The fastest way to find a notary near you
Your bank or credit union is the first place to check. Most branches have a notary on staff during business hours, and many offer the service free to account holders. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask whether you need an appointment.
If your bank does not have one, try a UPS Store, FedEx Office, or Staples location. These chains employ notaries at most locations, though availability varies by store and they charge a fee — usually $5 to $15 per signature. Search their websites or call the specific location before you go.
Your state bar association, county clerk's office, or secretary of state website maintains a searchable directory of notaries licensed in your area. These lists are free and often let you filter by location and hours. Some states also run a hotline you can call to get referrals.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions often notarize documents free for account holders, making them the cheapest first option.
- UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations have notaries at most branches, with fees typically between $5 and $15 per signature.
- Your state bar association or secretary of state maintains a free online directory of licensed notaries searchable by location.
- Mobile notaries will travel to your home or office for a higher fee, usually $50 to $150, and are useful when you cannot leave your location.
- Call or visit in person before you go to confirm the notary is available and ask what documents and ID they require.
Using your state's official notary directory
Every state maintains a list of active notaries. The easiest way to find it is to search "[your state] notary directory" or "[your state] secretary of state notary search." Most directories let you enter your zip code or city and see notaries within a certain radius.
Some states, like California and Texas, run searchable databases on their secretary of state websites. Others, like New York, direct you to county clerk offices. A few states do not maintain a public directory at all — in those cases, your county clerk's office is the next best source.
When you find a notary in the directory, the listing usually includes their phone number, address, and hours. Call before you visit to confirm they are available and ask whether they charge a fee. Some notaries work by appointment only.
What to bring when you visit a notary
Bring the unsigned document you need notarized and a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and then add their seal and signature.
Some documents require specific language or formatting. If you are unsure whether your document is correct, ask the notary when you call. They can tell you whether it meets the legal requirements in your state.
Bring cash or a card if you expect to pay a fee. Most notaries charge per signature, not per document, so if a document has multiple places that need notarizing, you may pay more than once.
Mobile notaries who come to you
If you cannot travel to a notary, a mobile notary will come to your home, office, or hospital room. Search "[your city] mobile notary" or check apps like Notarize or Notary Rotary, which connect you with notaries in your area who offer remote or in-person service.
Mobile notaries charge more than brick-and-mortar locations — typically $50 to $150 depending on how far they travel and how many documents you need notarized. Some charge a travel fee on top of the per-signature fee. Ask for the total cost before you book.
Remote notaries can notarize some documents online using video conferencing, though not all states allow this and not all documents may have access to. Ask whether your specific document can be notarized remotely before you pay.
Notaries at law offices and title companies
Attorneys and title companies employ notaries and often notarize documents for clients at no charge. If you are working with a lawyer on a real estate transaction or legal matter, ask whether they can notarize your documents as part of the service.
Title companies notarize documents related to real estate closings. If you are buying or selling a home, your title company will handle notarization as part of the closing process.
These options are usually free or included in your legal fees, so they are worth asking about before you pay a notary elsewhere.
What happens if no notary is available
Some rural areas have few or no notaries. If you cannot find one nearby, a mobile notary may be your only option, though the travel fee could be substantial. Call your county clerk's office — they sometimes know of notaries in neighboring counties who serve your area.
A few states allow certain documents to be notarized by mail or through a remote video service. Ask your state bar association or secretary of state whether this is an option for your document.
If you are in a time-sensitive situation, explain that to the notary when you call. Some will fit you in on short notice or extend their hours for an urgent request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary notarize a document they wrote or have a financial interest in?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document they drafted, signed, or have a financial stake in. They must be a disinterested third party. If the notary you contact has a conflict, they will tell you and refer you to someone else.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
It depends on the location. Banks and UPS Stores usually accept walk-ins during business hours, but calling ahead is safer. Mobile notaries and some independent notaries work by appointment only. Always call first to avoid a wasted trip.
What if the notary says my document is not notarizable?
Some documents cannot be notarized — for example, blank documents or ones that are already signed. If a notary refuses, ask why. They can explain what is wrong and sometimes suggest how to fix it. You may need to contact the organization that requested the notarization for guidance.
How much does notarization cost?
Banks often notarize free for account holders. UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge $50 to $150 or more depending on travel distance. Call ahead to ask the exact fee.
Can I notarize a document for someone else?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in front of the notary. The notary verifies their identity and watches them sign. Remote notarization by video is allowed in some states for certain documents, but the person must still be on the call.