The fastest places to find a notary

A notary public is usually within a few miles of you right now. Banks, credit unions, and law offices keep notaries on staff or can direct you to one. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some Staples branches offer notary services for a fee—typically $5 to $15 per signature. Your county clerk's office also has notaries available, often at no cost or for a small fee, though wait times can be longer than at commercial locations.

Call ahead before you go. Many notaries work by appointment only, and some have specific hours. Ask whether they charge a fee, what documents they need from you, and whether they can notarize the specific type of document you have. A few minutes on the phone saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks, credit unions, and law offices employ notaries and often serve customers or the public at little or no cost.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and some Staples locations offer notary services for $5 to $15 per signature.
  • Your county clerk's office has notaries available, usually free or for a small fee, but may have longer wait times.
  • Always call ahead to confirm hours, fees, and whether the notary can handle your specific document type.
  • Online notary services exist but are not legal in all states and require your state to have passed remote notarization laws.

Banks and credit unions

If you have an account at a bank or credit union, call the branch nearest you and ask whether a notary is available. Most large banks and credit unions employ at least one notary, and many will notarize documents for account holders at no charge. Non-customers may be turned away or charged a fee.

Bring your document and a valid photo ID. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and affix their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If your branch does not have a notary on site, ask whether another nearby branch does, or whether they can refer you to one in the area.

Law offices and title companies

Attorneys and title companies employ notaries as part of their regular work. Call a local law office or title company and ask whether they offer notary services to the public. Some do; others reserve notaries for their own clients. Fees vary—some charge nothing, others charge $10 to $25 per signature.

Title companies are especially common in areas with high real estate activity and often have notaries available on short notice. If you are notarizing a real estate document, a title company may be your fastest option and can sometimes answer questions about the document itself.

Retail and shipping locations

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations in most cities employ notaries or have one on call. Staples also offers notary services at many locations, though availability varies by store. Fees are typically $5 to $15 per signature. These locations are often open evenings and weekends, which can be convenient if your bank is closed when you need a notary.

Call the specific location before you go—not all branches offer the service, and hours vary. Bring your document and a valid photo ID. Some retail notaries are faster than others; if you are in a hurry, ask how long the wait is before you arrive.

County clerk and government offices

Your county clerk's office has notaries available to the public, usually at no cost or for a fee of $1 to $5 per signature. This is often the cheapest option, but government offices have set hours and may have a line. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment.

Some counties also offer notary services through the recorder's office, assessor's office, or other departments. Your county website will list which office provides notaries and their hours. If you live in a rural area, the county clerk may be your only local option.

Online notary services

Remote notary services allow you to have a document notarized over video call without leaving home. However, they are only legal in states that have passed remote notarization laws. As of now, most states allow remote notarization, but rules vary—some states restrict it to certain document types, and some require the notary to be licensed in that state.

If you are considering an online notary, first check your state's notary laws to confirm remote notarization is permitted for your document type. Search "[your state] remote notarization" or contact your state's secretary of state office. Fees for online notaries are typically $25 to $50 per signature, higher than in-person services.

How to search for a notary in your area

Start with a phone call to your bank or the county clerk. If neither works, search "notary public near me" in Google Maps or your phone's map app—many notaries list their location and hours. The National Notary Association maintains a notary search tool on their website, though it is not comprehensive and relies on notaries registering themselves.

When you find a notary, confirm three things before you go: their hours and location, whether they charge a fee and how much, and whether they can notarize your specific document. Some notaries refuse certain documents—for example, some will not notarize powers of attorney or real estate deeds. A quick call prevents frustration.

What to bring when you go

Bring the unsigned document and a valid photo ID. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, verify your identity by checking your ID, and then affix their official seal and signature. Some notaries also keep a journal where they record the notarization—they may ask you to sign that as well.

Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a new copy. Bring the original document, not a photocopy, unless the notary tells you otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary cost?

Fees vary widely. Banks and credit unions often charge nothing for account holders. County clerks charge $1 to $5 per signature. Retail locations like UPS Store and FedEx Office charge $5 to $15. Law offices and title companies may charge $10 to $25. Online notaries charge $25 to $50. Always call ahead to ask.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the signer is not who they claim to be, if the document appears fraudulent, if they are not comfortable with the document type, or if notarizing it would violate state law. Some notaries also refuse certain documents like powers of attorney or real estate deeds as a matter of policy.

Do I need an appointment?

Many notaries work by appointment only, especially at law offices and title companies. Banks, county clerks, and retail locations often take walk-ins, but wait times vary. Call ahead to ask whether an appointment is required and how long the wait is if you walk in.

What if I cannot find a notary in my area?

If you live in a very rural area, your county clerk is usually your best option. If remote notarization is legal in your state, you can also use an online notary service. Some states also allow notaries to travel to you for a higher fee—search "traveling notary" plus your city name.

Can a family member notarize my document?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document for a family member or anyone they have a financial interest in. This is a conflict of interest and violates notary law in all states. You must use an unrelated, independent notary.