The fastest places to find a notary

A notary public is usually within a few miles of you right now. Banks, credit unions, and law offices keep notaries on staff or can refer you to one. UPS Store locations and FedEx Office branches employ notaries in most areas. If you need one today, call ahead—many notaries work by appointment only, and some charge fees that vary widely.

Your state's notary public directory is the official source. Each state maintains a searchable list of commissioned notaries, usually on the Secretary of State's website. Search by county or city to find notaries near you, along with their phone numbers and sometimes their hours. This list tells you who is legally commissioned in your state, which matters if you need proof the notary was legitimate.

If you cannot find what you need online, call your county clerk's office. They keep records of all notaries commissioned in that county and can give you names and numbers over the phone. Many clerks' offices also employ notaries themselves and can notarize documents during business hours, usually for a small fee or free.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks, credit unions, and law offices have notaries on staff or can direct you to one nearby.
  • Your state's Secretary of State website has a searchable directory of all commissioned notaries in your area.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations offer notary services in most towns, though you should call first to confirm availability.
  • Your county clerk's office keeps a list of notaries and may notarize documents for free or a small fee during business hours.
  • Fees vary by location and notary—ask the cost before you schedule, as some charge per signature and others charge per document.

Banks and credit unions

If you have an account at a bank or credit union, call the branch where you do business first. Most large banks and credit unions employ at least one notary, and they often notarize for account holders free or for a small fee. Even if your branch does not have a notary on site, they can usually refer you to a nearby location that does or give you the name of a notary they trust.

Bring your account information and a photo ID. Some banks notarize only for account holders, while others will notarize for anyone. Call ahead to ask their policy and whether you need an appointment. If you do not have an account, ask whether they notarize for non-customers and what they charge.

Law offices and title companies

Attorneys and title companies employ notaries as part of their daily work. Title companies are especially common in areas where real estate transactions are frequent. Call a local law firm or title company and ask if they notarize for the public. Many do, though some reserve notary services for their own clients.

Title companies often notarize for free or a small fee because they handle documents constantly. If you are buying or selling property, your title company will notarize as part of the closing process. For other documents, call ahead and ask their fee and whether they take walk-ins or require appointments.

Retail notary services

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in most towns employ notaries or can direct you to one. These retail locations are convenient because they have extended hours, including evenings and weekends at many locations. Call the store nearest you to confirm they have a notary available and ask about their fee, which is usually between $5 and $15 per signature.

Some pharmacies, particularly large chains, also offer notary services. Check with your local pharmacy or drugstore to see whether they have a notary on staff. Availability varies by location, so calling ahead is important.

Your state's notary directory

Every state maintains an official list of commissioned notaries. Go to your state's Secretary of State website and look for a link labeled "Notary Public Directory," "Find a Notary," or similar. Most directories let you search by county, city, or ZIP code. The results show the notary's name, phone number, and sometimes their address and hours.

This directory is the most reliable way to confirm a notary is legally commissioned in your state. If someone claims to be a notary but does not appear in your state's directory, they are not legally authorized. Using an unauthorized notary can invalidate your documents, so always verify through the official list.

Some states charge a small fee to search the directory or require you to create an account. A few states do not maintain a searchable online directory, so you may need to call the Secretary of State's office directly or visit in person.

County clerk's office

Your county clerk's office is a public resource for notary services. Call the main number for your county clerk and ask whether they notarize documents. Many clerk's offices have notaries on staff who notarize for free or for a small fee during business hours. Some also keep a list of notaries in the county and can refer you to one nearby.

Bring your document and a photo ID. Clerk's offices are usually open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. If you cannot visit during the week, ask whether any evening or Saturday hours are available. Some clerk's offices require an appointment, while others take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

Online notary services

Some states allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies your identity and notarizes your document over video call. This option is useful if you cannot leave home or live far from a notary. Search for "remote notary" or "online notary" plus your state name to see whether this service is available where you live.

Remote notaries charge fees similar to in-person notaries, usually $10 to $25 per signature. You will need a video-capable device, a photo ID, and sometimes a second form of identification. The notary will record the session as proof the notarization took place. Not all documents can be notarized remotely—some require the notary to see the original document in person—so check your specific document type before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary cost?

Fees vary by state and notary. Most charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though some charge per document instead. Banks and credit unions often notarize for free for account holders. Call ahead to ask the fee before you schedule.

What do I need to bring to a notary?

Bring the document that needs notarizing and a photo ID issued by a government agency, such as a driver's license or passport. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and add their seal and signature. Some notaries ask for a second form of ID.

Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you signed it before the appointment, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the unsigned document to the notary and sign it in their presence.

How do I know if a notary is real?

Search your state's Secretary of State website for the notary's name. If they appear in the official directory, they are legally commissioned. Never use a notary who does not appear in your state's directory, as the notarization may not be valid.

Can I notarize a document for a family member?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they are related to or have a financial interest in. You must use a notary who has no connection to you or the document. This rule protects against fraud.