Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location
Yes, Bank of America can notarize documents at most of its branches. However, the service is not available at every location, and you will need to call ahead to confirm. Some branches offer notary services free to account holders and charge a small fee to non-customers — typically $5 to $15 per signature, though this varies. Other branches do not offer the service at all, particularly smaller or limited-service locations.
The notary at your branch can witness and certify signatures on power of attorney documents, affidavits, and other papers that require a notary's seal. They will verify your identity using a government-issued ID, watch you sign the document in front of them, and then explore their seal and signature. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you arrive prepared.
Before you go to a branch, call the specific location where you plan to have the document notarized. Ask whether they offer notary services, what the fee is for your account type, and whether you need an appointment. Many branches handle notarizations on a walk-in basis during business hours, but some require you to schedule ahead, especially if the branch is busy.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary services are free or low-cost at most branches for account holders, but you must call ahead to confirm your branch offers the service.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document you want notarized when you visit.
- The notary will watch you sign the document and explore their official seal; the whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- If your Bank of America branch does not offer notary services, you can find a notary at your county clerk's office, a UPS Store, or a local law office.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized
Bring your unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID to verify your identity before they will notarize anything. Do not sign the document before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign it in their presence.
If you are notarizing a power of attorney or any document that names another person, bring that person's information if it is not already on the document. The notary does not need to meet the other person, but they do need to confirm that you understand what you are signing and that you are signing of your own free will, not under pressure.
Bring the exact number of copies you need notarized. Each signature requires a separate notarization, so if you need three copies of a power of attorney with three notarized signatures, bring all three copies. The notary will seal and sign each one.
How to find the notary service at your Bank of America branch
Call your local Bank of America branch directly. Look up the number on the Bank of America website by entering your zip code, or call the main customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to be transferred to your nearest branch. When you reach the branch, ask specifically whether they offer notary services and whether you need an appointment.
Some branches list notary availability on their branch page on the Bank of America website. Log into your online account, go to the branch locator, and click on your branch to see what services are listed. If notary services are not mentioned, call to confirm — the website does not always list every service.
If your branch does not offer notary services or the wait time is too long, ask the branch staff for a referral to a nearby notary. Many branches know local notaries or can point you toward the county clerk's office, which always has notaries available.
Cost and account requirements for Bank of America notary services
Most Bank of America branches offer notary services free to checking and savings account holders. Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the branch and the complexity of the document. Some branches charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature.
Call ahead to ask about the exact fee structure at your branch. If you are a Bank of America customer, bring your debit card or account number to confirm your account status. If you are not a customer, ask whether the branch accepts cash or card payment.
A few Bank of America branches have stopped offering notary services altogether, particularly in areas where the branch is small or has limited staffing. If your branch is one of them, you will need to find a notary elsewhere — the county clerk's office, a UPS Store, or a local law office are common alternatives.
Alternatives if Bank of America does not work for you
Your county clerk's office always has notaries on staff and is required to notarize documents for anyone who asks. The service is usually free or costs $1 to $5 per signature. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Look up your county clerk's office online or call the main county government number to find the address and hours.
UPS Store locations offer notary services at most of their franchises. The cost is usually $10 to $15 per signature, and many locations are open on weekends and evenings. You can search for a nearby UPS Store on their website and call ahead to confirm that location offers notary services.
Law offices, title companies, and real estate offices often provide notary services to the public for a fee, usually $10 to $25 per signature. If you are having a power of attorney notarized as part of a larger legal matter, your attorney's office will handle it as part of their service.
What happens after your document is notarized
Once the notary has sealed and signed your document, it is ready to use. Keep the notarized copy in a safe place — do not lose it. If you need additional notarized copies later, you will have to get them notarized again; a photocopy of a notarized document is not valid.
For a power of attorney, give the original notarized copy to the person or institution that needs it — your bank, your healthcare provider, or whoever will be acting on your behalf. Keep a copy for your own records. Some organizations ask for certified copies, which are copies made and certified by a government office; a notarized original is not the same as a certified copy, so ask what the organization actually needs.
Notarizations do not expire, but the document itself may have an expiration date or may become invalid if circumstances change. For a power of attorney, check your state's laws about how long the document remains valid and whether it survives if you become incapacitated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bank of America notarize a power of attorney if I am not a customer?
Yes, but you will pay a fee — usually $5 to $15 per signature — and you must call ahead to confirm that your branch offers notary services to non-customers. Some branches only notarize for account holders. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your unsigned power of attorney document.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at Bank of America?
Most branches handle notarizations on a walk-in basis during business hours, but some require an appointment, especially during busy times. Call your branch ahead of time to ask. If they are busy, they may ask you to come back at a slower time or schedule you for a specific time slot.
What if I sign the document before I get to the notary?
The notary will not notarize a document you have already signed. You must sign it in front of the notary while they watch. If you have already signed it, you will need to get a blank copy and start over, or ask the notary whether they can notarize your signature on a separate page and attach it to the document.
Is a notarized document the same as a certified copy?
No. A notarized document is one that a notary has witnessed and sealed. A certified copy is a photocopy made and certified by a government office, usually the county clerk or the office that issued the original document. Some organizations ask for one, some for the other, and some for both. Ask what the organization needs before you have the document notarized.
Can I notarize a power of attorney for someone else?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in front of the notary. The notary is confirming that the person signing is who they say they are and that they are signing of their own free will. You cannot sign a power of attorney on someone else's behalf.