The fastest places to get a notary near you

Your bank or credit union is usually the quickest option if you have an account there. Most branches have a notary on staff during business hours, and they often notarize documents for account holders at no charge. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service and ask whether you need an appointment.

If you do not bank locally, a UPS Store, FedEx Office, or similar shipping center in your area almost certainly has a notary. You can search their websites by zip code to find locations and hours. The cost is typically $5 to $15 per signature. Some locations require appointments, especially during busy times.

Your state bar association, county clerk's office, or local law library can direct you to notaries in your area. Many publish searchable lists online. Some courthouses also have notaries available to the public during business hours, sometimes for free or a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions notarize documents for their account holders, often at no cost, and are usually the fastest option if you have an account.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and similar retail locations have notaries available to the public for $5 to $15 per signature and can be found by zip code on their websites.
  • Your state bar association, county clerk, or courthouse can provide a list of notaries in your area, and some courthouses offer the service directly.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the original document you need notarized; the notary will not notarize copies.

What to bring when you go

You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm your identity before notarizing anything.

Bring the original document you need notarized. Notaries cannot notarize copies or digital scans. If you are signing multiple pages, bring all of them. If the document has blank spaces that need to be filled in, fill them before you arrive — the notary cannot tell you what to write.

Know which signature lines need to be notarized. Some documents have multiple places to sign, but only certain ones require a notary's seal. Check your paperwork or contact the person or organization requesting the notarization to confirm which signature blocks need the notary's mark.

Online notarization as an alternative

Many states now allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature over a video call. Services like Notarize, LegitScan, and some state bar associations offer this option. You typically upload your document, schedule a video appointment, and receive a notarized copy by email within hours.

Remote notarization costs $25 to $50 per signature and works for most documents, though some states restrict it for certain legal papers like wills or real estate deeds. Check whether your state allows remote notarization and whether the organization requesting your document will accept it — some government agencies and lenders do not.

How much it costs

Notary fees vary by state and location. Banks and credit unions often charge nothing for account holders. Retail notaries typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Courthouse notaries may charge $1 to $5 or nothing at all. Remote notarization runs $25 to $50.

Some notaries charge by the document rather than by the signature, so if a document has multiple pages but only one signature line, you pay once. Ask about the fee structure when you call or arrive — it should be posted or stated upfront.

Finding a notary in rural or underserved areas

If you live far from banks, retail stores, or courthouses, call your county clerk's office or sheriff's department — many have notaries available to the public. Some libraries and town halls also employ notaries. Your state bar association can direct you to the nearest option.

If no in-person notary is within reasonable distance, remote notarization may be your best choice. Check your state's rules on remote notarization and search for providers that serve your state. The video appointment can happen from your home, and you receive the notarized document electronically.

What happens during notarization

The notary will ask to see your ID and confirm your name matches the document. They will watch you sign the document in front of them — you cannot sign it beforehand. They will then stamp or seal the document and sign it themselves, creating an official record that they witnessed your signature on a specific date.

The notary may ask you basic questions about the document, such as whether you understand what you are signing and whether anyone forced you to sign it. These questions protect both you and the notary by confirming the signature is voluntary and genuine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document that is already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If it is already signed, you will need to cross out that signature, initial the change, and sign it again in front of the notary. Some documents cannot be altered this way, so contact the organization requesting the notarization first.

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

Banks and courthouses often do not require appointments. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations vary — some take walk-ins, others require appointments, especially during peak hours. Call ahead or check their website to confirm. Remote notaries always require you to schedule a video appointment in advance.

What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?

Notaries can refuse if they do not recognize you, if you cannot produce a valid ID, if the document appears fraudulent, or if they have a conflict of interest. Some notaries also refuse documents outside their state's rules. Ask the notary why they are refusing and contact another notary if you believe the refusal is incorrect.

Can a family member notarize a document for me?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they are related to or have a financial interest in. This rule exists to prevent fraud. You must use an unrelated, impartial notary.

How long does notarization take?

In person, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Remote notarization takes 10 to 20 minutes for the video call, though you may wait days for an appointment slot. Once notarized, the document is ready to use when ready.