The fastest places to find a notary

A notary public is usually available at your bank, your local UPS Store, or your county clerk's office. Banks often notarize documents for account holders at no charge, while UPS Store locations charge between $10 and $25 per signature. Your county clerk's office (sometimes called the recorder's office) has notaries on staff and charges a small fee, usually $1 to $5 per signature.

If you need a notary today, call ahead to confirm hours and whether they have availability. Many locations require appointments, especially banks and title companies. The county clerk's office typically operates on a walk-in basis but may have wait times during lunch hours or late afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank, UPS Store, and county clerk's office are the three most reliable places to find a notary, with banks often free for customers and county offices charging $1 to $5.
  • Call ahead to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed, since many locations require one.
  • Online notary services are available in most states but require you to verify the notary's credentials and understand your state's rules about what documents can be notarized remotely.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document you need notarized; the notary will not notarize a document that is already signed.

Banks and credit unions

Most banks offer notary services to their customers for free. Call your branch directly to ask whether they have a notary on staff and what hours they are available. Some branches have a notary in-house every day; others may have one only on certain days or by appointment.

If you are not a customer at the bank, they may still notarize your document but will likely charge a fee. Credit unions often provide the same service to members. Bring your government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document.

UPS Store and shipping centers

Nearly every UPS Store location has a notary public on staff. Fees range from $10 to $25 per signature, depending on the location. You can search for the nearest UPS Store on their website and call to confirm hours and whether they are currently accepting notary appointments.

Other shipping centers, such as FedEx Office locations, may also offer notary services, though not all do. Call first to confirm. Bring your unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID with your current address.

County clerk and recorder offices

Your county clerk's office (sometimes called the recorder's office or register of deeds) has notaries available to the public. Fees are set by state law and are typically $1 to $5 per signature. Most offices accept walk-ins, though some require appointments for larger jobs.

Find your county clerk by searching "[your county name] clerk" or "[your county name] recorder." Their website will list office hours, location, and whether appointments are needed. Bring your unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID.

Online notary services

Many states now allow remote notarization through online platforms. These services connect you with a licensed notary via video call. Fees typically range from $25 to $50 per signature. The notary will verify your identity using government-issued ID and watch you sign the document on camera.

Not all documents can be notarized remotely in every state. Powers of attorney, affidavits, and many financial documents are allowed in most states, but real estate deeds and some legal documents may not be. Check your state's notary laws before using an online service, or ask the service provider whether your specific document is may be able to access.

Law offices and title companies

Attorneys often have notaries on staff and may notarize documents for clients at no charge. If you do not have an attorney, some law offices will notarize a document for a small fee. Call ahead to ask.

Title companies (which handle real estate closings) have notaries available and may notarize documents related to property transactions. If you are buying or selling a home, your title company can usually handle notarization as part of the closing process.

Libraries and government offices

Some public libraries employ notaries or have them available by appointment. Call your local library branch to ask. A few state and local government offices also offer notary services to the public, though this varies widely by location.

These options are less common than banks or county offices, so call first to confirm availability. If your library or local office does offer notary services, they are usually free or very low cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring to get a document notarized?

Bring your unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID with your current address. The notary will not notarize a document that is already signed. Some notaries may ask additional questions about the document or why you need it notarized.

Can a notary notarize a document that is already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If it is already signed, you will need to get a new copy and sign it in front of the notary. This is a legal requirement, not a preference.

How much does notarization cost?

Costs vary. Banks charge nothing for customers, county offices charge $1 to $5 per signature, UPS Store locations charge $10 to $25, and online services charge $25 to $50. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go.

Can I notarize a document for a family member?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they are related to or have a financial interest in. The notary must be impartial. You will need to find a different notary.

How long does notarization take?

Most notarizations take 5 to 10 minutes if you have everything you need. Bring your unsigned document and ID, and the process is usually quick. If you are using an online service, allow 15 to 20 minutes for the video call.