The fastest places to find a notary near you
A notary is usually within a few miles of you right now. Banks, UPS stores, and FedEx locations all have notaries on staff or can direct you to one. Your state's notary public directory — maintained by the Secretary of State office — lists commissioned notaries by county and sometimes by city. Many are willing to travel to you for a small fee, or you can visit them at their office.
The search method depends on how soon you need the notarization. If you need it today, call your bank branch first — most have a notary available during business hours, often for free if you're a customer. If you have a few days, the state directory gives you a complete list of all active notaries in your area, which is more reliable than a search engine.
Some notaries work from home or small offices and advertise online, but verifying they are actually commissioned is the first step. A notary who is not properly commissioned cannot legally notarize your document, and you'll have wasted time and money.
Key Takeaways
- Banks, UPS stores, and FedEx locations all employ notaries and are usually the fastest option if you need same-day service.
- Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a free, searchable directory of all commissioned notaries in your county.
- Many independent notaries will travel to your home or workplace for a fee, which is useful if you cannot leave during business hours.
- Always verify a notary's commission status through your state directory before paying them, because an unqualified notary cannot legally notarize documents.
- Fees vary by state and by notary, but typically range from $5 to $25 per signature, and travel fees are separate.
How to search your state's notary directory
Every state maintains a public registry of commissioned notaries. To find it, go to your state's Secretary of State website and search for "notary public directory" or "notary search." The URL structure varies — some states call it a lookup tool, others call it a registry — but every state has one and it is free to use.
When you search, you will usually enter your county or city and get a list of notaries with their phone numbers and addresses. Some directories also show whether a notary works from home, from an office, or is mobile. If the directory shows a notary's hours, call ahead to confirm they are still accurate, because hours change and some notaries work by appointment only.
If you cannot find your state's directory through a search, call your county clerk's office. They can tell you the exact web address or can give you names of notaries they recommend. The county clerk's office itself may also have a notary on staff.
Banks and retail locations with notaries
Most banks have at least one notary on staff during regular business hours. Call your branch and ask whether a notary is available — many banks notarize documents for free if you have an account with them, and charge a small fee ($5 to $10) if you don't. You do not need an appointment at most banks, but calling ahead prevents a wasted trip if the notary is busy.
UPS stores (The UPS Store locations, not all UPS shipping centers) and FedEx Office locations employ notaries. Fees are usually $10 to $15 per signature. Hours are often longer than banks — many are open evenings and weekends — so they are useful if you work during the day. Not every location has a notary, so call first.
Pharmacies, title companies, and real estate offices often have notaries available. Some charge a fee, others do not. If you are having a document notarized as part of a real estate transaction, the title company or real estate agent may notarize it at no extra cost.
Independent and mobile notaries
Independent notaries work from home offices or small storefronts and often have more flexible hours than banks. Many advertise on Google Maps, Yelp, or their own websites. Before you contact one, verify their commission status by searching your state's notary directory — this takes two minutes and protects you from paying someone who is not legally may have access to.
Mobile notaries will come to your home, workplace, or hospital to notarize documents. This is especially useful if you are housebound, work long hours, or need notarization outside normal business hours. Mobile notaries charge a travel fee on top of the per-signature fee — typically $15 to $50 for travel, depending on distance. Some require a minimum number of signatures to justify the trip.
When you call an independent notary, ask about their commission expiration date. A notary's commission is valid for a set number of years (usually four or five, depending on your state), and an expired commission means the notarization is not legal. The state directory will show the expiration date, so you can verify it before you pay.
What to expect when you arrive
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your identity to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the document that needs to be notarized, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them, then add their seal and signature.
The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature. If you have multiple documents or multiple signatures, allow more time. Some notaries will notarize a copy of a document, but others will not — ask when you call.
Fees are set by state law, so they do not vary much from notary to notary. Most states allow notaries to charge between $5 and $25 per signature. Travel fees and rush fees are not regulated by law, so ask about those before the notary arrives or before you visit their office.
Finding a notary when you are traveling
If you need a notary in a state where you do not live, use that state's Secretary of State directory the same way you would use your home state's. The process is identical — search by county, call a notary, and verify their commission status. Fees may be slightly different, but the service is the same.
If you are in a hotel or unfamiliar area, ask the front desk. Many hotels have a notary on staff or can recommend one nearby. Some hotels will notarize documents for guests at no charge. If you are in a hospital or nursing home, ask the administrative office — many have notaries available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document online or by video?
Some states allow remote notarization by video, but not all. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see if remote notarization is legal where you live. If it is, the notary will guide you through the process, which usually involves uploading your ID and signing the document on camera. This is faster than in-person notarization but requires both you and the notary to have the right technology.
What if I cannot find a notary in my state directory?
Call your county clerk's office or your state's Secretary of State office directly. They can tell you whether there are notaries in your area and can sometimes provide names. If your area has very few notaries, a mobile notary from a nearby county may be willing to travel to you for an extra fee.
Do I have to pay for notarization at a bank?
Banks often notarize for free if you have an account with them. If you don't have an account, they may charge $5 to $10. Call ahead and ask — policies vary by bank and by branch. Some banks will not notarize for non-customers at all.
What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
A notary can refuse if they believe the document is fraudulent, if you cannot prove your identity, or if they have a conflict of interest. They cannot refuse based on the content of the document or their personal beliefs about what you are signing. If a notary refuses, ask why — they are required to explain — and contact a different notary if you disagree.
How long does a notarization last?
A notarization does not expire. Once a document is notarized, it remains notarized. However, the organization that receives the document may have its own important date for when the document must be notarized — for example, a bank may require a notarized power of attorney to be dated within the last 30 days. Check with the organization that needs the notarization before you have it done.