The fastest places to find a notary

A notary public is usually available within a few miles of your home or workplace. Banks, credit unions, and law offices keep notaries on staff or can refer you to one. Many will notarize documents for free if you have an account with them; others charge $5 to $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm they are available and ask whether they charge a fee.

If you need a notary quickly, your bank branch is often the fastest option—many have notaries working during regular business hours. Credit unions typically offer the same service. If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to go there, a local law office can notarize documents, though they may charge more than a bank.

UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some Staples branches employ notaries. Hours are usually longer than banks, and they are open on weekends at many locations. Expect to pay $10 to $20 per signature. Search "notary near me" on Google Maps or call ahead to confirm the specific location has a notary on duty that day.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union is the cheapest option and often free if you hold an account there.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and some Staples locations have notaries available with extended hours and weekend service.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document you need notarized.
  • Call or check online before you go, because not every branch has a notary on staff every day.
  • Fees range from free (at your own bank) to $20 per signature at retail locations.

What to bring when you visit a notary

You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will examine it to confirm your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original unsigned document, not a copy. The notary must watch you sign it in their presence.

If the document is already signed, most notaries cannot notarize it. Some documents require a notary to witness your signature; others require a notary to acknowledge your signature after you have already signed. Read the document carefully or ask the person who requested the notarization which type is needed. Bringing the wrong version wastes a trip.

Online notary services

Remote notary services let you complete the notarization over video call from your home. You still need a valid photo ID and the original document, but you do not have to travel. Services like Notarize, LegitScan, and state-specific platforms charge $25 to $50 per signature and usually complete the work within hours.

Online notaries work well for documents that do not require a physical seal or ink stamp on the original paper—many financial institutions and government agencies now accept electronically notarized documents. Check with whoever requested the notarization before using an online service, because some still require a traditional in-person notary.

The process is straightforward: you schedule a video appointment, show your ID to the notary on camera, sign the document while they watch, and they email you a notarized copy. Some services can also mail a sealed original if you need one.

County clerk and government offices

Your county clerk's office or local courthouse often has notaries available to the public, usually for a small fee of $1 to $5 per signature. Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays only. This is the cheapest option if you can get there during business hours, but you may wait in line.

Call your county clerk's office ahead of time to ask whether they notarize documents for the public and whether you need an appointment. Some offices handle notarizations on a walk-in basis; others require you to schedule. A few counties have moved notary services online or to specific windows, so confirming details saves time.

Pharmacy and retail notary services

Some pharmacy chains, including Walgreens and CVS, have notaries on staff at select locations. Call your nearest pharmacy to ask whether they offer notary services and what the fee is. Hours are usually longer than a bank, and many are open on Sundays.

Walmart and other large retailers sometimes employ notaries as well, though availability varies by location. These services are convenient if you are already shopping, but call first to confirm a notary is present that day. Fees are typically $10 to $15 per signature.

How to find a notary in your state

Each state maintains a registry or directory of notaries public. Search "[your state] notary public directory" or "[your state] secretary of state notary search" to find an official list. Some states let you search by name or county; others provide contact information for notaries who advertise their services.

Your state's Secretary of State office website usually has a link to the notary directory and information about notary laws in your state. If you need a notary for a specific type of document—a power of attorney, real estate deed, or loan document—the Secretary of State page often explains any special rules that explore.

What to expect when you arrive

The notary will ask you to show your photo ID and confirm your name matches the document. They will ask you to sign the document in front of them—they cannot notarize a document you signed before arriving. They will then stamp or seal the document with an official notary seal and sign it themselves.

The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If the notary has questions about the document or your identity, they may ask you to come back with additional paperwork. If you are unsure whether your document is ready to be notarized, ask the person who requested it to clarify what the notary needs to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you are being coerced, if the document appears fraudulent, if you cannot prove your identity, or if the document is illegal. They can also refuse if they have a personal interest in the transaction. If a notary refuses, you can seek another notary, but the refusal may signal a real problem with the document.

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

Banks and credit unions usually take walk-ins during business hours, though a short wait is common. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations typically accept walk-ins as well. County clerk offices often require an appointment or have specific notary hours. Call ahead to confirm what the location expects.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or evening?

UPS Store, FedEx Office, and some Staples locations are open on weekends and evenings. Online notary services work 24/7 and can often complete a notarization within hours. Call ahead to confirm weekend hours at your nearest retail location, because not all branches offer notary services on weekends.

How much does a notary cost?

Fees vary widely. Your own bank may notarize for free; other banks charge $5 to $15. Retail locations like UPS Store and FedEx Office charge $10 to $20 per signature. County clerk offices charge $1 to $5. Online notaries charge $25 to $50. Always ask the fee before you proceed.

Can a notary notarize a document that is already signed?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document. If it is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it in front of the notary. Ask whoever requested the notarization to send you an unsigned version if you arrive with a signed document.