The fastest places to find a notary

A public notary is usually within a few minutes of where you are right now. Banks, UPS stores, and your county clerk's office all employ notaries and are open during regular business hours. Many will notarize a document for free if you have an account there; others charge $5 to $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask what documents they can and cannot notarize — some will not handle powers of attorney or real estate deeds.

The fastest route depends on what you need notarized. If you have a bank account, call your branch first — most notaries work there during business hours and you will not wait. If you do not bank locally, a UPS Store (the brown-and-yellow franchise, not the shipping section of a grocery store) has notaries in most locations and does not require membership. Your county clerk's office is free or very cheap and will notarize almost anything, but hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank branch is the fastest option if you have an account there, and many notarize documents for free during business hours.
  • UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and Staples have notaries on staff and do not require you to be a customer, though fees range from $5 to $15 per signature.
  • Your county clerk's office notarizes documents for free or a small fee and will handle almost any document type, but is only open weekdays during business hours.
  • Some notaries work by appointment only, so call or check the website before you go, especially on evenings or weekends.
  • You will need a valid government ID and the person whose signature is being notarized must be present in person.

How to search for a notary in your area

Start with a web search for "notary public near me" or "notary [your city name]" and you will see a map with results. Google Maps, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau all list notaries with their hours and phone numbers. Call before you go — some notaries work by appointment only, and hours change seasonally or by day of the week.

If you want to avoid a fee, search for "free notary near me" along with your city name. Many banks and credit unions offer free notarization to members, and some employers offer it as an employee benefit. Your state bar association or state notary board website also lists notaries by county, though the listings are usually less detailed than Google Maps.

What to bring when you visit a notary

Bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized, not a copy. The notary will not notarize a photocopy or a scanned version.

If someone else's signature needs to be notarized (for example, on a power of attorney), that person must be present in the room with you. The notary will watch them sign the document and will then add their seal and signature. If the other person cannot be there, you will need to find a mobile notary who can travel to them, which costs more and requires scheduling in advance.

Banks and credit unions

Most banks have at least one notary on staff during business hours. Call your branch and ask if notarization is free for account holders — many offer it at no charge. If you do not have an account, some banks will still notarize for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and sometimes Saturday mornings.

Credit unions often have the same service. Call ahead because notaries may work only certain days or may be busy with other customers. If you need notarization on a weekend or evening, a bank is unlikely to have someone available.

Retail notary services

UPS stores, FedEx Office, and Staples all have notaries on staff in most locations. You do not need to be a customer or have an account. Fees are usually $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the location and the type of document. Hours are longer than banks — many are open until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and have weekend hours.

Call the specific location before you go. Not every UPS store or Staples has a notary, and some require an appointment. Ask whether they can notarize the type of document you have — a few will not handle real estate documents or powers of attorney.

County clerk and government offices

Your county clerk's office will notarize documents for free or for a very small fee (usually under $5). This is a good option if you have time during business hours and want to avoid any cost. Hours are almost always 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only, and some offices close for lunch.

Find your county clerk by searching "[your county name] clerk" or "[your county name] recorder." The office is usually in the county courthouse or a government building downtown. You can call ahead to ask about wait times, but most people walk in without an appointment. Bring your ID and the original document.

Mobile notaries and evening or weekend options

If you need a notary outside business hours or cannot travel to an office, a mobile notary will come to you. They charge more — usually $25 to $75 depending on how far they have to travel — and require you to schedule in advance, often 24 hours or more. Search "mobile notary [your city]" to find one, or ask your bank or county clerk if they can recommend someone.

Some notaries also work evenings or weekends by appointment. Call a few notaries in your area and ask about their hours. A notary who works from home or a small office may have more flexible scheduling than a bank or retail location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document if the other person is not in the room?

No. Both people whose signatures need to be notarized must be present in person. The notary watches them sign and then adds their seal. If the other person cannot be there, you will need a mobile notary who can travel to them, or you will need to reschedule when both of you can meet.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You cannot be notarized without a valid government-issued ID. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. A credit card, library card, or work ID does not. If you do not have one, you will need to get one before you can have a document notarized.

Can a notary notarize a photocopy or a scanned document?

No. The notary must see and notarize the original document. If you only have a copy, you will need to get the original from whoever created it. A notary cannot notarize a scanned PDF or an email attachment.

How much does notarization usually cost?

Costs vary by location and provider. Banks often notarize for free if you have an account. Retail stores and independent notaries usually charge $5 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge more, typically $25 to $75, because they travel to you. Call ahead to ask about the fee before you go.

How long does notarization take?

The notarization itself takes just a few minutes — the notary checks your ID, watches you sign, and adds their seal. Wait times depend on how busy the office is. Banks and retail stores may have a line, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon. Calling ahead or going early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.