Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location

Bank of America notarizes documents at many of its branches, but not all locations offer the service. If you need a power of attorney document notarized, calling your local branch first is the only way to confirm they have a notary on staff that day. Some branches have a notary available during all business hours; others have one notary who works specific days or hours, and you may need an appointment.

Bank of America does not charge account holders for notary services in most cases, though some branches may charge a small fee for non-customers. The cost, if any, varies by branch and by whether you hold an account there. Call ahead to ask about both availability and cost before you visit.

If your branch does not offer notary services or the hours do not work for you, other options include credit unions, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notaries. Some of these charge per signature, typically between $5 and $15.

Key Takeaways

  • Not every Bank of America branch has a notary available, so you must call your local branch to confirm the service exists and when the notary works.
  • Bank of America account holders usually receive notary services at no charge, though non-customers may pay a small fee that varies by location.
  • You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document that needs notarization.
  • If your branch cannot notarize your document, credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notaries are common alternatives in most areas.

What documents Bank of America will and will not notarize

Bank of America notaries will notarize most common documents, including powers of attorney, affidavits, and property-related paperwork. They will not notarize documents they believe are fraudulent, documents you did not sign in front of them, or documents where they suspect coercion or lack of understanding.

A notary's job is to verify your identity and confirm that you signed the document willingly and knowingly. They do not review whether the document is legally correct or whether it serves your actual interests. If you are unsure whether a power of attorney document is written correctly for your situation, you should have an attorney review it before you go to the notary.

What to bring to get a document notarized

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check this to confirm your identity. Bring the unsigned document itself, not a copy. You must sign it in front of the notary; they cannot notarize a document you signed beforehand.

If the document requires multiple signatures, all signers must be present. If a power of attorney document names someone else as your agent or attorney-in-fact, that person does not need to be there, but you do. Bring any other documents the notary asks for — some may request proof of address or additional identification depending on the type of document.

How long notarization takes and what happens next

Notarization itself takes only a few minutes. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign the document, and then add their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is.

After notarization, the document is ready to use. For a power of attorney, you may need to file it with a court or government office depending on what type it is and what state you live in. Some powers of attorney do not require filing; others do. Check with the office or institution that will receive the document to learn whether filing is necessary.

When Bank of America branches do not have a notary

If your Bank of America branch does not have a notary or the hours do not work for you, credit unions often notarize documents for members at no charge. UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries in most areas and charge per signature, usually $5 to $15. Some Walmart locations also offer notary services.

Independent notaries advertise in local directories and online. You can search for "notary public near me" to find options in your area. Many will come to your home or office for an additional fee if you cannot travel to them. Verify that any notary you choose is commissioned in your state — notaries are licensed by the state, not federally.

Cost differences between Bank of America and other notaries

Bank of America account holders typically pay nothing. Non-customers may pay a small fee, usually between $5 and $10 per signature, though some branches waive the fee. Credit unions usually charge members nothing and non-members a small fee. UPS stores and FedEx locations typically charge $5 to $15 per signature.

Independent notaries vary widely. Some charge per signature; others charge a flat fee for a document with multiple signatures. If you need multiple documents notarized, asking about a package rate can save money. The cheapest option is not always the fastest — a notary at your bank branch may be more convenient than driving across town, even if you pay a small fee elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a power of attorney notarized by mail or online at Bank of America?

No. Notarization requires you to sign the document in front of the notary in person. Remote notarization exists in some states, but Bank of America does not currently offer it. You must visit a branch in person.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

You cannot be notarized without one. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card is standard. If you do not have one of these, you will need to obtain one before the notary can proceed. Some notaries may accept alternative forms of ID in rare cases, but this is uncommon and varies by notary.

Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary?

No, but non-customers may pay a fee. Account holders usually receive the service at no charge. Call your local branch to ask about their policy for non-customers before you visit.

Can the notary tell me if my power of attorney is legal?

No. A notary confirms your identity and that you signed willingly, but does not review whether the document is legally correct or appropriate for your situation. If you have questions about whether the document is written correctly, consult an attorney before notarization.