The fastest way to find a notary is to call your bank or check your state's notary directory

Most banks offer notary services to customers at no cost, and many will notarize documents for non-customers for a small fee — usually between $5 and $15 per signature. Call your branch directly and ask if a notary is available that day; some branches have one on staff, others require an appointment. If your bank cannot help, your state's Secretary of State office maintains a searchable list of commissioned notaries, organized by county or zip code. This directory is free and public.

If you need a notary urgently and your bank is closed, UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and Staples often have notaries on staff. Call ahead to confirm availability and ask about their fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $20 per signature. Some locations require an appointment, especially during busy hours.

For documents that require a notary's seal and signature but no special informed — like affidavits, powers of attorney, or statutory declarations — any commissioned notary in your state can do the work. You do not need to find one who specializes in your document type.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank is usually the cheapest option and may notarize for free if you are a customer.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office publishes a free, searchable directory of all commissioned notaries in your area.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations often have notaries available and can usually fit you in the same day.
  • A notary must be physically present to witness your signature and see a valid ID, so remote or online notarization is not an option for most documents.
  • Fees vary by location and document type but rarely exceed $20 per signature.

How to search your state's notary directory

Every state Secretary of State office maintains a public database of active notaries. Go to your state's Secretary of State website — search "[your state] Secretary of State notary search" — and look for a link labeled "notary directory," "notary lookup," or "find a notary." Most directories let you search by county, city, or zip code.

Enter your location and the system will return a list of notaries with their phone numbers and sometimes their office hours. Call before you go; notaries often work part-time or keep irregular hours. Ask about their fee, whether they charge per signature or per document, and whether they require an appointment. Some notaries work from home or from a shared office, so confirm the address before you travel.

If your state's directory is difficult to navigate or does not load, call your county clerk's office. They can usually give you the names and phone numbers of three to five notaries nearby.

What to bring when you visit a notary

Bring the unsigned document, a valid government-issued photo ID, and payment in cash or card (ask when you call what they accept). The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, will witness your signature, and will add their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.

Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed, the notary cannot notarize it and you will need a new copy.

If the document requires notarization on multiple pages or multiple signatures, the notary will charge per signature, not per page. Ask about the total cost before they begin.

Banks and credit unions

Call your bank's main branch or the branch closest to you and ask if they have a notary on staff. Many large banks offer notary services free to customers and for a fee (usually $5 to $10) to non-customers. Smaller banks and credit unions may not have a notary, but it is worth asking.

Some banks require an appointment, especially if the notary is shared across multiple branches. Others will notarize on a walk-in basis during business hours. If your branch does not have a notary, ask if another branch nearby does.

Retail locations with notaries

UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations in many areas employ notaries or contract with local notaries who work from their stores. Call the location nearest you and ask if a notary is available. Fees typically range from $5 to $20 per signature. Some locations require an appointment, especially during lunch hours or on weekends.

Availability varies widely by location. A UPS Store in a busy downtown area may have a notary on staff every day, while a location in a smaller town may have one only on certain days. Always call first.

Online and mobile notaries

Some states now allow remote notarization for certain documents, using video conferencing and digital seals. However, most common documents — like powers of attorney, affidavits, and real estate forms — still require an in-person notary in most states. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see which documents can be notarized remotely.

If remote notarization is available in your state, search "[your state] remote notary" or "[your state] online notary" to find providers. Fees are usually higher than in-person notarization, ranging from $25 to $75 per signature, because the process requires identity verification software and find video conferencing.

Some notaries also offer mobile services, traveling to your home or office. Search "[your city] mobile notary" to find one. Expect to pay a travel fee on top of the notarization fee, usually $15 to $50 depending on distance.

What to do if you cannot find a notary nearby

If you live in a rural area or a small town with no notaries listed, call your county clerk's office. They can direct you to the nearest notary or tell you which days a notary visits your area. Some counties have traveling notaries who visit small towns on a schedule.

If you need the document notarized urgently and no notary is available locally, ask whether the document can be notarized in a neighboring county or state. Some documents are accepted with a notary from any state; others require a notary from the state where the document will be filed. Check the document's instructions or call the office that will receive it.

As a last resort, some law firms will notarize documents for a fee, even if you are not a client. Call a local attorney's office and ask. Fees are usually higher than a notary public, but availability may be better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if the document appears fraudulent, if you cannot produce a valid ID, if you seem confused about what you are signing, or if the notary is not authorized to notarize that particular type of document. A notary's job includes protecting against fraud, so they may ask questions about the document's purpose.

Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?

It depends on the notary. Banks and retail locations usually accept walk-ins during business hours but may have a wait. Private notaries often require an appointment. Always call first to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed.

What if the notary is not available on the day I need the document?

Call other notaries in your area or check whether a nearby UPS Store or bank branch has one available. If you need it urgently, ask whether a mobile notary can visit you that day. Be prepared to pay a higher fee for same-day service.

Can a family member notarize a document for me?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document for a family member or anyone they have a financial interest in. This is a conflict of interest and violates notary law in all states. You must use an unrelated notary.

How much does notarization usually cost?

Fees vary by location and notary. Banks often notarize for free for customers. Private notaries and retail locations typically charge $5 to $20 per signature. Mobile notaries and remote notaries charge more, usually $25 to $75 per signature plus any travel fees.