The fastest places to find a notary public

A notary public is usually available at your bank, your local courthouse, or a UPS Store or FedEx Office location. Most banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15) to non-customers. Courthouses always have notaries on staff, though you may wait in line and cannot choose when they are available. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations employ notaries in most branches, charge $10 to $25 per signature, and often let you book an appointment online.

If you need a notary in the next hour, call ahead to confirm someone is present. Banks and shipping stores sometimes have only one notary on duty, and they may step away from the desk. Courthouses are open during business hours only, usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank is the cheapest option if you have an account there, and many offer notary services free or for a small fee.
  • UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries in most branches and let you book appointments online, so you avoid waiting.
  • Your county courthouse always has notaries available during business hours, though you cannot reserve a time slot.
  • Call ahead before you go, because a single notary may be away from their desk or helping another customer.
  • Bring the original document and a government-issued photo ID; the notary will not notarize a copy or a document you cannot sign in front of them.

How to search online for notaries in your area

Google Maps and the National Notary Association's online directory both let you search by zip code. Type "notary public near me" into Google Maps and you will see banks, UPS Stores, and independent notaries with their hours and phone numbers. The National Notary Association website has a "Find a Notary" tool where you enter your state and city; it shows licensed notaries and their contact information.

Independent notaries often work from home offices or small businesses and may charge less than chain stores. Call to confirm they are available and ask whether they charge a flat fee per signature or a per-document rate. Some notaries travel to you for an extra fee, which saves time if you are housebound or managing multiple signings.

What to bring when you visit a notary

Bring the original, unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID. The notary must see your ID to verify your identity—a library card, student ID, or expired passport will not work. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card.

Bring the document completely blank where your signature goes. A notary cannot notarize a document you have already signed, and they cannot sign it for you. You must sign it in front of them. If the document requires multiple signatures (yours and a witness, for example), bring everyone who needs to sign.

Notary services at shipping and retail stores

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations are open six or seven days a week, often until 7 or 8 p.m., which makes them convenient outside normal business hours. Most let you book a notary appointment through their website or by phone. The cost is usually $10 to $25 per signature, and you can often complete the notarization in under 10 minutes.

Not every location has a notary on staff, so check the store locator on the UPS or FedEx website and filter for "notary services" before you go. Some Staples locations also employ notaries, though availability varies by store. Call the specific branch to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

Using your bank or credit union

If you have a checking or savings account, call your bank's main branch and ask whether notary services are free. Most large banks offer this service at no charge to members. Credit unions often do the same. You may need to visit the branch where you opened your account, or any branch in the network—policies vary.

Banks are usually less busy early in the morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays. Walk in during these times and you may not wait. If you are notarizing a mortgage document or something related to your account, the bank may require you to schedule an appointment in advance.

County courthouse notaries

Your county courthouse has notaries available during regular business hours, usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You do not need an appointment—walk in and ask the clerk where the notary office is located. Wait times vary; some courthouses have a short line, others may have you wait 30 minutes or more.

Courthouse notaries are public employees and charge a fee set by your state, usually $2 to $10 per signature. This is often the cheapest option. Bring your ID and the unsigned document. The courthouse is closed on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly if you need a notary on a Saturday or Sunday.

Finding a notary on weekends and evenings

UPS Store and FedEx Office are your best options for weekend and evening notaries. Most locations are open Saturday and some are open Sunday, with hours extending into the evening on weekdays. Use their online store locator to find branches near you and check their hours before you go.

Some independent notaries work evenings and weekends and advertise on Google or Yelp. Search "notary public open Saturday" or "notary public evening" plus your city name. Call to confirm availability and ask whether they charge extra for after-hours service. Mobile notaries who travel to you are also more likely to offer weekend appointments, though they usually charge a travel fee on top of the notary fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary public notarize a document I already signed?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notarization is not valid. You will need an unsigned copy of the document to bring to the notary.

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

Banks and courthouses usually accept walk-ins, though you may wait. UPS Store and FedEx Office let you book appointments online, which is faster. Call ahead to confirm the notary is present, especially at smaller locations where one person may be handling multiple tasks.

What if I cannot get to a notary in person?

Some states allow remote notarization using video conferencing, though this is not available everywhere. Ask the organization requesting the notarized document whether they accept remote notarization. If they do, search for "remote notary" or "online notary" in your state to find providers who offer this service.

How much does a notary cost?

Banks charge nothing to account holders and $5 to $15 to non-customers. UPS Store and FedEx Office charge $10 to $25 per signature. Courthouses charge $2 to $10 per signature, depending on your state. Independent notaries vary widely, so call ahead to ask.

Can a family member notarize a document for me?

No. A notary public must be an impartial third party with no financial interest in the document and no family relationship to you. Your spouse, parent, or sibling cannot notarize your signature, even if they are a licensed notary.