The fastest way to find a notary is through your bank or credit union

If you have a checking or savings account, call your bank's main branch and ask whether they offer notary services. Most banks do, and they often notarize documents for account holders at no charge or for a small fee. You do not need an appointment at many branches — walk-ins are common during business hours. Ask whether the notary is available that day, because some branches have only one notary and they may be busy.

Credit unions typically offer the same service. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to be a member, though most will notarize for non-members for a fee. This route is fastest if you already bank somewhere, because you know the location and can reach them by phone in seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union is the fastest source and often free for account holders, so call your branch first.
  • The National Notary Association's online directory and your state's Secretary of State office both maintain searchable lists of notaries near you.
  • UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacies employ notaries, though hours and fees vary by location.
  • When you call, confirm the notary is available that day, ask about the fee, and ask what documents you need to bring (usually a photo ID and the document itself).
  • Some notaries work from home offices and advertise on Google Maps or Yelp, but always verify their credentials through your state before visiting.

Search the National Notary Association directory

The National Notary Association maintains a searchable directory at notary.org. Enter your city and state, and the site returns a list of notaries in your area with phone numbers, addresses, and sometimes hours. You can filter by whether they offer mobile service (they come to you) or whether they work from an office.

This directory is free to search and covers notaries across all 50 states. The results include both independent notaries and those working for businesses like UPS or banks. Call the notary directly to confirm they are available and ask about their fee, which ranges from $5 to $25 per signature depending on your state and the notary's location.

Check your state's Secretary of State office

Every state maintains its own list of commissioned notaries. Search "[your state] Secretary of State notary search" or go directly to your state's Secretary of State website. Most states have a searchable database where you enter your county or zip code and receive a list of active notaries.

This source is official and always current, because notaries must renew their commissions every few years and the state updates the list regularly. The downside is that state databases sometimes list notaries without phone numbers or hours, so you may need to search for them separately on Google Maps or call directory information. However, this route guarantees you are contacting a notary whose credentials are verified by the state.

Visit UPS stores, FedEx Office, or pharmacy locations

Many UPS stores and FedEx Office locations employ notaries on staff. Call the location nearest you and ask whether a notary is available. Hours vary — some locations have a notary only during certain hours or days, so confirm before you visit. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature.

Some pharmacy chains, including CVS and Walgreens, also offer notary services at select locations. Call ahead to confirm your local store has a notary, because not all do. These locations are convenient if you are already running errands, but availability is less predictable than a dedicated notary office.

Search Google Maps or Yelp for independent notaries

Type "notary public near me" into Google Maps or search Yelp for "notary public" in your city. Both platforms show independent notaries who work from home offices or small storefronts, along with their hours, phone numbers, and customer reviews. This method works well if you want to read feedback before you call.

Before you visit an independent notary, verify their commission through your state's Secretary of State database. A notary should be able to tell you their commission number, which you can look up to confirm they are active and in good standing. This step takes two minutes and protects you from contacting someone whose commission has expired.

What to have ready when you call

When you contact a notary, have the following information ready: the type of document you need notarized (for example, a power of attorney, affidavit, or loan document), how many signatures need to be notarized, and your zip code. The notary will tell you whether they can handle your document, what the fee is, and whether they have same-day availability.

Ask whether you need to bring anything besides the document itself. Most notaries require a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and the original document. Some notaries ask you to bring two forms of ID or proof of address. Confirm the notary's location and hours before you leave home, because hours listed online are sometimes outdated.

Mobile notaries who come to you

If you cannot travel to a notary, search for "mobile notary" in your area. Mobile notaries travel to your home, workplace, or hospital to notarize documents. They charge a higher fee — typically $25 to $75 per signature — because they are paying for travel time. However, they are useful if you are homebound, have a tight schedule, or need notarization outside normal business hours.

Mobile notaries often advertise on Google Maps, Yelp, and Thumbtack. Call to confirm they serve your area and ask about their minimum fee (some charge a flat rate for one signature and a per-signature rate for additional signatures). Verify their commission through your state before you book, just as you would with an office-based notary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document if I am not present?

No. A notary must see you sign the document in person and verify your identity with a photo ID. Remote notarization is available in some states through video conference, but it requires special technology and is not offered by all notaries. Ask whether the notary offers remote notarization if you cannot visit in person.

What if I need a notary outside of normal business hours?

Mobile notaries sometimes work evenings and weekends, so search for "mobile notary" and ask about availability. Some notaries also work by appointment on Saturdays. Call ahead — do not assume a notary is available after 5 p.m. or on weekends just because they advertise mobile service.

How much does notarization usually cost?

Fees vary by state and notary. Bank notaries often charge nothing for account holders or $5 to $10 for non-members. Independent notaries typically charge $5 to $25 per signature. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $75 per signature because they travel. Ask the notary for their fee before you visit.

What documents can a notary refuse to notarize?

A notary can refuse if they do not understand the document, if you do not have proper ID, or if they suspect fraud. A notary cannot notarize a document they drafted themselves or a document that affects them personally. If a notary refuses, it is not a reflection on you — it is the notary following the law.

Do I need to make an appointment?

Bank notaries often take walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer. Independent notaries and mobile notaries usually require an appointment. UPS and FedEx locations vary — some take walk-ins and some require a call first. Always call before you visit to confirm the notary is available.