The fastest way to find a notary is to call your bank or check your state's notary directory online
Most banks offer notary services to customers at no charge, and many do it while you wait. Call the branch nearest 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, ask for a referral to a nearby notary.
Your state maintains a directory of commissioned notaries. Search your state's Secretary of State website (usually sos.[state].gov) for a notary search tool. You enter your county or zip code and get a list of notaries with phone numbers and addresses. This is the most reliable source because it lists only active, commissioned notaries.
If you cannot find your state's search tool or it is not working, call your county clerk's office. They keep records of all notaries commissioned in that county and can give you names and phone numbers over the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank offers free notary service to customers during business hours, and this is often the fastest option if you already have an account there.
- Your state's Secretary of State website has a searchable directory of notaries by county or zip code, and this is the most complete source.
- UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations employ notaries, though fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature and hours vary by location.
- Calling your county clerk's office directly will give you a list of notaries in your area if online searches are not working.
- Always call ahead to confirm the notary is available, ask about fees, and ask what documents you need to bring.
Using retail locations and shipping centers
UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Staples locations often have notaries on staff. Search "notary near me" on Google Maps and filter by these chains, or visit their websites and use the location finder to call ahead. Hours and availability vary widely by location — some have a notary every day, others only on certain days or by appointment.
Expect to pay a fee at these locations, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Bring the document you need notarized and a valid photo ID. Call first to confirm the notary is working that day and ask whether you need an appointment.
Searching online directories and apps
Google Maps shows notary businesses near your address when you search "notary near me." The results include hours, phone numbers, customer reviews, and directions. This is useful for finding independent notary offices, but call before you go — some notaries work by appointment only and may not be available same-day.
Notary Rotary and the National Notary Association both have online directories where you can search by zip code. These are less detailed than Google Maps but can help you find notaries in smaller towns where Google results may be thin.
Asking your employer or professional contacts
If you need a notary for work-related documents, ask your HR department or office manager. Many larger employers have a notary on staff or a preferred notary they use regularly. This is often faster than searching on your own because the notary may be in your building or nearby.
If you are working with a lawyer, real estate agent, or accountant, ask them for a notary referral. These professionals work with notaries regularly and often have someone they trust nearby.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring the original document you need notarized and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize a copy, and they must verify your identity before they sign. If the document has blank spaces, fill them in before you arrive.
Know what type of notarization you need. The most common is an acknowledgment, where the notary watches you sign and verifies your identity. A jurat requires you to swear or affirm that the document is true. Ask whoever requested the notarization which type they need — the document itself often says.
Call ahead to ask about fees and whether you need an appointment. Some notaries charge per signature, others per document. If you have multiple documents, ask whether the fee covers all of them or if each one costs extra.
What to do if you cannot find a notary nearby
If you live in a rural area or small town, your county clerk's office can tell you which notaries serve your area, even if they are 20 or 30 miles away. Some notaries travel to meet clients, though they may charge a travel fee.
Ask the person who needs the notarization whether they will accept a notary from a neighboring county or a notary who works remotely. Some states now allow remote notarization for certain documents — the notary verifies your identity by video call and you sign in front of your camera. This is not yet available in all states or for all document types, but it is worth asking about if distance is a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a notary cost?
Banks charge nothing to customers. Independent notaries and retail locations typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some charge per document instead. Call ahead to ask — prices vary by location and by the type of notarization you need.
Can a notary notarize a copy of a document?
No. A notary must see and verify the original document. They cannot notarize a photocopy or a scanned version. Bring the original with you.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
Banks and retail locations usually take walk-ins during business hours, but call first to confirm a notary is available. Independent notary offices often require appointments. Always call ahead — you do not want to travel only to find the notary is booked or not working that day.
What if the notary is not in my state?
A notary must be commissioned in the state where the document will be used. If you need a document notarized in a different state, you must find a notary commissioned in that state. Your state's Secretary of State website will tell you if you can use a notary from another state for your specific document.
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they are related to or have a financial interest in. The notary must be impartial. If your family member is a notary, they cannot notarize your document.