The fastest places to find a notary

A notary is usually available within a few miles of your home or office. Banks, UPS stores, and FedEx locations all employ notaries and often serve walk-in customers during business hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether they charge a fee — most charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though some bank customers get the service free.

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a searchable directory of commissioned notaries. You can search by county or zip code on their website, which lists notaries' phone numbers and whether they work from a home office, a business, or both. This is the most complete list available and costs nothing to use.

If you need a notary outside normal business hours, some notaries work evenings and weekends by appointment. Search "mobile notary near me" to find notaries who travel to your location — they charge more (usually $25 to $50 per signature) but come to your home or office.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks, UPS stores, and FedEx locations have notaries on staff and often serve walk-in customers during regular hours.
  • Your state's Secretary of State website has a searchable directory of all commissioned notaries in your area, organized by county or zip code.
  • Mobile notaries travel to you for an extra fee and are the option to use if you need service outside business hours or cannot leave home.
  • Call or check the website before you go — hours vary, some locations require appointments, and fees differ by location.
  • Bring a valid photo ID and the document that needs notarizing; the notary will not notarize a blank document or one you have already signed.

How to search your state's notary directory

Every state Secretary of State office publishes a list of active notaries. Go to your state's Secretary of State website (search "[your state] Secretary of State") and look for a link labeled "notary search," "notary directory," or "find a notary." Some states call it the "notary public database."

Enter your county or zip code. The results will show the notary's name, phone number, address, and sometimes their hours. Some directories also show whether the notary charges a fee and what types of documents they notarize. If a notary's listing says "home office," call first — they may require an appointment or only serve certain hours.

If your state's website is difficult to navigate, call your county clerk's office. They can tell you which notaries in your area are currently active and may recommend one they work with regularly.

Banks and credit unions

Most banks and credit unions have at least one notary on staff. Call the branch nearest you and ask whether they notarize for non-customers or only for account holders. Many banks offer the service free to customers and charge $5 to $10 for non-customers. Some branches require an appointment; others serve walk-ins during teller hours.

Credit unions often have the same policy as banks but may be stricter about serving only members. Call ahead rather than showing up with your document — you may find the notary is busy or away that day.

UPS stores and FedEx locations

UPS stores and FedEx Office locations employ notaries and are usually open six or seven days a week, including evenings. Not every location has a notary on site, so call the store nearest you to confirm. Fees are typically $5 to $15 per signature. Both chains allow walk-ins, but calling ahead ensures the notary is present and not on break.

These locations are useful if your bank is closed or if you need service on a weekend. Hours vary by location — some UPS stores close at 6 p.m., while others stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. Check the store's website or call to confirm.

Mobile notaries and evening appointments

A mobile notary travels to your home, office, or another location you choose and notarizes your document there. This is the best option if you cannot leave home, work unusual hours, or need service on a weekend or evening. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $75 per signature depending on travel distance and time of day.

Search "mobile notary near me" or "notary public [your city]" on Google Maps to find mobile notaries in your area. Read reviews and call to confirm they are available at the time you need. Some mobile notaries require a minimum fee (for example, $50 even if you have only one signature notarized) or charge extra for travel beyond a certain distance.

If you use a mobile notary, confirm the fee structure before they arrive. Ask whether they accept cash, card, or both, and whether they can notarize the specific type of document you have.

What to bring when you find a notary

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize a document without seeing your ID. Bring the original document that needs notarizing; notaries cannot notarize a photocopy or a blank form.

Do not sign the document before you meet the notary. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary will refuse to notarize it, and you will need to get a new copy and start over.

If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them. Some notaries notarize only the signature page; others notarize the entire document. Ask when you call or arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized online?

Some states allow remote notarization using video call software, but rules vary widely. The notary must be commissioned in your state, and your state must permit remote notarization. Call your Secretary of State office or search "[your state] remote notarization" to learn whether it is available where you live.

What if I cannot find a notary in my area?

Call your county clerk's office or local bar association — they maintain lists of notaries and can recommend one. If you live in a very rural area, a mobile notary may be your only option, or you may need to travel to the nearest town with a bank or UPS store.

How much does notarization cost?

Fees range from free (for bank customers at their own bank) to $5 to $15 at most retail locations, and $25 to $75 for mobile notaries. Some notaries charge per signature; others charge per document. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go.

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

Banks, UPS stores, and FedEx locations usually serve walk-ins, but calling first ensures the notary is available. Mobile notaries require an appointment. Hours vary by location, so check the website or call to confirm they are open when you plan to visit.

What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?

Notaries can refuse to notarize certain documents — for example, some will not notarize powers of attorney or wills because they require specific legal language. If one notary refuses, call another. Your Secretary of State directory lists multiple notaries in most areas.