The fastest places to find a notary in your area

The quickest way to find a notary is to call your bank or credit union first — most branches have a notary on staff during business hours, and many do it free for account holders. If your bank doesn't have one or you're not a member, your next fastest option is a UPS Store or FedEx Office location, both of which employ notaries and take walk-ins. A local title company or real estate office will also notarize documents, though they may charge more than retail locations.

If those options aren't nearby or their hours don't work, search "notary public near me" on Google Maps or call your county clerk's office — they keep a list of licensed notaries in your area and can tell you who's open today. Many notaries work from home offices and set their own hours, so a phone call beats guessing whether someone is available.

Mobile notaries will come to your home or office, which costs more but saves time if you have multiple documents or mobility issues. Search "mobile notary [your city]" or check Notary Rotary, a directory where notaries list their service areas and rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union is the cheapest option and often free for account holders, with notaries available during regular business hours.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff, accept walk-ins, and are open on weekends in most areas.
  • Your county clerk's office maintains a public list of licensed notaries and can tell you who is open today.
  • Mobile notaries come to your location for a higher fee, which may be worth it if you have multiple documents or cannot travel easily.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document — the notary will not notarize a document that is already signed.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring your government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see it in person and verify it matches your signature. Bring the unsigned document itself; the notary will not notarize a document that is already signed, so do not sign anything before you arrive.

The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, then they will add their seal, signature, and the date. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. Some notaries charge per signature (typically $5 to $15), while others charge per document. A few charge a flat fee. Ask the price before you hand over your document.

Banks and credit unions

Call your bank's main branch or check their website to confirm they have a notary. Most large banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional banks — offer notary services to account holders at no charge, though some charge $5 to $10 for non-account holders. Credit unions often do the same. Hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with some branches open Saturday mornings.

The downside is that you must visit during business hours and some branches are busy. Call ahead to ask if the notary is available that day, especially on Fridays or near month-end when offices are crowded.

Retail locations open on weekends

UPS Store and FedEx Office both have notaries at most locations and are open Saturday and sometimes Sunday. Search for the nearest one on their websites — not all locations have a notary, so confirm before you go. Costs run $5 to $15 per signature. Staples used to offer notary services but has largely phased them out, so call ahead if you have a nearby store.

Walmart and CVS have notaries at some locations but not all. Call the store directly rather than relying on their website, because the online directory is often out of date. Hours vary by location, but many are open until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and open on Sunday.

Title companies and real estate offices

Title companies notarize documents as part of their regular business and usually charge $10 to $25 per signature. They are used to handling real estate documents, so if your document is a deed, mortgage, or power of attorney related to property, they move quickly. Real estate agents' offices often have a notary on staff and may notarize for free or a small fee if you are a client.

The trade-off is that title companies keep business hours only (usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays) and may require an appointment. Call first to ask if they take walk-ins or if you need to schedule.

County clerk and government offices

Your county clerk's office has a list of all licensed notaries in your county, searchable by name or location. Call the clerk's office or visit their website — most post the list online. Some county offices also employ notaries themselves and will notarize documents for a small fee, usually $2 to $5 per signature.

Government notaries keep strict business hours, usually 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and may close for lunch. They do not take appointments, so arrive early if you want to avoid a wait. Bring your ID and unsigned document, and be prepared to wait if other people are ahead of you.

Mobile notaries and online directories

Mobile notaries travel to your home, office, or another location you choose. They charge more — typically $25 to $75 per signature depending on distance and time of day — but they work evenings and weekends and come to you. This is useful if you have multiple documents, mobility issues, or need a notary outside normal business hours.

Notary Rotary is a searchable directory where notaries list their service areas, rates, and hours. 123Notary and the National Notary Association also maintain directories. Search by your zip code and read the notary's profile to see if they offer mobile service and what they charge. Call to confirm availability before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document that is already signed?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If it is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need an unsigned copy or a new document. Some notaries can notarize a signature that was added in their presence even if other parts of the document were signed earlier, but ask first.

What if I don't have a government-issued photo ID?

A notary cannot proceed without one. Acceptable IDs are a driver's license, passport, passport card, state ID card, or military ID. A work badge, library card, or student ID will not work. If you don't have a photo ID, you will need to get one before you can have a document notarized.

How much does notarization cost?

Banks charge $0 to $10 for account holders, and $5 to $15 for non-account holders. Retail locations like UPS Store charge $5 to $15 per signature. Title companies charge $10 to $25. Government offices charge $2 to $5. Mobile notaries charge $25 to $75 depending on distance. Call ahead to ask the exact price.

Can a notary notarize a document for a family member?

Most states allow it, but some states prohibit a notary from notarizing for a spouse or close relative. Call the notary or your county clerk's office to ask what your state allows. If the notary cannot do it, they can refer you to another notary who can.

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

Banks, UPS Store, FedEx Office, and Walmart usually take walk-ins, though you may wait. Government offices and title companies often require an appointment or do not take appointments at all. Call ahead to ask. Mobile notaries always require an appointment because they travel to you.