Schwab does not offer notary services at their branch locations
Charles Schwab does not provide notary services to customers or the public at their offices. This applies across all their U.S. branch locations. If you need a document notarized and you bank with Schwab, you will need to find a notary elsewhere.
Schwab's decision to exclude notary services is consistent with many large financial institutions that have moved away from offering this service in-branch. The company focuses its office staff on account management, investment information, and customer service related to banking and brokerage products.
Key Takeaways
- Charles Schwab does not offer notary services at any of their U.S. branch offices.
- Banks that do offer notary services typically limit them to account holders and may charge a fee, even if they advertise "free" notary.
- Your options include visiting a local bank that offers notary services, using a dedicated notary public, or checking with your employer or local government office.
- Some notaries charge per signature rather than per document, so a multi-page document with one signature costs less than one with three.
Where to find a notary if you bank with Schwab
Start by calling your local bank branch — not Schwab, but a regional or community bank in your area. Many smaller banks and credit unions still offer notary services to account holders at no charge. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary on staff and what hours they work, since notaries are often available only during certain times or days.
If your bank does not offer notary services, search online for "notary public near me" or check your state's notary directory. Most states maintain a list of commissioned notaries on their Secretary of State website. You can also ask at your local UPS Store, FedEx Office, or Staples — many of these locations employ notaries and charge between $5 and $15 per signature.
Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost. Check with your HR department or employee benefits office before paying for a notary elsewhere. Libraries and courthouses sometimes have notaries available, though hours vary widely by location.
What to bring when you get a document notarized
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing any document. Bring the original document that needs notarizing, not a copy. Some notaries will notarize copies, but most require the original.
Know exactly which signature or signatures need to be notarized. A document may have multiple signature lines, but you may only need one or two notarized. Ask the person or organization requesting the notarization which signature line they need certified. This affects the cost, since notaries typically charge per signature, not per document.
How notary fees work
Notary fees vary by state and by notary. Most charge between $5 and $15 per signature. Some charge a flat fee per document regardless of how many signatures it contains, while others charge per signature. A few notaries charge a travel fee if you request them to come to your home or office.
Banks that offer notary services to account holders often advertise it as "free," but this usually means free to customers with an account — not free to the general public. Some banks charge all customers a small fee anyway, typically $5 to $10 per signature. Always ask about the cost before the notary begins work.
Notary services at other financial institutions
Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Chase offer notary services at many of their branches, but only to account holders, and some locations charge a fee. Availability varies by branch and by state. Call your local branch to confirm they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free.
Credit unions often offer notary services to members at no charge. If you are a member of a credit union, contact your local branch first — you may find a notary there before paying a commercial notary service. Some credit unions require you to make an appointment, so call ahead.
Remote notarization as an alternative
Some states now allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies your identity over video and notarizes a document electronically. This option is useful if you cannot visit a notary in person or if no notaries are available near you. Not all states permit remote notarization, and not all documents can be notarized remotely — some legal documents require an in-person notarization.
Search online for "remote notary" or "online notary" to find services in your state. These services typically charge $25 to $50 per signature and require you to upload a photo of your ID and sign the document electronically. The process usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document myself?
No. A notary public is a third party who verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. You cannot notarize your own documents. The notary must be someone other than you and must be commissioned in the state where the document is signed.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized?
It depends on the notary. Banks and credit unions usually require an appointment or accept walk-ins during business hours. Commercial notaries and UPS Store locations often take walk-ins but may have a wait. Call ahead to confirm their process.
What documents can be notarized?
Most documents can be notarized, including affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, and real estate papers. Some legal documents, such as wills in certain states, have specific notarization rules. Ask the person requesting the notarization whether the document has any special requirements.
How long does notarization take?
The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The notary will verify your ID, ask you to sign the document in front of them, and then explore their seal and signature. If the notary is busy, you may wait longer.
Is a notarized document the same as a certified copy?
No. A notarized document has a notary's seal and signature confirming you signed it. A certified copy is an official copy of a document issued by the organization that holds the original, such as a courthouse or vital records office. Some documents require one, some require the other, and some require both.