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 or can refer you to one. Many will notarize documents for free if you have an account; others charge $5 to $15 per signature. Your state's secretary of state office maintains a searchable directory of commissioned notaries, organized by county or zip code.

If you need a notary in the next hour, call your bank's main branch first — most have at least one notary available during business hours. If your bank cannot help, ask for a referral to a nearby law office. Do not assume you need to use the notary at your own bank; any commissioned notary in your state can notarize your documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's secretary of state office publishes a free online directory of notaries, searchable by county or zip code.
  • Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free or a small fee, especially for account holders.
  • UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacies employ notaries, though availability varies by location.
  • Law offices and title companies always have notaries on staff and can usually see you the same day.
  • Bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document; the notary will watch you sign and add their seal.

State and county directories

Every state maintains a notary registry through its secretary of state office. Go to your state's secretary of state website and look for "notary search," "notary directory," or "notary lookup." You will enter your county or zip code and see a list of commissioned notaries in that area, usually with phone numbers and addresses.

Some states also list whether a notary works from a fixed location (like a bank or law office) or travels to meet clients. If you see "mobile notary" or "traveling notary," that person will come to your home or workplace. Mobile notaries typically charge $25 to $75 per trip, depending on distance, but are useful if you cannot leave home or need service outside normal business hours.

Banks and credit unions

Call the main branch of your bank or credit union and ask whether they have a notary on staff. Most large banks do. If you have a checking or savings account, the notary service is often free. Without an account, expect to pay $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks limit notary service to account holders only, so ask before you visit.

Credit unions are often faster than banks because they have fewer branches and less foot traffic. If you belong to a credit union, start there. If your own bank does not have a notary, ask the teller for the name and phone number of a nearby branch that does, or ask for a referral to a local law office.

Retail locations and shipping centers

UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some Walgreens and CVS pharmacies employ notaries. Availability varies widely by location — not every store has one. Call ahead before you visit. Retail notaries typically charge $5 to $10 per signature and can usually see you same-day. Hours are often longer than banks, including evenings and weekends.

These locations work well for straightforward notarizations (one or two signatures on a standard form). If your document is complex, unusual, or requires the notary to verify your identity in a specific way, a law office or title company is safer because they have more experience with edge cases.

Law offices and title companies

Any law office has a notary on staff. Call and ask whether they notarize documents for the public (most do, even if you are not a client). Fees range from $10 to $25 per signature. Title companies, which handle real estate closings, also notarize documents and often charge $5 to $15 per signature. Both can usually see you within 24 hours.

Law offices and title companies are the best choice if your document is unusual, if you need the notary to certify a copy of a document, or if you are unsure whether your document can be notarized. They have seen thousands of documents and can spot problems before they cause delays later.

Online and mobile notary services

Some states now allow remote notarization, meaning a notary can notarize your document over a video call. Services like Notarize, NotaryCam, and LegitScan offer this for $25 to $100 per signature, depending on the state and the complexity of the document. You will need a valid photo ID, a camera or smartphone, and internet access. The notary watches you sign on video and sends you the notarized document by email.

Remote notarization is fastest if you live far from any notary or need service outside business hours. However, not all states allow it, and some documents (like real estate deeds) cannot be notarized remotely in most states. Check your state's secretary of state website to see whether remote notarization is legal where you live.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and the unsigned document. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, verify your identity by checking your ID, and then add their official seal and signature. The whole process takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will usually pay when you arrive or after the notarization is complete.

Do not sign the document before you meet the notary — they must watch you sign. If you have already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the original document, not a copy. Some notaries will certify a copy of an original document (for a higher fee), but most notarizations require the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary cost?

Fees range from free (at your bank if you have an account) to $25 per signature at a law office or mobile notary. Most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you visit.

Can I use any notary, or does it have to be in my state?

The notary must be commissioned in the state where you are. A notary from another state cannot notarize your documents. Use your state's secretary of state directory to find a notary in your state.

What if I need a notary outside business hours?

Mobile notaries and remote notarization services often work evenings and weekends. Search your state's directory for "mobile notary" or "traveling notary," or look into remote notarization if your state allows it. Expect to pay more for after-hours service.

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

Banks and retail locations usually take walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer because not every location has a notary available. Law offices and title companies often require an appointment, though many can fit you in same-day if you call in the morning.

What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?

Some documents have legal restrictions on who can notarize them, or the notary may spot a problem (like a missing signature line or unclear language). Ask the notary why they cannot do it. If you disagree, you can ask another notary for a second opinion, but the first notary's concern is usually valid.