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 during business hours — often at no charge if you have an account there. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and Staples all employ notaries and charge between $5 and $15 per signature, depending on your state and the document type.

If you need a notary outside normal business hours, mobile notaries will come to your home or office for a fee, usually $50 to $150 depending on distance and how many signatures you need. Search "mobile notary near me" or check apps like Notarize or NotaryNinja to find someone available same-day or next-day.

Your county clerk's office also has notaries on staff and charges a set fee — typically $2 to $10 per signature. This is often the cheapest option if you can visit during their hours, which are usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions often notarize documents free for account holders during business hours.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations have notaries available and charge $5 to $15 per signature.
  • Your county clerk's office is usually the cheapest option at $2 to $10 per signature and is open weekdays.
  • Mobile notaries come to you for $50 to $150 and can often meet you same-day or next-day.
  • Call ahead to confirm hours and whether the notary can handle your specific document type.

Banks and credit unions

Most banks and credit unions employ at least one notary public, and many offer the service free to customers with checking or savings accounts. Call your branch directly and ask whether a notary is available — do not assume all branches have one, especially in smaller towns. Ask what hours they work and whether you need an appointment or can walk in.

Bring your account number or debit card to prove you are a customer. If you are not a customer, some banks will notarize for a small fee, but this varies widely. A few large banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo charge customers nothing but may decline non-customers entirely.

Retail and shipping locations

UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples all have notaries at most locations, though not every store in the chain carries the service. Call ahead to confirm your nearest location has one. Fees are usually posted on their websites or you can ask by phone — expect $5 to $15 per signature depending on your state's regulations.

These locations are open evenings and weekends, making them convenient if you cannot visit a bank during business hours. Some also offer mobile notary services or can notarize documents you email to them, though this varies by location and state law. Ask when you call whether they can handle your document type — some refuse certain forms like powers of attorney or real estate deeds.

County clerk and government offices

Your county clerk's office is a public notary service and is required by law to notarize documents at a set fee. This fee varies by state — it is usually $2 to $10 per signature. Search "[your county name] clerk notary" or call your county government main line to find the office address and hours.

County clerks are open weekdays only, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some close for lunch. Bring your ID and the unsigned document. Lines can be long during tax season or before real estate closing important date, so plan to arrive early or call ahead to ask about wait times.

Law offices and title companies

Attorneys and real estate title companies employ notaries and will notarize documents as part of their business. If you are working with a lawyer on a contract or will, ask whether they can notarize it — many do this at no extra charge. Title companies notarize real estate documents as part of closing and do not charge separately for notarization.

If you need a notary but do not have a lawyer, you can call a local law office and ask whether they notarize for the public. Some will for a small fee; others only notarize for their own clients. Real estate agents can also point you to a title company or notary they work with regularly.

Mobile notaries and online services

A mobile notary comes to your home, office, or another location you choose and notarizes your documents there. This is useful if you cannot leave work, have mobility issues, or need notarization outside business hours. Fees are higher — usually $50 to $150 depending on how far they travel and how many signatures you need — but the convenience often makes it worth it.

Apps like Notarize, NotaryNinja, and Notary Cafe let you search for mobile notaries by zip code and book same-day or next-day appointments. Some also offer remote notarization, where you sign documents on video while the notary watches — this is legal in most states but not all, so check your state's rules first. Always confirm the notary is licensed in your state before booking.

How to search for a notary in your area

Start by calling your bank or credit union if you have an account there. If they do not have a notary or charge a fee, search "notary public near me" on Google Maps to see UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations with notaries. You can also search "[your state] notary search" — many states maintain an online directory of licensed notaries you can filter by county or city.

Always call ahead before visiting. Notaries may be busy with other customers, take lunch breaks, or be unavailable on certain days. Confirm the fee, hours, and whether they can notarize your specific document type. Bring your ID and the unsigned document, and ask how many copies you need notarized — you may need more than one for different purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for notarization?

Not always. Banks and credit unions often notarize free for account holders. County clerks charge a set fee, usually $2 to $10 per signature. UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples charge $5 to $15. Mobile notaries charge $50 to $150. Call ahead to confirm the cost before you go.

Can a notary notarize any document?

Most notaries can notarize common documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, and loan papers. Some refuse certain documents like real estate deeds or wills because of state rules or company policy. Call ahead and describe your document so the notary can tell you whether they can handle it.

What do I need to bring to get a document notarized?

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and the unsigned document. The notary will watch you sign it and then add their seal and signature. Ask whether you need multiple copies notarized — some situations require more than one.

Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a photo ID?

No. A photo ID is required by law. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID from your DMV. Some notaries may accept other forms of ID in rare cases, but this is uncommon — call ahead and ask.

How long does notarization take?

Notarization itself takes a few minutes — the notary checks your ID, watches you sign, and adds their seal. Wait times depend on how busy the location is. County clerks and banks may have lines, especially during business hours. Mobile notaries usually arrive within 30 minutes to an hour of your appointment time.