The fastest places to find a notary public

A notary public is usually easiest to find at a bank branch, UPS Store, or FedEx Office location. Most banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) to non-customers. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff at most branches, though availability varies by location and you should call ahead. Many are open evenings and weekends, which makes them more flexible than banks.

If you need a notary quickly and those options are closed, check your county clerk's office or a local law library — both employ notaries and can usually see you within a few hours. Some courthouses also have notaries available to the public, though hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays only.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks, UPS Store, and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff; call ahead to confirm availability and hours at your nearest branch.
  • Your county clerk's office and local law library employ notaries and often have same-day or next-day appointments.
  • Online notary services exist but are not legal in all states and require the document to be signed electronically; check your state's rules before using one.
  • Bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document; the notary will watch you sign and charge a fee of $5 to $25 depending on location and document type.
  • Some employers, insurance agents, and real estate offices have notaries on staff; ask before you search elsewhere.

Banks and financial institutions

Most banks and credit unions have at least one notary on staff during business hours. Call your branch directly — do not assume every location has one, especially in smaller towns. Account holders usually get the service free; non-account holders typically pay $5 to $15 per signature. Hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, though some branches open on Saturday mornings.

If you bank online only and have no physical branch nearby, ask whether your bank partners with a local notary service or whether they can refer you. Some online banks reimburse customers for notary fees paid elsewhere.

Retail notary services: UPS Store and FedEx Office

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in most cities have notaries available. These are often open until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and have Saturday hours, making them useful when banks are closed. Fees are typically $10 to $25 per signature. Not every location has a notary, so search the company's website for "notary services" and filter by your zip code, or call ahead.

Walgreens and CVS pharmacies in some states also employ notaries, though this is less common than UPS and FedEx. Check the store locator on their websites and call the specific location to confirm.

Government offices and courthouses

Your county clerk's office employs notaries and is required to serve the public. Hours and fees vary by county — some charge nothing, others charge $2 to $5 per signature. Call your county clerk's office directly to ask about hours and whether you need an appointment. Many can see you same-day or next-day.

Local law libraries, if your county has one, also employ notaries and are open to the public. Courthouse notaries exist but are usually available only to people with active cases; call the courthouse clerk to ask. Some city or county government offices (tax assessor, recorder, etc.) have notaries on staff as well.

Online notary services

Online notaries use video conferencing to watch you sign a document electronically. They are faster than in-person notaries — often available within hours — and work from home. However, not all states recognize electronic notarization, and some documents (deeds, powers of attorney, certain financial papers) cannot be notarized online in most states. Check your state's notary laws before using an online service.

If your state does allow it, online notaries typically cost $25 to $50 per signature and require you to upload a photo ID and the unsigned document before the appointment. The notary will conduct a brief video call, watch you sign, and return the notarized document electronically.

Employers, insurance agents, and real estate offices

Some employers keep a notary on staff for employee documents. Ask your HR or payroll department. Insurance agents, mortgage brokers, and real estate offices often have notaries available to clients at no charge, since notarization is part of their business. If you are buying a house or signing insurance paperwork, ask whether the agent or broker can notarize your signature on related documents.

Attorneys' offices always have notaries on staff, though they may charge a fee or require you to be a client. If you are already working with a lawyer on the document in question, ask them to notarize it.

How to prepare for your notary appointment

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID and verify that you are who you say you are. Bring the unsigned document itself; the notary will not notarize a photocopy or a document you sign before arriving. You must sign the document in front of the notary, not beforehand.

If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them. Some notaries charge per signature rather than per document, so clarify the fee before you begin. Ask whether the notary needs anything else — some documents require the notary to ask you specific questions or to note details about the document in the notary's journal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document online in my state?

It depends on your state. Some states allow remote online notarization for most documents; others ban it or allow it only for specific document types. Contact your state's Secretary of State office or notary board to confirm. Your state's website usually lists which documents can and cannot be notarized remotely.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations often have evening and weekend hours. Some states allow mobile notaries who travel to you; search "mobile notary" plus your city name. Online notaries may also be available outside standard business hours, though check your state's rules on remote notarization first.

Do I have to pay for notary services?

Banks usually offer notary services free to account holders. Most other locations charge $5 to $25 per signature. Some government offices charge nothing or a small fee. Call ahead to ask about cost before you visit.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if you do not have proper ID, if you appear to be signing under duress, if the document is illegal, or if the notary has a conflict of interest (for example, if they are named in the document). The notary's job is to verify your identity and confirm you are signing willingly, not to judge whether the document is a good idea.

What if the notary makes a mistake on my document?

Ask the notary to correct it before you leave. If the error is minor (a misspelled word in the notary's seal, for example), the notary can usually fix it. If the error is in your signature or the document itself, you may need to start over with a new copy. Do not leave until you are satisfied the document is correct.