Where to Find a Notary Public in Your Area
The fastest way to find a notary is to call your bank or credit union — most branches have a notary on staff, and many will notarize documents for account holders at no charge. If you do not have a bank account there, you may pay a small fee, usually between $5 and $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service and ask whether you need an appointment.
If your bank does not have a notary, your next fastest option is a title company or real estate office. These businesses notarize documents constantly and can usually fit you in the same day. You will pay a fee, typically $10 to $25 per signature. Search online for "title company near me" or "real estate office near me" and call to ask whether they notarize for the public.
A third option is to search for "notary public near me" on Google Maps or Yelp. This will show independent notaries in your area, along with their hours and phone numbers. Many are open evenings and weekends, which can be useful if you work during business hours. Independent notaries usually charge $10 to $20 per signature, though prices vary by location and document type.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank or credit union is the fastest and often cheapest option, especially if you have an account there.
- Title companies and real estate offices notarize documents regularly and can usually see you the same day.
- Google Maps and Yelp will show independent notaries near you, including their hours and customer reviews.
- Call ahead to confirm hours, ask about fees, and find out whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — notaries are required to verify your identity before notarizing anything.
What to Bring When You Visit
Bring the unsigned document you need notarized and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will check your ID to confirm you are who you say you are — this is a legal requirement, not optional. If your ID has expired, most notaries will still accept it as long as the photo is clearly you.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a new copy. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs a signature.
If you are notarizing a power of attorney, deed, or other legal document, bring any supporting paperwork the notary asks for — this might include a copy of your birth certificate, marriage license, or proof of address. Ask the notary ahead of time what documents they need so you do not make a wasted trip.
How Much It Costs
Notary fees vary by location and by who is doing the notarizing. Banks charge $0 to $15 per signature, depending on whether you have an account. Title companies and real estate offices typically charge $10 to $25. Independent notaries usually charge $10 to $20, though some charge per page instead of per signature.
A few states set a maximum fee that notaries can charge — for example, California caps notary fees at $15 per signature. Check your state's notary regulations if you want to know the legal limit in your area. Even in states without a cap, most notaries charge in the $10 to $20 range because that is what the market supports.
Some notaries offer mobile services — they will come to your home or office for a higher fee, usually $25 to $50 or more depending on distance. This is useful if you are housebound or have a large stack of documents to notarize, but it costs more than visiting their office.
Using Online Notary Services
Some states allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies your identity over a video call and notarizes your document electronically. This is faster than visiting in person and works well if you live far from any notary office. However, not all states allow it, and not all document types can be notarized remotely — deeds and powers of attorney often require in-person notarization.
Online notary services charge $25 to $75 per signature, which is more than in-person notarization but saves you travel time. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will need a computer with a camera and microphone, a valid photo ID, and the unsigned document ready to sign during the video call.
Before you use an online notary, check whether the document you need notarized can be notarized remotely in your state. Call the agency that will receive the document — a court, lender, or government office — and ask whether they accept electronically notarized documents. Some do, and some do not.
What Happens During Notarization
The notary will ask you to show your ID and confirm your name and address. They will ask you to state that you are signing the document of your own free will and that you understand what you are signing. You will then sign the document in front of the notary. The notary will add their seal, signature, and the date.
The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature. If you have multiple documents or multiple signatures on one document, it will take longer. The notary will keep a record of what they notarized — this is a legal requirement — but you do not need to do anything except sign and pay.
Finding a Notary on Weekends or Evenings
Most bank notaries work only during business hours, Monday through Friday. If you need a notary outside those hours, search for independent notaries on Google Maps and filter by "open now" or check their listed hours. Many independent notaries work evenings and weekends specifically to serve people who cannot visit during the day.
UPS stores and some FedEx locations offer notary services in certain areas, and many are open on weekends. Call ahead to confirm your local store offers notarization and ask about their hours. Availability varies by location.
If you cannot find a notary near you on the weekend, consider using an online notary service if your state and document type allow it. Online notaries often work seven days a week and can notarize your document in the evening or on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you are being coerced, if they do not believe you are who you claim to be, or if the document appears fraudulent. A notary can also refuse if they have a personal interest in the document — for example, they cannot notarize a document that benefits them financially. If a notary refuses, you will need to find a different notary.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
Banks and title companies usually take walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer because they may be busy. Independent notaries vary — some take walk-ins and some require appointments. Check their website or call to ask. Online notaries require you to book a time slot in advance.
What if I do not have a photo ID?
A notary cannot notarize a document without verifying your identity with a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to get one before you can be notarized. Contact your state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn how to get an ID.
Can a family member be a notary for me?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document for a family member or anyone they have a personal relationship with. This is a conflict of interest. You must use a notary who does not know you personally.
How long does a notarized document stay valid?
A notarized document does not expire. Once it is notarized, it stays notarized. However, the organization that receives it may have its own rules — for example, a bank might require a notarized power of attorney to be dated within the last 12 months. Check with the organization that will receive the document to learn their rules.