Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability depends on your location and account status

Yes, Bank of America will notarize documents at many of their branches. However, the service is not available at every location, and policies vary. Most Bank of America branches that offer notary services do so for customers free of charge, though some branches may charge a small fee. The fastest way to find out whether your local branch offers notarization is to call ahead — availability changes by location and staffing.

Bank of America does not advertise notary services as prominently as they do other banking services, which is why many customers don't realize it's available. The service exists primarily to serve account holders, though some branches will notarize for non-customers as well. You'll need to bring the document you want notarized, a valid government-issued ID, and be prepared to sign the document in front of the notary.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your local Bank of America branch directly to confirm they offer notary services before you visit, because not all branches have a notary on staff.
  • Bank of America account holders typically receive free notarization, though non-customers may be charged a fee that varies by location.
  • You must bring a valid government-issued ID and sign the document in front of the notary — the notary cannot notarize a document you've already signed.
  • If your branch doesn't offer notary services, ask the staff for a referral to a nearby location that does, or check with your local courthouse or library.

How to learn about your branch offers notary services

The most reliable way is to call your local Bank of America branch directly and ask whether they have a notary available. When you call, ask whether the service is free for account holders and whether they charge non-customers. Some branches have a notary on staff during all business hours; others have one available only on certain days or by appointment.

You can also visit the Bank of America website and use their branch locator tool, though the locator does not always list which services each branch offers. After you find your branch, the phone number will be listed — calling is faster than visiting in person to ask.

What to bring when you visit for notarization

Bring the original document you need notarized and a valid government-issued ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will ask you to sign the document in their presence — they cannot notarize a document you've already signed elsewhere.

If you're unsure whether the document you have is the right one, or if you're not certain what signature is required, bring any instructions or letters that came with the document. The notary can answer basic questions about what needs to be signed, though they cannot give legal information about what the document means or whether you should sign it.

What documents Bank of America notaries can and cannot notarize

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, property deeds, and statutory declarations. They can also notarize documents for out-of-state use in most cases, though some states have specific requirements about how notarization must be performed.

Notaries cannot notarize documents they have a personal interest in — for example, a notary cannot notarize a document that benefits them financially or a document they are a party to. If the notary at your branch cannot notarize your document for any reason, they will tell you why and may refer you to another notary or service.

Cost and whether you need an account

Bank of America account holders receive free notarization at most branches. Non-customers are sometimes charged a fee, though the amount varies by location — some branches charge $5 to $15 per document, while others may decline to notarize for non-customers altogether. Call ahead to ask about the fee before you visit.

You do not need to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary services, though being a customer often means the service is free. If you are not a customer and your local branch charges a fee, you may find it cheaper to use a notary at a UPS Store, FedEx Office, or your local courthouse, which typically charge $5 to $25 per document.

Alternatives if your Bank of America branch doesn't offer notary services

If your branch doesn't have a notary, ask the staff for a referral to the nearest Bank of America location that does. Many branches will know which nearby locations have notaries on staff and can tell you their hours.

Other places that offer notary services include UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, Staples, and some local law offices. Your county courthouse often has notaries available, sometimes for free or for a small fee. Libraries in many areas also offer notary services to the public. Calling ahead to confirm hours and any fees is always a good idea, since availability varies widely.

How long notarization takes

Notarization itself takes only a few minutes — usually between 5 and 10 minutes per document. However, you may need to wait if the notary is busy with other customers. Calling ahead to ask about wait times or scheduling an appointment can save you time, especially if you need multiple documents notarized.

Some Bank of America branches allow you to schedule a notary appointment in advance, which guarantees you won't have to wait. Ask when you call whether your branch offers appointments, and whether they're necessary or recommended during the times you plan to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I'm not a Bank of America customer?

Yes, though you may be charged a fee. Call your local branch first to ask whether they notarize for non-customers and what the fee is. If the fee is high, check UPS Store, FedEx Office, or your local courthouse, which may be cheaper.

What if I've already signed the document?

The notary cannot notarize a document you've already signed. You'll need an unsigned copy. If you only have a signed copy, ask the notary whether you can sign a new blank copy in front of them, or whether the document needs to be reprinted.

Do I need an appointment for notary services at Bank of America?

Most branches accept walk-ins, but some require appointments or have limited notary availability. Call ahead to ask. Scheduling an appointment guarantees you won't wait and ensures a notary will be available when you arrive.

Can Bank of America notarize documents for use in another state?

Usually yes, though some states have specific rules about how notarization must be performed. If your document is for use out of state, tell the notary where it will be used. They can confirm whether the notarization will be valid there.

What if the notary says they can't notarize my document?

Notaries have legal limits on what they can notarize — for example, they cannot notarize documents they have a financial interest in. If your branch's notary declines, ask why and whether they can refer you to another notary who can help.