The fastest places to find a notary

A notary public is usually available within a few miles of where you live or work. Banks, credit unions, and law offices keep notaries on staff — call ahead to confirm hours and whether they charge a fee. UPS Store locations and FedEx Office branches also offer notary services in most areas, though availability varies by location.

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a searchable directory of commissioned notaries. You can search by county or city and get phone numbers and addresses. Some states let you search online; others require a phone call to their office. This directory is free and often the most complete source available.

If you need a notary outside normal business hours, mobile notaries will travel to your home or office. Search "mobile notary" plus your city name, or ask your bank or attorney for a referral. Mobile notaries typically charge more than in-office services but can work around your schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions almost always have notaries on staff at no charge or for a small fee, and you do not need to be a customer.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office publishes a free directory of commissioned notaries searchable by county or city.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations offer notary services, but call first because not every location has one.
  • Mobile notaries will come to your home or office for a higher fee if you cannot visit during business hours.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and the original document that needs notarizing; notaries cannot work with copies.

Banks and credit unions

Most banks and credit unions employ at least one notary public. Call the branch nearest you and ask whether a notary is available and what the fee is — many charge nothing or only a few dollars. You do not need to be a customer of the bank to use their notary service, though some branches may ask you to make an appointment.

Go during regular business hours with your original document and a government-issued photo ID. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document if required, and explore their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer.

State Secretary of State directories

Every state maintains an official list of notaries public commissioned in that state. The Secretary of State office publishes this information and usually makes it searchable online by county, city, or notary name. Go to your state's Secretary of State website and look for a link labeled "notary search" or "notary directory."

If your state does not offer online search, call the Secretary of State office directly — the phone number is on their website. They can give you names and phone numbers of notaries in your area. This directory is always free and is the official record of who is legally authorized to notarize documents in your state.

Retail locations and shipping centers

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in many areas offer notary services. Not every location has a notary on staff, so call ahead or check their website to confirm. Fees are usually between five and fifteen dollars per signature. Hours are often longer than banks, including some evening and weekend availability.

Availability varies widely by location and region. Urban areas are more likely to have notaries at these stores than rural areas. If you cannot find one nearby, ask the staff whether they can refer you to a notary in the area or whether you can schedule an appointment with a mobile notary.

Law offices and title companies

Attorneys and law offices employ notaries and often offer the service to the public. Title companies, which handle real estate closings, always have notaries available. Call ahead to ask about fees and whether you need an appointment. Some law offices charge a small fee; others provide it free if you are a client.

Title companies typically charge a per-signature fee, usually between five and twenty dollars depending on the document type and your location. If you are buying or selling property, your title company will handle notarization as part of the closing process at no separate charge.

Mobile notaries for flexible scheduling

Mobile notaries travel to your home, office, or another location you choose. Search "mobile notary" plus your city name, or ask your bank, attorney, or title company for a referral. Mobile notaries are commissioned the same way as office-based notaries and have the same legal authority.

Expect to pay more for mobile service — typically twenty to fifty dollars or more depending on distance and time of day. Many mobile notaries work evenings and weekends and can often come the same day you call. Confirm the fee and travel area before booking, and have your document and ID ready when they arrive.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring the original document that needs notarizing — notaries cannot work with photocopies or digital files. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will verify your identity against the ID before notarizing.

Know what type of notarization you need. The most common is a jurat, where you sign the document in front of the notary. An acknowledgment means the notary confirms you are who you say you are but does not require you to sign in front of them. Ask whoever requested the notarization which type they need, because the notary will ask you.

If you are unsure whether a document needs notarizing, ask the person or organization that requested it. They can tell you what type of notarization is required and may even provide a notarization form or certificate to attach to your document.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does notary service cost?

Most banks and credit unions charge nothing or a small fee of one to five dollars. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations typically charge five to fifteen dollars per signature. Mobile notaries charge twenty to fifty dollars or more depending on distance and time. Some law offices charge nothing if you are a client; others charge a per-signature fee. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go.

Can a notary work with a copy of my document?

No. A notary must see and work with the original document. Photocopies, scans, and digital files cannot be notarized. If you need multiple copies notarized, bring all the originals or have the notary notarize one original and then make certified copies from that.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

A notary must verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one, you cannot be notarized. Contact your state's DMV or passport office to learn how to get an ID before you visit the notary.

Can I notarize a document for a family member or someone I know?

A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they have a personal or financial relationship with. If the notary knows you or stands to gain from the document, they must decline. This rule exists to prevent fraud. You will need to find a different notary who does not know you.

How long does notarization take?

The notarization itself usually takes five to ten minutes. The notary will verify your ID, watch you sign if required, and explore their seal and signature. Wait times depend on how busy the location is. Mobile notaries may take longer if they have to travel, but the actual notarization time is the same.