The fastest places to find a notary public

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 direct you to one. Many UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and shipping centers offer notary services — call ahead to confirm, because availability varies by location. Your county clerk's office and public library often have notaries available during business hours, usually at no charge or for a small fee.

If you need a notary outside normal business hours, some title companies, real estate offices, and mobile notary services will come to you. Mobile notaries charge more — typically $25 to $75 per signature — but they work evenings and weekends. Search "mobile notary" plus your city name to find local options, or ask your bank or lawyer for a referral.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions almost always have notaries on staff, and many will notarize documents for customers at no cost.
  • UPS stores, FedEx Office, and shipping centers offer notary services, but you must call first to confirm the specific location has one available.
  • County clerk offices and public libraries provide notary services during business hours, often free or for a fee under $5.
  • Mobile notaries come to your home or office in the evening or on weekends, but charge $25 to $75 per signature.
  • Law offices and title companies keep notaries on staff and can usually fit you in within a day or two.

Banks and credit unions

Your bank or credit union is the easiest first stop. Most have at least one notary on staff during regular hours. If you have an account there, the service is usually free. If you do not have an account, some banks will still notarize for a small fee — $5 to $10 — while others turn you away. Call the branch directly rather than visiting, because the notary may be busy or out that day.

Credit unions are often more flexible than large banks. They tend to notarize for members and non-members alike, sometimes at no charge. Ask for the notary by name or title when you call, and confirm they will be there during your planned visit.

Retail and shipping centers

UPS stores and FedEx Office locations in many areas offer notary services, but not all do. The service is available at some locations and absent at others in the same chain, so calling ahead is essential. Expect to pay $5 to $15 per signature. Some independent shipping centers and mailbox rental shops also have notaries on staff.

Availability at these locations is often limited to daytime hours, Monday through Friday. A few locations stay open evenings or weekends, but you cannot assume this without asking. If your local UPS or FedEx does not have a notary, the staff can usually point you to one nearby.

Government offices and libraries

Your county clerk's office keeps notaries available during business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. The service is free or costs $1 to $5 per signature, depending on your county. You do not need an appointment in most places, but some counties ask you to call ahead during busy seasons. Bring a valid photo ID and the document you need notarized.

Public libraries in many counties also employ notaries. Hours are usually broader than the clerk's office — some libraries stay open evenings and Saturdays — and the fee is typically $2 to $5 per signature. Call your local branch to confirm a notary is on duty before you go.

Law offices and title companies

Attorneys and their staff notarize documents as part of their regular work. If you have a lawyer, call and ask whether they can notarize for you. If you do not, you can contact a law office directly and ask whether they notarize for the public. Many will, usually for $10 to $25 per signature. Real estate title companies keep notaries on staff and notarize for the public, especially documents related to property.

These offices are usually busier than banks or libraries, so expect to wait a few days for an appointment unless you have an urgent need. Some title companies will fit you in same-day if you call early in the morning.

Mobile notaries and online options

Mobile notaries travel to your home, office, or another location you choose. They work evenings and weekends when other notaries are closed. The cost is higher — $25 to $75 per signature, plus travel fees in some cases — but the convenience is worth it if you work standard hours or need service outside business days. Search "mobile notary" plus your city, or ask your bank or lawyer for a referral.

Some states allow remote notarization, in which a notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature over video. This option is still uncommon and not available in all states. If you need a remote notary, search your state's name plus "remote notary" to learn whether it is available where you live.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm your identity. Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them. The whole process takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature. Some notaries ask you to swear or affirm that the information in the document is true; others do not, depending on the type of document.

If you do not know which notary service to use, start with your bank. If your bank does not have one or charges a fee you want to avoid, call your county clerk's office next. Both are reliable, affordable, and close to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to see a notary?

Most banks, libraries, and county offices do not require an appointment, but calling ahead is smart because the notary may be busy or out. Mobile notaries and law offices usually need an appointment scheduled a day or two in advance.

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

No. You must bring the actual document unsigned. The notary watches you sign it in front of them. They cannot notarize a copy or a document you signed before arriving.

What if the notary is not available when I arrive?

This happens often at busy locations. Call before you go to confirm the notary is on duty. If you arrive and they are unavailable, ask when they will return or get a referral to another notary nearby.

How much does notarization cost?

Banks often notarize for free if you have an account. Libraries and county offices charge $1 to $5 per signature. Retail locations charge $5 to $15. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $75 per signature plus travel fees. Call ahead to ask the fee before you go.

Can I use a notary from another state?

No. A notary must be commissioned in the state where the document will be used. If you need a document notarized in another state, you must find a notary there or use a remote notary if that state allows it.