The fastest places to get a notary are banks, UPS stores, and your state's notary directory

Most banks offer notary services to customers at no charge or for a small fee, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Call your branch first — not all locations have a notary on staff, and hours vary. UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and Staples typically charge $5 to $25 per notarization and do not require you to be a customer. Many accept walk-ins, though appointment availability is faster during busy seasons.

Your state maintains a searchable directory of commissioned notaries. You can find it by searching "[your state] notary search" or "[your state] notary directory" — most states post this on the Secretary of State website. These directories let you filter by location and sometimes by hours, and they list independent notaries who often work evenings and weekends. Independent notaries typically charge $10 to $30 per signature and may travel to you for an additional fee.

Libraries, county clerk offices, and law offices also offer notary services. Public libraries often provide the service free or for $1 to $5, though availability is limited to business hours. County clerk offices are free or very low cost but can have long wait times. Law offices charge more — usually $25 to $50 — but are useful if you need legal information alongside the notarization.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks notarize documents free or for $5 to $15 if you are a customer; call ahead because not all branches have a notary available.
  • UPS stores and FedEx Office locations charge $5 to $25 per notarization and accept walk-ins without a customer account.
  • Your state's notary directory lists independent notaries by location and hours; many work evenings and weekends for $10 to $30 per signature.
  • Public libraries and county clerk offices are the cheapest options at free to $5, but have limited hours and may have wait times.
  • Bring a valid government-issued ID and the original document — notaries cannot notarize copies or work from photos.

What to bring to your notary appointment

You must bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm your identity. Bring the original document you need notarized. Notaries cannot notarize photocopies, scans, or documents shown on a phone screen. If you are signing on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation of your authority to sign, such as a power of attorney or corporate resolution.

Bring all copies of the document you need notarized, even if only one needs a signature. Some notaries will notarize multiple copies at once for a single fee; others charge per document. Ask when you call or arrive. If the document has blank spaces, fill them in before you arrive — notaries cannot advise you on what to write or help you complete forms.

How much notarization costs

Costs vary by location and provider. Banks charge $0 to $15 for customers; non-customers pay $10 to $25. UPS stores and FedEx Office charge $5 to $25 per signature. Independent notaries charge $10 to $30 per signature, plus travel fees if they come to you — travel fees range from $15 to $50 depending on distance. Law offices charge $25 to $50 or more.

Some states cap the fee a notary can charge — check your state's Secretary of State website to see if a fee limit applies. Public libraries and county clerk offices are free or under $5 but may have limited hours. If you need multiple documents notarized, ask whether the notary charges per document or per visit — some charge one flat fee for all documents signed at the same appointment.

Finding a notary open outside business hours

Independent notaries listed in your state's directory often work evenings and weekends. Filter the directory by hours or call ahead to confirm availability. Some UPS stores and FedEx Office locations stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and open on Saturday; check the location's hours online before you go. A few 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores employ notaries, though this is rare — call ahead.

If you need a notary on Sunday or a holiday, your options are limited. Some independent notaries work weekends for an additional fee. Online notary services exist in some states, but they work only for documents that do not require a physical signature in person — check whether your document type is may be able to access before pursuing this route. Your state's notary directory can tell you which notaries work weekends in your area.

What documents can and cannot be notarized

A notary can notarize most documents that require a signature: power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, real estate deeds, travel consent forms for minors, and statutory declarations. The notary's job is to confirm your identity and witness your signature — they do not verify that the content is true or legal.

Notaries cannot notarize documents you did not sign in front of them. They cannot notarize blank documents or documents with blank spaces you plan to fill in later. They cannot notarize certified copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, or other vital records — only the government office that issued the original can certify a copy. They cannot notarize documents written in a language they do not understand, though some notaries are bilingual. If your document falls into one of these categories, ask the notary or the organization requesting the notarization what your options are.

Using your state's notary directory

Go to your state's Secretary of State website and search for "notary search" or "notary directory." Most states let you search by county, city, or ZIP code. The results show the notary's name, phone number, address, and sometimes their hours. Some directories let you filter by whether the notary is available evenings or weekends. Call before you go to confirm they are available and ask about their fee.

If your state does not have an online directory, call your county clerk's office or your Secretary of State's office and ask for a list of notaries in your area. They can provide names and phone numbers. Some states require notaries to post their fees publicly, so ask about cost when you call. If a notary is not available, ask if they can refer you to another notary nearby.

Notarization at banks versus independent notaries

Banks are the cheapest option if you are a customer — many notarize for free or $5 to $10. However, not all branches have a notary, and hours are limited to business hours. You may need to make an appointment. Independent notaries are more flexible on hours and location — many work evenings, weekends, and will travel to you. They charge more, usually $10 to $30 per signature, but the convenience may be worth it if you work during the day or need the notarization outside business hours.

UPS stores and FedEx Office locations split the difference: they charge $5 to $25, accept walk-ins, and many stay open past 5 p.m. and on Saturdays. They are a good choice if your bank does not have a notary or if you are not a customer. For a one-time notarization, a UPS store or FedEx Office is often faster than searching for an independent notary. For regular notarizations, building a relationship with an independent notary or your bank may save money over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document online?

Online notarization is available in most states, but only for documents that do not require a physical signature in person. You will need a video call with a notary and a way to sign electronically. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see if online notarization is permitted and which document types may have access to. The organization requesting the notarization will tell you if they accept online notarization.

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

You cannot be notarized without a valid government-issued ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, explore for a state ID card at your local DMV. The process takes one to two weeks. If you need the document notarized urgently, ask the organization requesting it whether they will accept an alternative form of identification or a temporary ID.

Do I have to sign the document in front of the notary?

Yes. The notary must watch you sign the document. They cannot notarize a document you signed before you arrived. If the document is already signed, the notary can only acknowledge your signature — this is called a "jurat" — and it serves a different legal purpose than a standard notarization. Tell the notary whether you need a notarization or an acknowledgment.

How long does a notarization take?

A single notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign, and sign and stamp the document. If you have multiple documents or the notary is busy, it may take longer. Banks and UPS stores may have wait times during lunch hours or after work. Independent notaries and law offices usually have shorter waits because they take appointments.

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the document is illegal, if you appear to be signing under duress, or if they do not understand the document. They can also refuse if you cannot provide a valid ID or if the document is already signed. If a notary refuses, ask why and whether another notary might be willing to notarize it. Some documents genuinely cannot be notarized — your state's Secretary of State office can clarify.