The fastest way to find a notary near you
Your bank or credit union is usually the quickest place to start. Most banks offer notary services free or for a small fee to account holders, and many branches have a notary on staff during business hours. Call ahead to confirm they have one available and ask what documents they can notarize—some banks decline certain types, like powers of attorney or affidavits.
If your bank cannot help, search "notary public near me" in Google Maps or your phone's map app. This pulls up independent notaries, UPS stores, and other businesses that offer the service. Check their hours and call before you go—notaries often work by appointment, and some are only available certain days of the week.
Your state's notary directory is another reliable source. Each state maintains a list of commissioned notaries, usually searchable by county or zip code on the Secretary of State's website. This list includes their contact information and sometimes their hours. The directory is free to search and gives you notaries who are officially registered in your state.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank or credit union is often free or low-cost and requires no appointment for account holders.
- Google Maps search for "notary public near me" shows independent notaries, UPS stores, and other businesses with their hours and phone numbers.
- Your state's Secretary of State website has a searchable directory of all commissioned notaries in your area.
- Call ahead before visiting—most notaries work by appointment and may have limited hours.
- Bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document you need notarized; the notary will not notarize documents you have already signed.
Using Google Maps and online search
Google Maps is the fastest way to see what is available right now. Open Maps on your phone or computer, search "notary public," and the app shows you nearby options with their addresses, hours, phone numbers, and customer reviews. You can filter by distance, hours, or whether they are currently open.
When you call, ask three things: whether they require an appointment, what their fee is, and whether they notarize the type of document you have. Some notaries will not notarize certain documents—powers of attorney, wills, and affidavits have specific rules that vary by state, and a notary may decline if they are unsure whether the document meets those rules.
UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples often have notaries on staff. These are convenient if you need the service quickly, but their hours are limited and fees vary. Check their website or call the specific location—not all branches have a notary available.
Your state's notary directory
Every state maintains an official list of commissioned notaries. To find yours, go to your state's Secretary of State website and look for a "notary search" or "notary directory" link. The search is free and usually lets you filter by county, city, or zip code.
The directory gives you the notary's name, address, phone number, and sometimes their commission expiration date. Notaries in the directory are officially registered with the state, which means they have passed a background check and are legally authorized to notarize documents. This is a good sign of legitimacy.
If you cannot find your state's directory online, call your Secretary of State's office directly. They can tell you how to search or provide a list of notaries in your area. Most offices have a phone line dedicated to notary questions.
Banks and credit unions
Call your bank's main branch or check their website for notary hours. Many banks offer the service free to customers with a checking or savings account. If you do not have an account, some banks will notarize for a small fee—usually between $5 and $15 per document.
Banks are reliable because notaries who work for financial institutions are trained to handle common documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and loan paperwork. They are also less likely to refuse a document because they understand the rules around what they can and cannot notarize.
The downside is that bank hours are limited. Most are open weekdays during business hours only, and some close for lunch. If you need a notary on a weekend or evening, an independent notary or UPS store may be your only option.
Independent notaries and mobile services
Independent notaries often have more flexible hours than banks and may come to your home or office. Search "mobile notary near me" or "notary public" in Google Maps to find them. Many advertise evening and weekend availability, which is helpful if you work during the day.
Mobile notaries charge more than banks—typically $25 to $75 per document, plus a travel fee if they come to you. However, the convenience may be worth it if you have a complex document or cannot get to a bank during business hours.
When you contact an independent notary, confirm that they are commissioned in your state. Ask to see their commission certificate or verify them in your state's notary directory before you hire them. This protects you from working with someone who is not legally authorized to notarize.
What to bring when you go
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 any document. Without it, they cannot complete the notarization.
Bring the unsigned document. Do not sign it before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them—that is the whole point of notarization. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it and you will have wasted the trip.
If you need multiple documents notarized, bring all of them. Most notaries charge per document, so you will pay a separate fee for each one. Bring your checkbook or ask whether they take card payments, since not all notaries accept both.
What to do if you cannot find one nearby
If you live in a rural area or small town, your state's notary directory may show only a few options. In that case, call your county courthouse or county clerk's office—they often know which notaries serve your area and may have contact information for ones not listed online.
Some states allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies your identity over video and notarizes a digital document. This is useful if no notary is within reasonable distance. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether remote notarization is allowed and which companies offer it.
If you are in a hurry, a mobile notary is your best bet. They will come to you and work around your schedule, though you will pay more for the convenience. Call several and compare their fees and availability before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a notary cost?
Banks charge nothing to account holders or $5 to $15 for non-customers. Independent notaries typically charge $10 to $25 per document. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $75 per document plus a travel fee. Fees vary by state and by notary, so call ahead to ask.
Can a notary notarize any document?
No. Notaries cannot notarize wills, documents they have a financial interest in, or documents where they know the signer is being coerced. Some states have additional restrictions. If a notary refuses your document, ask why—they can tell you whether it is a legal restriction or whether you need to bring something else.
Do I have to sign the document in front of the notary?
Yes. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you sign it before you arrive, the notary cannot notarize it. This is the core of what notarization means—the notary is confirming that you signed it yourself, in their presence.
What if I cannot find a notary in my area?
Call your county clerk's office—they can direct you to notaries in your area or tell you whether remote notarization is allowed in your state. If you are in a rural area, a mobile notary may be your only option, though they charge more.
How do I know if a notary is legitimate?
Search for them in your state's notary directory on the Secretary of State's website. If they appear there, they are commissioned and authorized. You can also ask to see their commission certificate before you hire them.