Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but they are not free for all customers
Bank of America provides notary services at the majority of its branches, but the cost depends on whether you are a customer and which state you are in. If you hold a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can use notary services at no charge at most locations. Non-customers typically pay a fee per signature, which varies by state and branch—usually between $10 and $15 per document, though some branches charge more.
The availability and pricing can shift between branches, so calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm what your local Bank of America location offers. You will need a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs notarizing. The notary will not review the document for legal correctness or explain what you are signing—they only verify your identity and witness your signature.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America customers with an active checking or savings account receive free notary services at most branches; non-customers usually pay $10 to $15 per signature.
- Availability and fees vary by location and state, so you should call your branch directly to confirm before visiting.
- You must bring a valid government-issued ID and the document you need notarized; the notary will not explain the document or advise you on its contents.
- If your local Bank of America branch does not offer notary services or charges more than you want to pay, credit unions, UPS stores, and some public libraries offer notary services as well.
How to learn about your branch offers notary services
The easiest way is to call your local Bank of America branch directly and ask whether they have a notary on staff and what the cost is for your situation. You can find the phone number on the Bank of America website by entering your zip code, or you can call the main customer service line and ask to be transferred to your nearest branch.
When you call, tell them whether you are a customer or non-customer, because that determines the price. Ask also whether they require an appointment or accept walk-ins for notary services. Some branches are busier than others and may ask you to come back at a slower time or schedule a time slot in advance.
What to bring when you visit for notarization
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before they will notarize any document. Bring the original document that needs notarizing; most notaries will not work from a copy.
If the document requires multiple signatures or notarizations, bring all copies you need signed. Some documents, like powers of attorney, may require the notary to initial or stamp multiple pages. Ask the notary before you leave whether the document is now complete or whether you need to take it somewhere else for additional notarization.
When Bank of America notary services may not work for you
Bank of America notaries cannot notarize documents if you do not have a valid ID, if you appear unable to understand what you are signing, or if the notary suspects fraud. They also cannot notarize documents they themselves prepared or documents that would benefit them financially. If your document falls into one of these categories, you will need to find a notary elsewhere.
Some documents require a notary who is bonded or insured, or who holds a specific state commission. Bank of America notaries are commissioned by their state, but if your document has special requirements, confirm with the notary or the organization requesting the notarization before you go to the bank.
Other places to get notary services if Bank of America does not work
Credit unions often offer free notary services to members, similar to Bank of America's policy. Call your credit union to ask. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff and charge per signature—usually $10 to $25 depending on location. Some public libraries offer notary services for free or a small fee; call your local library to ask whether they have a notary available and whether you need to make an appointment.
If you need notarization outside of business hours, some online notary services allow you to connect with a commissioned notary via video call. These services charge a fee per document, typically $25 to $50, and are useful if you cannot visit a physical location during the day. However, not all documents can be notarized online—some states restrict remote notarization to certain document types, so check your state's rules before paying for an online service.
What a notary does and does not do
A notary verifies your identity, watches you sign the document, and stamps or signs it to confirm they witnessed your signature. They do not read the document for accuracy, explain what it means, or advise you on whether you should sign it. If you have questions about the content or legal effect of a document—especially a power of attorney—you should speak with a lawyer before the notarization, not with the notary.
The notary's role is purely procedural: they confirm that the person signing is who they say they are and that the signature was made in front of them. Once the notary stamps the document, it has been notarized, but that does not mean it is legally correct or that it will be accepted by the organization you are submitting it to. Some organizations have their own notarization requirements, so check with them before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary?
No, but non-customers pay a fee. Bank of America customers with an active checking or savings account receive free notary services. Non-customers typically pay $10 to $15 per signature, though the exact amount varies by branch and state. Call your local branch to confirm the price before you visit.
Can Bank of America notarize a power of attorney?
Yes, Bank of America notaries can notarize a power of attorney document. However, the notary will only verify your identity and witness your signature—they will not review the document for legal correctness or explain what it means. If you have questions about the power of attorney before signing, speak with a lawyer.
What if my Bank of America branch does not have a notary?
Not all Bank of America branches have notaries on staff. Call ahead to confirm. If your branch does not offer notary services, try a nearby Bank of America location, your credit union, a UPS store, or your local library. Some of these alternatives offer free or lower-cost notarization.
Can I get a document notarized online through Bank of America?
Bank of America does not offer online notary services. You must visit a branch in person. If you need remote notarization, third-party online notary services are available, though they charge a fee and are not available for all document types in all states.
How long does notarization take at Bank of America?
Notarization itself takes only a few minutes—usually five to ten minutes. However, if the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Some branches ask you to schedule an appointment to avoid a long wait. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether an appointment is recommended.