The fastest way to find a notary is through your bank or a local UPS Store

Most banks offer notary services to customers at no charge or for a small fee — usually $5 to $15. Call your branch directly and ask whether a notary is available without an appointment, or whether you need to book ahead. If you don't have a bank account nearby, UPS Store locations employ notaries and are open longer hours than most banks, including weekends at many locations.

If neither option works for you, your state bar association or secretary of state's office maintains a searchable directory of commissioned notaries. You can also search online through services like the National Notary Association's notary locator tool, which lets you filter by zip code and shows hours and fees upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank is the cheapest option and often free for account holders; call ahead to confirm a notary is available.
  • UPS Store locations have notaries on staff at most branches and keep longer hours than banks, including weekends.
  • Your state secretary of state's office or state bar association publishes a directory of all commissioned notaries in your area.
  • Notary fees range from free to $25 per signature depending on location and whether you're a customer; ask before you visit.
  • Bring the original document, a valid photo ID, and know what you're signing — notaries cannot advise you on legal content.

How to search your state's official notary directory

Every state maintains a list of commissioned notaries. The easiest way to find it is to search "[your state] secretary of state notary search" or "[your state] notary directory." Most state websites let you search by county or zip code and show the notary's phone number, address, and hours.

If your state's secretary of state website doesn't have a searchable tool, contact your county clerk's office — they often keep a local list. Some states also allow you to search through the state bar association website if you're looking for a notary who is also a lawyer.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring the original document you need notarized and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them and will then stamp and sign it themselves. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature.

Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you've already signed, most notaries will ask you to sign again in their presence, or they may refuse to notarize the document.

Other places that commonly have notaries on staff

Law offices, real estate agencies, and title companies often have notaries available. Some will notarize documents for non-clients for a fee, while others only serve their own customers. Call ahead to ask.

Shipping and postal stores beyond UPS — including FedEx Office and some local pack-and-ship shops — may also employ notaries. Libraries in some states offer notary services for free or a small donation. Check your local library's website or call to ask whether this service is available.

Notary fees and what affects the cost

Fees vary widely by location and type of business. Banks typically charge nothing for account holders and $5 to $15 for non-customers. UPS Store notaries usually charge $10 to $25 per signature. Independent notaries and law offices may charge $15 to $50 per signature depending on the complexity of the document and your location.

Urban areas and states with higher costs of living generally charge more. Rural areas may have fewer notaries available, which can mean higher fees or longer wait times. Always ask the fee before you visit or have the document notarized.

What to do if you can't find a notary nearby

If you live in a rural area or a notary is not available when you need one, some states now allow remote notarization — you sign the document on a video call with a notary who is licensed in your state. Companies like Notarize and LegitScan offer this service, though fees are typically higher than in-person notarization ($50 to $150 per signature).

Check whether your state allows remote notarization before you book. Some states restrict it to certain types of documents, and some lenders or government agencies may not accept remotely notarized documents. Ask the person or organization requesting the notarization whether they will accept a remote notary before you pay for the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if you don't have proper ID, if you're not signing in front of them, or if they believe you don't understand what you're signing. They cannot refuse based on the content of the document unless it's illegal or they suspect fraud.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Banks and UPS Stores usually accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer — some locations have only one notary and they may be busy. Independent notaries often require an appointment. Check the business's website or call to confirm their policy.

What if the notary is not available at my bank?

Ask whether another branch nearby has a notary available, or whether you can schedule an appointment for a specific time. If your bank doesn't offer notary services, UPS Store is usually your next fastest option.

Can a notary notarize a document they wrote or have a financial interest in?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document if they are a party to it, wrote it, or stand to gain or lose money based on its content. They also cannot notarize for a close family member in most states. If this is your situation, you'll need to find a different notary.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

A notarized document doesn't expire, but the notary's seal and signature prove only that the notarization happened on that date. If you need the document for a government agency or lender, ask them how old the notarization can be — some require it to be recent.