The fastest places to find a notary republic

A notary republic is a person authorized by your state to witness signatures and certify documents. You can find one at a bank branch, a UPS Store, a FedEx Office, a local courthouse, or through your state's notary directory. The fastest option depends on whether you need same-day service and whether you already have a notary in mind.

Banks are often the quickest if you have an account there — many offer notary services free to customers and can usually fit you in within a few hours. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are open longer hours than banks and do not require membership, though they charge a fee per signature (typically $5 to $15). If you need the service urgently and it is evening or weekend, a mobile notary who comes to your home or office may be your only option, though this costs more.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks offer free or low-cost notary services to account holders and are often available same-day during business hours.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are open evenings and weekends and do not require you to be a customer, but charge per signature.
  • Your state's notary directory or secretary of state website lists all commissioned notaries in your area, searchable by zip code.
  • Mobile notaries travel to you for a higher fee but are useful when you cannot leave home or need service outside standard business hours.
  • Courthouses and law libraries sometimes offer notary services free or at minimal cost, though availability varies by location.

Banks and credit unions

Most banks and credit unions offer notary services to customers at no charge. Call your branch directly to ask whether a notary is available and whether you need an appointment. Some branches have a notary on staff daily; others have one on specific days or by appointment only. Bring your ID and the document you need notarized.

If you do not have an account at a bank, you can still ask — some banks will notarize for non-customers for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. It is worth calling ahead rather than walking in, because the notary may be busy or unavailable. Online banks do not have physical branches, so this option does not work for them.

UPS Store and FedEx Office

Both UPS Store and FedEx Office locations employ notaries and are open longer hours than most banks — many stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. and some are open on weekends. You do not need to be a customer. The fee is typically $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the location and your state's rules.

Walk-ins are usually accepted, but calling ahead is safer, especially during busy times like lunch or late afternoon. Not every location has a notary on staff, so check the store locator on the UPS or FedEx website and call to confirm before you go. Some locations require an appointment.

Your state's notary directory

Every state maintains a list of commissioned notaries, usually on the secretary of state website. Search by your zip code or county to find notaries near you, along with their phone numbers and sometimes their hours. This is the most complete source and often includes mobile notaries who will come to you.

The directory format varies by state. Some states (like California and New York) have searchable online databases. Others provide a PDF list or require you to contact the secretary of state office directly. Start by searching "[your state] notary directory" or "[your state] secretary of state notary search" to find the right link.

Mobile notaries

A mobile notary travels to your home, office, or another location you choose. This is useful if you cannot leave during the day, need service outside business hours, or have mobility issues. Mobile notaries charge more than in-person services — typically $25 to $75 or more depending on distance and time of day — but the convenience often justifies the cost.

Find mobile notaries through your state's notary directory, through Google Maps (search "mobile notary near me"), or through services like Notarize.com or LegitScript, which connect you with notaries in your area. Always verify that the notary is commissioned in your state before booking.

Courthouses and law libraries

Many county courthouses have a notary on staff or can direct you to one nearby. Some offer the service free; others charge a small fee. Hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays only. Call the courthouse clerk's office to ask whether notary services are available and whether you need an appointment.

Law libraries, which are often located in or near courthouses, sometimes employ notaries as well. These are less common than courthouse notaries but worth checking if you live near a law library. The service is usually free or very low cost.

Online and remote notary services

Some states now allow remote notarization, where a notary witnesses your signature via video call. Services like Notarize.com, Notarytap, and LegitScript offer this in states where it is legal. The process is faster than scheduling an in-person appointment and works from home, though not all document types are accepted (real estate deeds, for example, often still require in-person notarization).

Check your state's rules before using a remote service — some states restrict which documents can be notarized remotely, and some do not allow it at all. The service usually costs $25 to $50 per document. You will need a valid ID and a clear video connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary republic charge?

Fees vary by state and location. Banks often charge nothing for customers and $5 to $10 for non-customers. UPS Store and FedEx Office charge $5 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $75 or more. Courthouses and law libraries may charge nothing or a small fee. Check with your specific location before you go.

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

Banks usually require an appointment or at least a call ahead. UPS Store and FedEx Office accept walk-ins at most locations but may have a wait. Courthouses typically work by appointment or first-come, first-served. Mobile notaries require advance booking. Always call ahead to confirm availability and hours.

What ID do I need to bring?

Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The notary will check it to verify your identity before witnessing your signature. Bring the original document you need notarized, not a copy.

Can a notary republic notarize any document?

Most documents can be notarized, but some cannot. Wills, powers of attorney, and affidavits are common. Real estate deeds sometimes have restrictions on who can notarize them. Ask the notary before you book whether they can notarize your specific document type.

What if I cannot find a notary in my area?

Try a mobile notary service or a remote notary if your state allows it. If neither works, contact your county clerk's office — they can direct you to the nearest available notary or tell you where to go. Some areas have fewer notaries than others, so planning ahead helps.