Where to Look for a Notary Near You

The fastest way to find a notary is to call your bank or credit union — most branches have one on staff during business hours, and you don't need to be a customer. If your bank doesn't have one, ask the teller for a referral to a nearby notary public. Many are listed in the phone directory under "Notaries Public" or through your state's notary registry, which you can search online by state name plus "notary public directory."

UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some Staples branches offer notary services for a fee, usually between $5 and $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether they're currently taking notary appointments, since staffing varies by location. Law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies also employ notaries and often provide the service to the public for a small charge.

If you need a notary outside normal business hours, search online for "24-hour notary near me" or "mobile notary" — these are notaries who travel to you and charge a travel fee on top of the notary fee. Mobile notaries are especially useful if you're housebound, have an unusual schedule, or need multiple documents notarized at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union is the first place to call, since most branches have a notary available during business hours at no cost to customers.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and some Staples locations offer notary services for $5 to $15 per signature, but you should call ahead to confirm availability.
  • Your state maintains an online notary registry where you can search by location, and many notaries list themselves on Google Maps or Yelp with hours and fees.
  • Mobile notaries travel to you for a higher fee and are useful for after-hours needs, housebound situations, or when you have multiple documents to notarize.
  • Bring a valid government-issued ID and the unsigned document to your appointment, and confirm the notary's fee before you arrive.

Using Your State's Notary Registry

Every state maintains an official list of notaries public. Search online for your state name plus "notary public directory" or "notary lookup" — for example, "California notary public directory" or "Texas notary lookup." These registries let you search by county or city and usually show the notary's address, phone number, and sometimes their hours.

The registry search is free and gives you the most complete local list. However, not every notary updates their information regularly, so if a phone number doesn't work or hours seem outdated, try a web search for that notary's name to find current contact details. Some notaries have their own websites or social media pages with up-to-date information.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID and confirm it matches the name on the document you're having notarized. Bring the unsigned document itself; the notary cannot notarize a copy or a document you sign beforehand.

Call ahead to ask about the notary's fee, which varies widely depending on location and whether you're using a bank, a commercial service, or a mobile notary. Some notaries charge per signature rather than per document, so if your paperwork has multiple pages that need different signatures, ask how they calculate the total cost. Confirm their hours and whether they require an appointment or accept walk-ins.

Mobile Notaries and After-Hours Options

If you need a notary outside standard business hours or cannot travel, a mobile notary comes to your home, office, or another location you choose. Search "mobile notary near me" or check Google Maps and Yelp for notaries who list mobile services. Mobile notaries typically charge $25 to $75 or more depending on travel distance and time of day, on top of the standard notary fee.

Some mobile notaries work evenings and weekends, and a few operate 24 hours. Booking usually requires a phone call or online form, and many ask for at least a few hours' notice. If you're in a rural area or a small town, a mobile notary may be your only option if local banks and commercial services don't have availability.

Notary Services Through Online Platforms

A small number of states allow remote online notarization (RON), where a notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature over a video call. This option is growing but is not yet available everywhere and only works for certain types of documents — typically financial or legal papers, not real estate deeds or court filings. Check your state's laws or ask your bank whether remote notarization is an option for your specific document.

If remote notarization is available in your state, you can search for "online notary" or "remote notary" and book through platforms that connect you with licensed notaries. The process usually involves uploading your ID, scheduling a video call, and signing the document digitally. Fees are comparable to in-person notarization, often $10 to $25 per signature.

What to Do If You Can't Find a Notary Nearby

In very small towns or rural areas, banks and commercial services may not have a notary available. Start by calling your county courthouse or county clerk's office — they often know which notaries serve the area and may have contact information. Your local library sometimes has a notary on staff or can refer you to one.

If no local notary is available, a mobile notary who serves a wider region may be willing to travel to you, though the travel fee could be substantial. Another option is to ask whether the person or organization requesting the notarization can accept a notarization from a notary in a nearby town — sometimes they can, and you may be able to travel a short distance to a larger town with more services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a notary recommended by the person asking for the notarization?

No. Any notary public licensed in your state can notarize your document. The person requesting the notarization may suggest a specific notary for convenience, but you can use any notary you find. The notary's job is to verify your identity and witness your signature, not to represent either party.

Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you've already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you'll need to get a blank copy and sign it again at the notary's office. This is why it's important to bring the unsigned document to your appointment.

What if the notary I found online doesn't answer their phone?

Try sending an email or text if they list those contact methods, or check their website or social media for updated hours. If you can't reach them after a few attempts, move on to another notary — there are usually several options in any given area. Your bank remains the fastest backup option.

How much does a notary cost?

Fees vary by state and by notary. Banks often notarize for free if you're a customer. Commercial services like UPS Store charge $5 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $75 or more depending on travel distance. Always ask the fee before your appointment so there are no surprises.

Can I notarize a document for a family member?

A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they have a financial interest in or a close personal relationship with — rules vary by state, but most prohibit notarizing for spouses, parents, children, or siblings. You'll need to find a notary who has no connection to the signer.