Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location
Bank of America does provide notary services at the majority of its branches. However, the service is not may provide at every location, and some branches charge a fee while others offer it free to account holders. You will need to call your specific branch or visit in person to confirm they have a notary available and to learn their pricing.
If you need a document notarized for a power of attorney, a will, or another legal matter, Bank of America is one option, but it is not the only one. Many other banks, credit unions, and public notaries offer the same service, sometimes at lower cost or with more flexible hours.
Key Takeaways
- Most Bank of America branches have a notary on staff, but you must call ahead to confirm availability at your specific location.
- Bank of America account holders may receive notary services free or at a reduced rate, while non-account holders typically pay a per-signature fee.
- Fees and policies differ by branch, so comparing costs with other notaries in your area can save you money.
- Many alternatives exist, including credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notaries, which may have longer hours or lower fees.
How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch
Start by calling the branch where you hold your account or the one nearest to you. Ask whether they have a notary available and whether there is a fee. Some branches staff a notary during business hours; others may require you to schedule an appointment or may not have one at all.
When you call, have the following information ready: the type of document you need notarized, how many signatures need to be witnessed, and whether you are an account holder. This helps the branch tell you whether they can help and what to expect when you arrive.
If your branch does not have a notary or the fee is high, ask the staff to recommend other notaries in the area. Many branches keep a list of local options.
What to bring when you visit
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. The notary will examine this to verify your identity before witnessing your signature.
Bring the document itself, unsigned. The notary must watch you sign it in their presence. If the document has multiple pages or multiple signature lines, bring it complete and in order.
If you are unsure whether your document is ready to be notarized, ask the notary when you arrive. They can tell you whether anything is missing or incorrectly filled out.
Cost of notary services at Bank of America
Bank of America does not publish a standard fee across all branches. Costs typically range from free for account holders to a few dollars per signature for non-account holders, but this varies by location and branch policy.
Some branches waive the fee entirely for customers with certain account types. Others charge a flat fee per document or per signature. Call ahead to learn the exact cost before you go.
If the fee seems high, compare it with other notaries nearby. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notaries often charge less and may have evening or weekend hours.
Alternatives to Bank of America notaries
Credit unions often offer notary services to members at no cost. If you belong to a credit union, check whether they have a notary before visiting a bank.
UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries in many locations and typically charge a per-signature fee. These businesses often have longer hours than banks, including evenings and weekends.
Independent notaries advertise in your area through online search or the National Notary Association website. Many work by appointment and may come to your home or office, which can be convenient if you have mobility issues or a busy schedule.
Some law offices offer notary services as part of a consultation or at a small fee. If you are already working with an attorney on your power of attorney, ask whether they can notarize the document.
What a notary does and does not do
A notary witnesses your signature and verifies your identity. They do not read or interpret the document, give legal information, or determine whether the document is correct or complete. Their role is only to confirm that you signed it willingly and that you are who you say you are.
If you have questions about what your power of attorney document should say or whether it is legally valid, a notary cannot answer those questions. You may need to consult an attorney instead.
Preparing your document before you visit
Fill out your document completely before you go to the notary, except for the signature line itself. The notary must watch you sign, so leave that blank.
If your document requires a notary's seal or stamp, the notary will add that after witnessing your signature. Do not attempt to add it yourself.
If you are unsure whether your document is the right one or whether it needs notarization, contact the organization requesting it. They can tell you exactly what they need and whether a notary is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized by Bank of America if I do not have an account there?
Yes, but you may pay a higher fee than account holders. Call your nearest branch to ask their policy for non-account holders. Some branches notarize for anyone; others limit the service to customers.
Do I need an appointment for notary services at Bank of America?
It depends on the branch. Some notaries are available during regular business hours without an appointment, while others require you to schedule ahead. Call your branch to ask whether you need to book a time slot.
Can a notary help me fill out my power of attorney document?
No. A notary only witnesses your signature and confirms your identity. They cannot provide legal information or help you complete the document. If you need help with the content, consult an attorney.
What if Bank of America does not have a notary available?
Ask the branch staff for a referral to a nearby notary. Credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notaries are common alternatives and may have more flexible hours or lower fees.
How long does notarization take?
The process usually takes five to ten minutes, assuming you have your ID and the document is ready to sign. Wait times depend on how busy the branch is, so arriving early or calling ahead to schedule can help.