The fastest way to find a notary near you

The quickest option 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 cost. If you are not a customer, they may still do it for a small fee — usually $5 to $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask what documents they can notarize, since some banks decline certain types.

If your bank cannot help, search "notary public near me" on Google Maps. The map will show notaries in your area with their hours, phone numbers, and customer reviews. UPS Store locations and FedEx Office branches almost always have notaries on site and can usually fit you in same-day. Call first to confirm availability and ask about their fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $25 per signature depending on the location.

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a searchable list of commissioned notaries. You can find the link on your state's official website — search "[your state] Secretary of State notary search" — and filter by county or city. This list is free and shows each notary's contact information and commission expiration date, so you know they are currently active.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union is often free or low-cost and requires no appointment for account holders.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries available same-day in most areas and charge $5 to $25 per signature.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office publishes a free searchable list of all commissioned notaries in your area.
  • Always call ahead to confirm the notary is available, ask about fees, and check what documents they will and will not notarize.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — notaries are required by law to verify your identity before notarizing anything.

What to bring when you visit a notary

Bring the original document that needs to be notarized, not a copy. The notary must see the actual document and watch you sign it in front of them. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary is legally required to verify your identity before they notarize anything, so without ID they cannot proceed.

If you are signing on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation that shows you have authority to sign — this might be a power of attorney, corporate resolution, or board authorization letter. Ask the notary ahead of time what proof they need. Bring cash or a card to pay the fee if the notary is not your bank.

How to search your state's notary list

Go to your state's Secretary of State website. Most states have a "notary search" or "notary directory" link on the homepage. Enter your county or city name, and the system will show all active notaries in that area with their phone numbers and addresses.

Some states organize the list by county only, so you may need to scroll through your entire county to find notaries near you. If the state website is hard to navigate, call your county clerk's office — they can give you the direct link or read you a list of notaries in your area over the phone. County clerk phone numbers are listed on your county government website.

Notary services at libraries and government offices

Many public libraries offer notary services free or for a small donation. Call your local library branch to ask if they have a notary on staff and whether you need an appointment. Some libraries require you to have a library card, while others serve anyone in the community.

County clerk offices and some city government buildings also have notaries available. Hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Call ahead to confirm they are open and ask if you need an appointment, since some offices serve walk-ins while others require you to schedule a time slot.

What notaries can and cannot do

A notary can witness your signature, confirm your identity, and stamp the document with an official seal. They cannot give legal information, interpret documents, or tell you whether a document is correct. They cannot notarize a document you did not sign in front of them, and they cannot notarize a blank document or one with blank spaces.

Some documents notaries refuse to handle include powers of attorney (which require a lawyer in some states), wills, and documents that appear fraudulent or suspicious. If a notary declines to notarize something, ask why — they are required to explain their reason. You can then take the document to a different notary or consult a lawyer about whether the document is valid.

Notary fees and what affects the cost

Notary fees vary by location and type of service. A single signature typically costs $5 to $15 at a bank, $10 to $25 at a UPS Store or FedEx Office, and $0 to $10 at a library or government office. Some notaries charge per signature, so if you need three signatures notarized, you pay three times the per-signature fee.

Traveling notaries — who come to your home or office — charge higher fees, usually $25 to $75 or more, plus travel time. They are useful if you are homebound or need notarization outside normal business hours. Search "traveling notary near me" or "mobile notary near me" to find one in your area, and always confirm the fee before they arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document I did not sign yet?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. They cannot notarize a document you signed before the appointment or one that is already signed by someone else. If you need multiple people to sign, all signers must be present at the same time, or you must visit the notary separately for each signature.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Most notaries will not proceed without a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, get a state ID card from your local DMV before visiting the notary. Some notaries may accept alternative identification in rare cases — call ahead and explain your situation.

How long does notarization take?

Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have all required documents and ID. At busy locations like UPS Store, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. Call ahead to ask about wait times, and consider visiting during off-peak hours like mid-morning on a weekday.

Can I notarize a document over video or by mail?

Remote notarization by video is now legal in many states, though not all. Some notaries offer this service — search "remote notary" or "online notary" plus your state name to find one. By mail is not standard; the notary must see you and the document in real time, either in person or on video.

Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?

Banks, libraries, and government offices usually take walk-ins, though wait times vary. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations often have notaries available same-day without an appointment. Call ahead to confirm availability, especially if you need notarization outside normal business hours or have a complex document.