The fastest way to find a notary in your area
The quickest route is to call your bank or credit union. Most branches have a notary on staff during business hours, and many will notarize documents for account holders at no charge. If you are not a customer, they may still do it for a small fee — usually between $5 and $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary available and ask what documents they can and cannot notarize.
If your bank does not have one or their hours do not work for you, search "notary public near me" on Google Maps. The results will show you distance, hours, phone numbers, and customer reviews. Many are independent notaries who work from home or small offices and charge $10 to $25 per signature. Call before you go — some require an appointment, and a few will not notarize certain document types.
A third option is to contact your state bar association or secretary of state's office. Both maintain searchable lists of notaries by county or zip code. These are free to use and show you every licensed notary in your area, though they do not always list hours or fees.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank or credit union is often free or low-cost and does not require an appointment, so call there first.
- Google Maps shows independent notaries near you with hours, phone numbers, and reviews in one search.
- Your state bar association or secretary of state website has a free searchable list of all licensed notaries in your area.
- Call before you go — many notaries require an appointment, and some will not notarize certain documents like powers of attorney or wills.
- Bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document; the notary will ask you to sign in front of them.
What to expect when you arrive
Bring your unsigned document and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them while they watch. They will then add their seal, signature, and the date. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes per signature.
Some notaries will notarize multiple signatures on the same document at no extra charge; others charge per signature. Ask on the phone before you go. If you have more than one document, mention that too — some notaries offer a small discount for multiple documents.
Where to look if your first choice is closed
If your bank is closed or does not have a notary, try a UPS Store or FedEx Office location. Many of these franchises employ notaries, though not all do. Call the location nearest you to confirm. Hours are usually longer than banks, including evenings and weekends at some locations.
Law offices sometimes notarize documents for the public, though they may charge more than independent notaries. A quick phone call to a local attorney's office can tell you whether they offer this service and what they charge.
Real estate agents and title companies also employ notaries. If your document is related to a property transaction, your agent or title company may notarize it for free as part of the closing process.
Documents notaries can and cannot notarize
A notary can notarize most common documents: loan applications, affidavits, powers of attorney, rental agreements, travel consent forms for minors, and general acknowledgments. They verify your identity, watch you sign, and certify that you signed willingly and without pressure.
Notaries cannot notarize wills, living wills, or healthcare directives in most states — those require a lawyer or specific witnesses. They also cannot notarize a document you did not sign in front of them, and they cannot notarize a blank document. If you are unsure whether a notary can handle your document, describe it on the phone before you go.
Cost and what affects the price
Bank notaries charge nothing for account holders and $5 to $15 for non-customers. Independent notaries typically charge $10 to $25 per signature. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations usually charge $10 to $15. Real estate and title companies may charge $15 to $25 or nothing if the notarization is part of a transaction they are handling.
Prices vary by state and by notary. Some charge a flat fee per document regardless of how many signatures it has; others charge per signature. Mobile notaries who come to your home or office charge more — usually $25 to $50 — because of travel time. Ask the price when you call.
Using online notary services if you cannot go in person
Some states now allow remote notarization through video. You upload your document, join a video call with a notary, sign on camera, and the notary sends you the notarized copy. This works well if you live far from any notary or have mobility issues. Fees are usually $25 to $50 per signature.
Not all states allow remote notarization, and not all document types can be notarized this way. Check your state's secretary of state website to see whether remote notarization is legal where you live. If it is, search "online notary" or "remote notary" to find services that operate in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it again in the notary's presence.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Banks and UPS Stores often take walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer — you may have to wait, or the notary may be busy. Independent notaries and law offices usually require an appointment. Always call first to confirm hours and whether they can see you that day.
What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?
Some documents, like wills and healthcare directives, require a lawyer or specific witnesses in most states. If a notary refuses, ask why — they may suggest an alternative. If you need a will notarized, contact a lawyer in your state instead.
Can I get a document notarized by mail?
No. A notary must see you sign in person or, in some states, over video. Mail-in notarization is not legal. If you cannot travel, look for a mobile notary who will come to you, or check whether your state allows remote video notarization.
What happens if I lose the notarized document?
You will need to get it notarized again. The notary keeps a record of what they notarized, but they do not issue copies. Go back to the notary with a new unsigned copy of the document and pay the fee again.