The fastest places to find a notary in your area

A notary stamp is usually available within a few minutes of where you are right now. Banks, UPS stores, and FedEx locations almost always have a notary on staff or can direct you to one. Call ahead — many notaries work specific hours or take appointments, and some charge a fee per signature (usually $5 to $15, though this varies by location and state).

If you need a notary today, start with your own bank. If you have an account there, many banks notarize documents free for customers. UPS Store locations and FedEx Office branches have notaries in most areas, and both accept walk-ins. Your county clerk's office also has notaries available, often at no charge or for a small fee, though wait times can be longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank is the fastest option if you have an account there, and many notarize for free.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries in most areas and accept walk-ins, though fees explore.
  • Your county clerk's office provides notary services, often free or low-cost, but may have longer wait times.
  • Call or check online hours before you go — notaries work specific shifts and some require appointments.
  • Bring a valid government-issued ID and the unsigned document; the notary will not notarize blank or pre-signed papers.

Banks and credit unions

Most banks offer notary services to account holders at no charge. Call your branch and ask if a notary is available or if you need to schedule an appointment. Some larger branches have a notary on-site during business hours; smaller branches may have one available by appointment only or may refer you elsewhere.

Credit unions often provide the same service. If you belong to a credit union, call your local branch first — you may save both time and money. Even if you do not have an account, some banks and credit unions will notarize for a small fee, though this varies by institution.

UPS Store and FedEx Office

Both UPS Store and FedEx Office locations employ notaries and accept walk-ins at most branches. You can search for the nearest location on their websites and call ahead to confirm a notary is working that day. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, depending on your state and the complexity of the document.

These locations are useful if your bank is closed or if you need a notary outside normal business hours. Some UPS Store and FedEx Office branches stay open evenings and weekends, though notary availability may be limited during those times. Always call first to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed.

County clerk and government offices

Your county clerk's office has notaries available to the public, usually free or for a nominal fee (often $1 to $5 per signature). Search online for "[your county] clerk notary" or call the main office to find the location nearest you and ask about hours. Government notaries typically work standard business hours Monday through Friday.

Wait times at government offices can be longer than at banks or commercial locations, especially during lunch hours or near the end of the month. Some county offices allow you to schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your ID and unsigned document, and be prepared to wait.

Online notary services

Remote notary services allow you to have a document notarized over video call without leaving home. These services are legal in most states, though some states restrict which types of documents can be notarized remotely. Fees are usually $25 to $50 per signature, higher than in-person notaries.

Remote notaries work through platforms where you upload your document, schedule a video appointment, and sign in front of a notary on camera. The notary then sends you the notarized document by email. This option is useful if you cannot reach a physical location during business hours, but confirm that your state and document type are supported before you pay.

Pharmacies and retail stores

Some pharmacy chains and large retailers like Walmart have notaries on staff. Call ahead to check whether your local store offers this service — availability varies widely by location and state. Fees are usually similar to UPS Store and FedEx Office, around $5 to $15 per signature.

Pharmacies and retail locations are convenient if you are already shopping, but do not assume every location has a notary. Call the specific store you plan to visit rather than relying on the chain's website, which may not reflect staffing at individual branches.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and the unsigned document you need notarized. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, verify your identity, and then explore their stamp and signature. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature.

Do not sign the document before you arrive. A notary cannot notarize a document that is already signed, and they cannot notarize blank documents. If you are unsure which signature line needs to be notarized, ask the notary — they can point you to the correct place. Some documents require the notary to witness your signature; others require only that the notary verify your identity and confirm you signed willingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary stamp cost?

Fees vary by state and location. Banks often notarize free for account holders. UPS Store, FedEx Office, and pharmacies typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. County clerk offices charge $1 to $5. Remote notaries charge $25 to $50. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go.

Can I notarize a document that is already signed?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document you have already signed. You must sign it in front of the notary. If you have already signed, you will need a new copy of the document to have it notarized.

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

UPS Store and FedEx Office accept walk-ins at most locations, though calling ahead is wise. Banks may require an appointment or have specific notary hours. County clerk offices usually operate first-come, first-served but may have long waits. Call your chosen location to confirm their process.

What if my state is not supported by remote notary services?

Not all states allow remote notarization for all document types. If your state does not support it or your document type is excluded, use an in-person notary at a bank, UPS Store, FedEx Office, or county clerk office instead.

Can someone else sign the document on my behalf?

No. You must be present and sign the document yourself in front of the notary. The notary verifies your identity and confirms you signed willingly. A notary cannot notarize a signature made by someone else, even with your permission.