Your bank or credit union is usually the quickest option—most branches have a notary on staff during business hours, and many offer the service free to account holders. If you don't bank there or need service outside normal hours, call ahead to confirm availability and ask whether they charge a fee.

If your bank doesn't have one or you need same-day service, search "notary public near me" on Google Maps or Yelp to see local options with hours and customer reviews. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and Staples often employ notaries and accept walk-ins, though you may wait 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy they are.

For evening or weekend appointments, search your state's notary directory online—most Secretary of State websites maintain a searchable list of commissioned notaries with their contact information and hours. This is especially useful if you need someone outside typical business hours or in a rural area.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union is the fastest option and often free for account holders; call first to confirm they have a notary available.
  • Google Maps, Yelp, UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples all show notary locations with hours and let you see reviews before you go.
  • Your state's Secretary of State website maintains a searchable directory of commissioned notaries with their phone numbers and availability.
  • Bring a valid photo ID and the document that needs notarizing; most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature depending on location.
  • If you cannot leave your home, search for "mobile notary near me" to find notaries who travel to you, though this usually costs more.

Using Google Maps and online directories

Open Google Maps on your phone or computer and type "notary public near me" into the search box. The map will show all notaries within a few miles, along with their addresses, phone numbers, hours, and customer ratings. Click on each location to see whether they accept walk-ins, whether they charge a fee, and what customers say about wait times.

Yelp works the same way and often has more detailed reviews about specific notaries' speed and professionalism. Look for notaries with recent reviews mentioning quick service—a notary with five-star ratings from the last month is more likely to be open and reliable than one with older reviews.

When you call, ask three things: whether they are available at the time you need them, what they charge per signature, and what documents they can notarize. Some notaries refuse certain documents (like powers of attorney or loan papers) depending on their training or state rules, so confirming ahead saves a wasted trip.

Finding your state's notary directory

Every state maintains an official list of commissioned notaries on the Secretary of State's website. Go to your state's Secretary of State homepage, search for "notary directory" or "notary search," and you will find a searchable database. Enter your city or zip code and the database will show all active notaries in your area with their phone numbers and sometimes their hours.

This directory is especially useful if you live in a small town or need a notary outside typical business hours. Many notaries list their availability directly in the state database, so you can see whether they work evenings or weekends before you call. The directory also confirms that the notary is currently licensed—a notary's commission can expire, so checking the official list ensures they are legitimate.

If you cannot find your state's directory online, call your Secretary of State's office directly. The staff can give you notary names and numbers over the phone or mail you a printed list.

What to bring and what notaries charge

Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID to confirm your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs notarizing; notaries cannot notarize copies or digital files in most states.

Fees vary by location and document type. A single signature typically costs $5 to $15, though some notaries charge per page or per document instead. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations usually charge $10 to $15 per signature. Banks often notarize for free if you have an account. Ask the fee before you sit down so there are no surprises.

Some documents require the notary to watch you sign in front of them. Others require you to swear under oath that the information in the document is true. The notary will tell you what is required when you arrive—you do not need to know this beforehand.

Mobile notaries who come to you

If you cannot leave your home or office, search "mobile notary near me" to find notaries who travel to you. Mobile notaries charge more than in-office notaries—typically $25 to $50 per signature plus travel fees—but they come to your location on your schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Call or text the mobile notary to book an appointment and confirm the fee. Ask whether they charge extra for travel outside a certain radius or for appointments outside business hours. Many mobile notaries require at least 24 hours' notice, though some offer same-day service for an additional fee.

Mobile notaries are useful if you are elderly, disabled, or managing multiple documents that need notarizing at once. They are also common for real estate closings, where the notary travels to the buyer's home or the title company's office.

Notaries at retail locations and shipping stores

UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations in most cities employ notaries or have access to one. These are walk-in friendly and often have longer hours than banks—many are open until 8 or 9 p.m. and some are open on Sundays. Call the specific location near you to confirm they have a notary on duty that day, because not every location has one.

Wait times at retail notaries can be 15 to 30 minutes during busy hours, especially at lunch or after work. If you are in a hurry, call ahead and ask when they are least busy. Some locations let you schedule a notary appointment in advance to skip the wait.

Fees at these locations are usually $10 to $15 per signature. Bring your photo ID and the original document. The notary will ask you to sign in front of them and may ask you to swear that the information is true.

Using your bank or credit union

Call your bank's main branch or the branch closest to you and ask whether they have a notary available. Most banks and credit unions offer notary services free to account holders during business hours. If you are not an account holder, they may charge $5 to $10 per signature or refuse service altogether.

Bank notaries are usually available Monday through Friday during regular banking hours, though some branches stay open later one or two days a week. Ask when the notary is on duty—some branches have one notary who works specific hours, so calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.

Bring your photo ID, your account card or account number, and the original document. The notary will verify your identity against your ID and the bank's records, then notarize the document in front of you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document online or by video?

Some states allow remote notarization by video, but most do not. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether remote notarization is legal where you live. If it is, search "remote notary" or "online notary" to find notaries licensed in your state who offer video appointments. You will still need to show a valid photo ID on camera.

What if the notary is not available when I need them?

Call multiple notaries and ask their hours before you visit. If you need service outside business hours, search for mobile notaries or notaries who list evening and weekend availability in your state's directory. Some notaries work by appointment only, so calling ahead is always safer than dropping in.

Do I need to know what type of notarization my document needs?

No. Tell the notary what the document is for and they will tell you what type of notarization is required. Common types are acknowledgment (you confirm you signed it), jurat (you swear the contents are true), and certification (the notary confirms a copy matches the original). The notary handles the rest.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes. Notaries can refuse documents they are not trained to handle, documents that appear fraudulent, or documents where they have a conflict of interest. Some states restrict what notaries can notarize. If one notary refuses, call another—different notaries may have different training or policies.

How long does a notarization take?

Most notarizations take 5 to 10 minutes if you have your ID and the document ready. Longer documents or documents requiring an oath may take 15 minutes. Retail locations and busy notaries may have a wait before they see you, so plan for 30 to 45 minutes total if you are walking in without an appointment.