The fastest places to get a document notarized

Your bank or credit union is usually your quickest option if you have an account there. Most branches have a notary on staff during business hours, and many do not charge account holders a fee. Call ahead to confirm they notarize documents and ask whether you need an appointment—some locations take walk-ins, others require you to book a time slot.

If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to go there, a UPS Store or FedEx Office location near you will notarize documents for a fee, typically $5 to $15 per signature. Both chains have notaries at most locations, though availability varies by store. Check their website or call to confirm the specific location has a notary working that day.

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a searchable directory of licensed notaries in your area. This is the most complete list available and includes independent notaries who work from home offices or small businesses. Search by zip code or city name on your state's website—the URL is usually sos.[your state].gov.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union often notarizes documents free for account holders and is usually the fastest option.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations charge $5 to $15 per signature and are open on weekends at many locations.
  • Your state's Secretary of State office publishes a searchable directory of all licensed notaries, organized by location.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the original unsigned document; notaries cannot notarize copies or documents you have already signed.
  • Call ahead to confirm hours and whether the notary is available that day, since staffing varies by location.

What documents you need to bring

Bring the original, unsigned document that needs notarization. A notary cannot notarize a photocopy or a document you have already signed. If the document is not yet complete—for example, if it has blank lines you still need to fill in—complete it before you arrive, because the notary will not help you write it.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The notary uses this to confirm your identity before witnessing your signature. If your ID has expired, some notaries will still accept it if the photo is clearly you; call ahead to ask about the specific location's policy.

Bring any additional documents the notary requests. Some documents require proof of your address or a second form of ID. If you are unsure what you need, call the notary before you go and describe the document you are having notarized—they can tell you what to bring.

Using your state's notary directory

Go to your state Secretary of State website and look for a link labeled "Notary Public Directory," "Find a Notary," or "Notary Search." The exact name varies by state. Enter your zip code or city name and the search will return licensed notaries in your area, usually with their phone number and address.

Call the notary before you visit. Ask whether they are available on the day and time you need them, what their fee is, and whether they have any restrictions on the types of documents they notarize. Some notaries work only by appointment; others take walk-ins during set hours. A few specialize in certain documents like loan signings or real estate closings.

Independent notaries often charge less than chain stores—sometimes $2 to $5 per signature—but may have shorter hours or require you to travel to their location. If you are having multiple documents notarized, ask whether they offer a discount for multiple signatures on the same visit.

Other places that notarize documents

Law offices often have notaries on staff. If you are working with an attorney on a legal matter, ask whether they can notarize your document as part of your service. Some charge a small fee; others do it at no cost if you are already a client.

Real estate offices, title companies, and mortgage lenders notarize documents related to property transactions. If you are buying or selling a home or refinancing a loan, your lender or title company can usually notarize the required documents as part of the closing process.

Some libraries and government offices offer notary services to the public, though availability is limited and hours are usually during business days only. Call your local library or county clerk's office to ask whether they have a notary available and whether there is a fee.

What to expect during the notarization

The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will not read the entire document or explain what it says—that is your responsibility. They are only confirming that you are who you say you are and that you are signing of your own free will.

The notary will stamp or seal the document and write their notary number, the date, and their signature on it. This official mark proves that a licensed notary witnessed your signature. Keep the original notarized document; you cannot get another one notarized the same way if you lose it.

The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If the notary has a long line or is busy with another client, you may wait longer. Arriving early or calling ahead to schedule an appointment reduces wait time.

When you cannot find a notary nearby

Some states now allow remote notarization, where a notary witnesses your signature over a video call. This is useful if you live far from any notary or have mobility issues. Search your state Secretary of State website for "remote notary" or "online notary" to see whether this option is available in your state and which companies are licensed to offer it.

If remote notarization is not available in your state, you may be able to have a document notarized by mail. Some notaries will accept documents by mail, notarize them, and return them to you. This takes longer—usually one to two weeks—and you will need to sign the document in front of a witness who can confirm your identity, then mail it to the notary. Ask the notary whether they offer this service before you send anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does notarization cost?

Fees vary by location and notary. Banks often charge nothing for account holders. Independent notaries typically charge $2 to $5 per signature. Chain stores like UPS and FedEx charge $5 to $15. Call ahead to ask the specific notary's fee before you visit.

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you are signing under duress, if they do not recognize you or cannot verify your identity, or if the document appears fraudulent. Some notaries also decline documents related to certain topics for personal or professional reasons. If one notary refuses, you can find another.

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

It depends on the notary. Banks and UPS Stores often take walk-ins but may have wait times. Independent notaries and law offices usually require appointments. Call ahead to ask the specific location's policy and to confirm the notary is available that day.

What if my ID is expired?

Some notaries accept expired IDs if the photo is clearly you and the ID has not been expired for too long. Others require a current ID. Call the notary before you visit and ask about their specific policy on expired identification.

Can I notarize a document I already signed?

No. A notary must witness you signing the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need an unsigned copy to bring to the notary.