The fastest places to get a title notarized
The closest notary is usually at your bank or credit union — call the branch where you have an account and ask if they offer notary services. Most do it free or for a small fee, often $5 to $15. If you don't bank there, you can still walk in and pay a fee; many banks notarize for non-customers.
If your bank doesn't have a notary on staff, try a UPS Store, FedEx Office, or local shipping center. These locations employ notaries and typically charge $10 to $25 per signature. You can search "notary near me" on their websites to find which locations in your area have one available, and some let you book an appointment online.
County courthouses always have notaries available, usually in the clerk's office. There is no fee or a very small one (often under $5), but wait times can be longer than at a bank or shipping store. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank or credit union is the fastest option and often free if you have an account there.
- UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries available and can often be booked online.
- County courthouses offer notary services at little or no cost, though waits may be longer.
- Bring your title document, a valid photo ID, and any other documents the notary requests before you arrive.
- Some states require the title owner to be present in person; confirm your state's rules before scheduling.
What to bring when you go
Bring the title document itself, your valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and any paperwork the notary asked you to bring when you called. The notary will verify your identity and watch you sign the document in front of them. They will then add their seal and signature.
If you are notarizing a title for a vehicle, boat, or other property, the notary may ask to see proof of ownership or the original title. Call the notary location before you go so you know exactly what to bring — requirements vary by state and by what the title is for.
Online notary services for titles
Some states allow titles to be notarized through video call with a remote notary. Services like Notarize.com and LendingClub's notary service let you upload your document, verify your identity on camera, and receive a notarized copy by email. This works only in states that have passed remote notary laws, and not all document types are allowed.
Check your state's notary laws before trying an online service — some states do not permit remote notarization of titles or property documents. Your county clerk's office can tell you whether your state allows it. If it does, online notaries typically charge $25 to $50 and take one to two business days.
Finding a notary in rural or underserved areas
If you live far from a bank or shipping center, call your county clerk's office first. They can tell you where the nearest notary is and may offer services themselves. Some county offices will notarize documents by mail if you cannot travel in person — send your document, ID copy, and a signed statement swearing you signed it, and they will return it notarized.
Real estate agents, title companies, and law offices often have notaries on staff and may notarize for a fee even if you are not a client. Call ahead and ask. Some will do it free as a courtesy if the document is straightforward.
Cost and timing
Notary fees range from free (at your own bank) to $25 or more at private notaries. UPS Store and FedEx Office typically charge $10 to $25 per signature. County courthouses charge little to nothing. Remote notaries charge $25 to $50. Ask the price when you call or book online so there are no surprises.
Timing depends on where you go. Banks and shipping stores can often notarize on the same day if you walk in, though you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. County offices may have longer waits, especially on weekdays. Remote notaries usually take one to two business days. If you need it urgently, call ahead to ask about wait times before you go.
What happens if the notary refuses to notarize your title
A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they suspect fraud, if the signer does not have proper ID, or if the document is unclear or appears altered. This is rare with straightforward title notarizations, but it can happen. If a notary refuses, ask why — they must explain their reason.
If the refusal is about your ID or the document itself, you may be able to fix it and try again at a different notary. If multiple notaries refuse, there may be a real problem with the document or your identity verification. In that case, contact the agency that issued the title (your state's DMV for a vehicle title, for example) to ask what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a title by mail?
Some county clerk offices will notarize by mail, but most notaries require you to be present in person. Call your county clerk to ask whether they offer mail notarization. If they do, they will tell you what documents to send and how long it takes.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Banks and county offices usually take walk-ins, though you may wait. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations often let you book online, which is faster. Call ahead to ask whether an appointment is needed or recommended at your chosen location.
What if I lost my ID?
You cannot be notarized without a valid photo ID. If you lost yours, get a replacement from your state's DMV or passport office first, then schedule your notarization. This may take a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.
Can someone else pick up my notarized title for me?
No. You must be present in person when the notary signs and seals the document. This is a legal requirement in all states. Remote notarization by video is an exception in some states, but you still must be the one on camera.
How long is a notarized title good for?
A notarized title does not expire. Once notarized, it stays valid. However, some agencies or lenders may require the notarization to be recent — ask whoever is asking for the notarized title how old it can be.