Where to find a notary in your area

The fastest way to find a notary near you is to call your bank or credit union — most branches have a notary on staff, and many will notarize documents for account holders at no charge. If you don't bank locally or your branch doesn't have one, your next stop is a UPS Store or FedEx Office location. Both chains offer notary services at their retail counters, usually for $10 to $15 per signature, and you can search their websites by zip code to find the nearest one open today.

Your county clerk's office also employs notaries and will notarize documents for a small fee, typically $2 to $10 depending on your state. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Some states list notaries on their Secretary of State website, which lets you search by county or city — this is useful if you want to compare prices or find someone with evening or weekend hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions often notarize documents free for customers, making them the cheapest option if you have an account.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries at most branches and accept walk-ins, though you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during busy hours.
  • Your county clerk's office provides notary services for $2 to $10 and is a reliable choice if you have time to visit during business hours.
  • Some states publish searchable notary registries on the Secretary of State website, letting you find notaries by location and hours.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document — the notary will watch you sign it in front of them.

What to bring and what to expect

You will need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm your identity, then watch you sign the document in front of them. They will add their stamp, signature, and the date. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature.

Bring the unsigned document with you. Do not sign it before you arrive — the notary must witness your signature. If the document has blank spaces for the notary's seal or statement, the notary will fill those in. Some documents come with a pre-printed notary block (a box at the bottom with lines for the notary's information); others do not, and the notary will attach a separate page called a notary certificate or jurat.

Online notary services and when they work

Many states now allow remote notarization, where a notary watches you sign via video call. This works well if you cannot leave home or need service outside normal business hours. Companies like Notarize, LegitScan, and some state bar associations offer this service, usually for $25 to $50 per signature. You will still need a valid ID and a camera or smartphone to show the notary.

Remote notarization has limits. Some documents — like real estate deeds or powers of attorney — cannot be notarized remotely in many states. Check your state's Secretary of State website or call your county clerk to confirm whether your specific document can be notarized online. If you are unsure, ask the person or organization requesting the notarized letter; they often know which method their document requires.

Notary services at libraries and government offices

Many public libraries offer free notary services to patrons, though availability varies widely by location. Call your local branch to ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether you need to book an appointment. Some libraries only notarize during certain hours or on certain days of the week.

In addition to the county clerk, some state and local government offices employ notaries. Your city hall, town hall, or state office building may have one available. Hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and fees are typically low or free for residents. Call ahead to confirm they notarize documents for the public and whether you need an appointment.

Notary services through employers and professional organizations

If you work for a large employer, your human resources or legal department may have a notary on staff. Some employers offer this as a free employee benefit. Ask your HR department whether notary services are available and whether you can use them for personal documents.

Professional organizations — such as real estate associations, bar associations, or trade unions — sometimes offer notary services to members. If you belong to one, contact them to ask. Some title companies and law firms will notarize documents for clients, though they may charge a fee or require that the document relate to a service they are providing.

Cost and timing

Notary fees vary by state and location. Banks often charge nothing for customers; UPS Store and FedEx Office typically charge $10 to $15 per signature; county clerks usually charge $2 to $10; and remote notary services run $25 to $50. Some notaries charge per page rather than per signature, so ask before you commit.

Timing depends on where you go. Banks and retail locations may have a wait during lunch hours or after work. County clerk offices are usually less busy mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays. Remote notary services can often accommodate you within a few hours if you book online. If you need the document notarized the same day, call ahead to confirm the notary is available and ask how long the wait typically is.

What to do if you cannot find a notary nearby

If you live in a rural area or a place with limited notary availability, remote notarization is your best option. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether remote notarization is allowed for your type of document, then search for online notary services. Some states have reciprocal agreements that let notaries from other states notarize documents remotely, which expands your options.

If remote notarization is not allowed for your document, contact the person or organization requesting the notarized letter and ask whether they can accept a notarized copy mailed from a distance, or whether they have a preferred notary they work with. Some title companies and law firms will notarize documents for clients they do not know if the document is related to a transaction they are handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it in front of the notary. Some notaries can notarize a photocopy of a document you signed elsewhere, but this is less common and depends on the notary's rules and your state's law.

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

Banks, UPS Store, and FedEx Office locations usually accept walk-ins, though you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during busy times. County clerk offices and libraries often require an appointment or have specific hours for notary services. Call ahead to confirm. Remote notary services let you book online and usually have same-day or next-day availability.

What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?

Some documents have legal restrictions on who can notarize them. For example, a notary cannot notarize a document if they have a financial interest in it, or if they are related to the person signing. If a notary refuses, ask them why — they can explain the legal reason. You may need to find a different notary or contact the organization requesting the document to ask whether an exception is possible.

How long does a notarized letter stay valid?

A notarized document does not expire. Once notarized, it remains valid indefinitely unless the law or the organization requesting it specifies otherwise. Some organizations set their own rules — for example, a bank might require a notarized letter dated within the last 30 days. Ask the person requesting the letter whether they have a date requirement.

Can I notarize a document in one state and use it in another?

Yes. A notarized document from one state is valid in all other states. The notary's seal and signature prove that the document was notarized according to the laws of the state where the notary is licensed. You do not need to have it re-notarized when you move or use it elsewhere.