Most banks notarize for free if you have an account with them, but the service is not available at every branch and policies vary by bank
Many banks do notarize documents for free, but the offer usually comes with conditions. The most common condition is that you must be a customer of that bank — typically someone with a checking or savings account. Some banks notarize for free only during business hours at their main branch, while others extend the service to all their locations. A few banks charge a small fee even for account holders, usually between $5 and $15 per signature. The fastest way to know what your bank offers is to call the branch directly and ask whether they notarize for customers at no cost.
Not every branch of a bank that offers free notary service will have a notary on staff. A large downtown branch may have one available all day, while a smaller suburban location may have a notary only on certain days or during limited hours. Calling ahead takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks notarize documents for free if you hold an account with them, but you must call your branch in advance because not all locations offer the service.
- Banks that notarize for free typically require you to bring a valid government-issued ID and the unsigned document you need notarized.
- Some banks limit free notary service to account holders only, while others charge a fee regardless of whether you bank there.
- If your bank does not notarize or charges a fee, credit unions, law offices, and title companies often notarize for free or at a lower cost.
- Call ahead before visiting — many banks keep a notary on staff only during certain hours or at specific branch locations.
Which major banks notarize for free
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all notarize documents for free to account holders at most of their branches. However, each bank sets its own rules about which locations offer the service and whether you need an appointment. Chase notarizes for free at most branches during regular business hours, but some smaller branches may not have a notary on staff. Bank of America offers free notary service to account holders, though availability varies by location and you may need to schedule ahead.
Wells Fargo notarizes for free for customers, and Citibank does the same, but both recommend calling your local branch first to confirm a notary is available. Credit unions often notarize for free as well, even for non-members, though this varies by credit union. If you do not bank at one of these institutions, calling your own bank's customer service line is the quickest way to find out whether they notarize and under what conditions.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized at a bank
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your identity before notarizing anything. You must also bring the unsigned document itself. The notary will watch you sign the document in front of them; they cannot notarize a document you have already signed, and they cannot sign it for you.
Some banks ask you to bring a second form of ID or proof of address, though this is less common. If you are unsure what the bank needs, call ahead. Bring the original document, not a photocopy — notaries notarize originals. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs a signature.
Banks that charge a fee for notary services
Some banks charge a small fee even for account holders. TD Bank, for instance, charges around $5 to $10 per notarization for customers and more for non-customers. PNC Bank charges a fee at some locations but not others, so calling ahead is essential. Smaller regional banks and some branches of larger banks may also charge, even if the main bank's policy is to notarize for free.
If your bank charges a fee, the cost is usually between $5 and $15 per signature. Some banks charge per document rather than per signature, so if a document has two places that need notarizing, you may pay twice. Ask the bank for the exact fee before you go in so there are no surprises at the counter.
Free notary alternatives if your bank does not offer the service
If your bank does not notarize or charges a fee, several other places notarize for free or cheaply. Many credit unions notarize for free, even for people who do not have an account there — call ahead to confirm. Law offices sometimes notarize for free as well, particularly if you are a client or if the document is straightforward. Title companies, which handle real estate transactions, often notarize for free because notarizing is part of their regular work.
UPS Store locations and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff and charge a fee, usually $10 to $15 per signature. Some libraries and county clerk offices notarize for free or at a very low cost, though hours are often limited to weekday business hours. Calling ahead to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed will save you a trip.
How to learn about your specific bank notarizes
The fastest way is to call your local branch directly and ask: "Do you notarize documents for free for account holders?" Write down the name of the person who answers and what they tell you, in case you need to follow up. If the branch does not notarize, ask whether another nearby branch does.
You can also check your bank's website — many banks list notary services under "Services" or "Customer Support." If the website does not say, call the main customer service number and ask. Some banks have notary availability listed on their branch locator tool, so you can search by location and see which branches offer the service.
What to do if you need a notary the same day
If you need a document notarized quickly, call multiple places at once rather than visiting them one by one. Start with your bank, then call nearby credit unions, law offices, and UPS Store or FedEx Office locations. Many of these places can notarize within an hour if you call ahead and confirm a notary is available.
Weekday mornings are usually the least busy time at banks and notary services, so you are more likely to be seen without an appointment then. If you are in a rush, avoid calling on Friday afternoons or during lunch hours, when notaries are often busy or unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer to get a bank to notarize for free?
Most banks notarize for free only for account holders. Some credit unions and a few other institutions notarize for free regardless of whether you bank there, so it is worth calling around if you do not have an account at a major bank.
Can a bank 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 notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get an unsigned copy and sign it in front of the notary.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at a bank?
Most banks do not require an appointment for notary services, but calling ahead to confirm a notary is available is a good idea. Some branches have only one notary, so they may be busy or unavailable at certain times.
How long does it take to get a document notarized at a bank?
The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes if the notary is available and you have brought the correct ID and unsigned document. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer.
What if my bank does not have a notary available?
Call nearby credit unions, law offices, or UPS Store locations. Many of these places notarize for free or for a small fee and can often see you the same day if you call ahead.