The fastest way to find a notary is to call your bank or credit union

Most banks and credit unions offer notary services to customers at no charge or for a small fee—usually $5 to $15 per document. Call the branch nearest you and ask if a notary is available that day. Many branches keep a notary on staff during business hours, and you can often walk in without an appointment, though calling ahead is safer. Bring your document and a valid photo ID.

If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use your bank, this is still the fastest starting point because the answer takes one phone call and the wait is usually short.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions notarize documents for customers at no cost or low cost, and many do not require an appointment.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations employ notaries, though availability varies by location and fees run $5 to $25 per signature.
  • Your county clerk's office, secretary of state, or local bar association can direct you to notaries in your area.
  • Online notary services exist but work only for documents that do not require a physical original or wet signature.
  • Always call ahead to confirm the notary is available, bring a valid photo ID, and have your document ready.

Retail locations that employ notaries

UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations in most areas have notaries on staff. Fees typically range from $5 to $25 per signature, depending on the location and whether you are a customer. Call the store directly to confirm a notary is working that day—availability is not may provide at every location, and some locations do not offer the service at all.

These retailers are useful if your bank is closed or you do not have a bank account. The trade-off is that fees are higher and you may need to wait or return at a different time if the notary is busy. Hours are usually longer than a bank's, which can matter if you need service outside standard business hours.

Government offices that can direct you or notarize documents

Your county clerk's office, courthouse, or secretary of state office keeps a list of notaries in your area. Call and ask for the notary directory or a referral. Some government offices also employ notaries who will notarize documents for a small fee, usually $2 to $10 per signature.

The county clerk is often the fastest government option because they are local and their phone number appears on your county website. If you cannot find a county clerk number, search "[your county name] clerk" or call your local courthouse and ask for the clerk's office.

Bar associations and legal referral services

Your state bar association or local bar association maintains a notary directory. Search "[your state] bar association notary" or call the bar's main number and ask for a referral. Some bar associations publish searchable online lists of notaries by county or city.

This route is useful if you need a notary who has legal knowledge or if you are notarizing something complex. It is slower than calling your bank, but the notary you find will be vetted and insured.

Online notary services for documents that do not need a physical original

Online notary platforms like Notarize, NotaryCam, and LegitScan connect you to a notary by video call. The notary watches you sign the document on screen and adds a digital seal. Fees range from $25 to $100 per document, and the process usually takes 15 minutes to an hour.

Online notaries work only for documents that do not require a wet signature on a physical original—for example, a digital PDF you sign electronically. They do not work for a paper deed, mortgage, or power of attorney that a bank or government office needs to see in person. Check with the organization that will receive your document before using an online service.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID in person (or on video for online notaries) to verify your identity. Bring the document itself, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them.

If you are notarizing multiple documents, bring them all at once to save time and fees. Some notaries charge per signature rather than per document, so bundling saves money. Call ahead to ask the notary's fee structure and whether they need any information from you before you arrive.

What to do if you cannot find a notary in your area

Rural areas and small towns sometimes have no notaries within a reasonable distance. If that is your situation, ask the organization that needs the notary whether they will accept a certified copy from your county clerk instead. Many government offices and banks will certify a copy of a document for a small fee, and some organizations accept certified copies in place of a notarized original.

If the document must be notarized, ask whether the notary can be from any state or whether they must be from your state. Some documents require a notary from the state where the document will be filed. If you have flexibility, you may be able to use an online notary or travel to a nearby town with notary services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to see a notary?

Most banks and retail locations do not require an appointment, but calling ahead is wise because the notary may be busy or unavailable. Government offices and independent notaries often work by appointment. Always call first to confirm availability and hours.

Can a notary notarize a document I did not bring with me?

No. The notary must see the original document and watch you sign it. They cannot notarize a copy you made at home or a document you sign elsewhere. Bring the unsigned original with you.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

A notary cannot notarize without seeing a valid photo ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you may be able to use a state ID card, tribal ID, or military ID. Ask the notary what forms of ID they accept before you go.

How much does notarization usually cost?

Banks often notarize for free or $5 to $10 for customers. Retail locations charge $5 to $25 per signature. Government offices charge $2 to $10. Online notaries charge $25 to $100. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you commit.

Can I notarize a document on behalf of someone else?

No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in front of the notary with a valid photo ID. The notary is verifying that the person signing is who they say they are, so they must see that person themselves.