The fastest way to find a notary is to call your bank or credit union

Most banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) to non-customers. Call the branch closest to you and ask if a notary is available that day — many branches have at least one notary on staff during business hours. If your bank does not have one, the staff can often refer you to a nearby option.

Credit unions work the same way. If you belong to one, call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Some credit unions require members to schedule a few days in advance, while others take walk-ins.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union is usually the fastest and cheapest option, especially if you have an account there.
  • UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacy chains offer notary services for a fee, typically $5 to $25 per signature.
  • Your state bar association and secretary of state's office both maintain searchable lists of notaries by county or zip code.
  • Call ahead before you go — notaries work by appointment in many places, and hours vary widely.
  • Bring a photo ID and know what document needs notarizing; the notary will ask what you are signing and why.

State and county notary directories

Your state's secretary of state office maintains a public list of commissioned notaries, searchable by county or sometimes by zip code. Go to your state's official website (search "[your state] secretary of state notary search") and look for a link to the notary directory or registry. Some states let you search by location; others list notaries by county only.

If the state directory is hard to navigate, call your county clerk's office. They keep their own records of notaries in the area and can give you names and phone numbers over the phone. County clerks are used to this question and can usually provide three to five options within minutes.

Retail locations that offer notary services

UPS stores and FedEx Office locations employ notaries at most branches. Fees run $5 to $25 per signature depending on location. Call ahead — not every location has a notary on duty every day, and some require appointments. Hours are often longer than banks (many are open weekends), which makes them useful if you need service outside normal business hours.

Some pharmacy chains, including CVS and Walgreens, offer notary services at select locations. Availability varies by store and region, so call your nearest pharmacy first. A few title companies and real estate offices also notarize documents for the public, though they may charge higher fees or prioritize their own clients.

Online notary services

Remote notary services let you notarize a document without leaving home, using video conferencing. The notary verifies your identity through your camera, watches you sign, and applies their seal electronically. Fees are typically $25 to $50 per signature, higher than in-person options but useful if no notary is nearby or you cannot travel.

Not all documents can be notarized remotely — some states restrict it to certain types of paperwork, and some lenders or government agencies will not accept remote notarization. Before you pay, confirm with whoever is asking for the notarized document that they will take a remotely notarized version. Search "remote notary [your state]" to find services licensed in your area.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a current photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The notary will not notarize a document for someone they cannot identify. Bring the unsigned document itself — do not sign it before you arrive. The notary will watch you sign in front of them; that is the whole point of notarization.

Know what you are signing and why. The notary will ask questions like "What is this document for?" and "Do you understand what you are signing?" They are not checking whether the document is a good idea for you — they are confirming that you are who you say you are and that you are signing of your own will. Answer honestly and briefly.

Some notaries charge per signature, not per document. If you have five pages to sign, that might be one signature or five, depending on how many times you actually sign. Ask the fee structure when you call.

When a notary is not available

If no notary is available in your area or you cannot reach one in time, check whether the document actually needs notarization. Some people assume a signature must be notarized when it does not. Read the document itself or ask the person requesting it whether notarization is truly required or just preferred.

If notarization is required and you cannot find a notary, contact the organization asking for the document (a lender, court, or government agency). Explain the situation and ask whether they can extend the important date or suggest an alternative. Some will work with you; others have strict rules. It is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document for a family member?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document for a spouse, parent, child, or anyone else they are related to by blood or marriage. They also cannot notarize for someone they live with or have a financial interest in. The notary must be a neutral third party.

How much does notarization usually cost?

Banks charge $0 to $15 for account holders and $5 to $15 for non-customers. UPS and FedEx stores charge $5 to $25. Remote notary services charge $25 to $50. Fees vary by location and company, so call ahead to confirm the price.

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

Banks and credit unions usually take walk-ins but may have a wait. UPS and FedEx stores often require appointments, especially on weekends. Call first to ask about wait times and whether you need to schedule. Remote notaries always require an appointment scheduled in advance.

What if the notary is not available when I need them?

Call multiple locations — banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and pharmacies — to find one with availability that day. If none are open, ask whether any offer evening or weekend hours. If you have more time, schedule an appointment for the next business day rather than waiting for a walk-in slot.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you do not understand what you are signing, if you appear to be signing under pressure, or if the document looks forged or illegal. They can also refuse if they have a conflict of interest or if the document is outside their authority to notarize.