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

Bank of America does notarize documents at many of its branches, but the service is not available everywhere and is not always free. If you have a Bank of America account, call your local branch directly to ask whether they offer notarization and whether there is a fee. Some branches staff a notary during business hours; others do not. Even branches that do notarize may have limits on the types of documents they will certify or may require you to be a customer.

The fastest way to find out is to phone the branch where you bank rather than visit in person. Ask specifically whether they notarize power of attorney documents, since some notaries will not certify documents that transfer legal authority. If your branch does not offer the service, the bank's customer service line can sometimes direct you to a nearby branch that does.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notarization is available at some branches but not all, and you should call ahead to confirm your branch offers it.
  • Many Bank of America branches charge a fee for notarization, typically a few dollars per signature, though some waive it for account holders.
  • You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the unsigned document to be notarized, and the notary must watch you sign it.
  • If your Bank of America branch does not notarize or cannot handle power of attorney documents, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notaries are widely available alternatives.

What to bring when you visit a Bank of America branch for notarization

Bring the unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your face and verify your identity before you sign. Do not sign the document before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign it in front of them.

If the document is a power of attorney, bring any additional paperwork the branch requests. Some notaries ask to see proof that you understand what you are signing, especially for documents that grant someone else legal authority over your finances or health decisions. Call the branch beforehand to ask what they need so you do not make a wasted trip.

Cost of notarization at Bank of America

Bank of America does not publish a standard notarization fee across all branches. Some branches charge between $5 and $15 per signature; others waive the fee for account holders. A few branches do not charge at all. The only way to know what your branch charges is to ask when you call.

If the fee is more than you want to pay, or if your branch does not offer notarization, other sources are often cheaper or free. UPS stores and FedEx locations typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks, credit unions, and law offices notarize for free or at a lower cost. A few states allow notaries to work from home or small offices and advertise rates online.

When Bank of America will not notarize a power of attorney

Some Bank of America branches decline to notarize power of attorney documents because notaries are sometimes uncomfortable certifying documents that transfer legal authority. A notary may worry about liability if the document is later disputed or if the person signing is being coerced. This is a judgment call made by the individual notary, not a Bank of America policy, so one branch may notarize while another refuses.

If your branch will not notarize your power of attorney, ask whether they can refer you to a notary who will, or search online for "notary public near me" to find independent notaries in your area. Some notaries specialize in legal documents and are more comfortable with powers of attorney than bank notaries are.

Alternatives to Bank of America notarization

UPS stores (The UPS Store locations) and FedEx Office locations notarize documents at most of their branches. Fees are usually $5 to $15 per signature. Hours are often longer than bank hours, and you do not need to be a customer. Call ahead to confirm the location near you offers notarization and to ask whether they notarize power of attorney documents.

Independent notaries advertise online and often work from home or small offices. Search "notary public [your city]" to find local options. Some charge less than retail locations and may offer evening or weekend hours. Law offices sometimes notarize for free if you are a client, or for a small fee if you are not. Credit unions often notarize for members at no cost.

What happens after a document is notarized

Once the notary signs and stamps your document, it is notarized. The notary keeps a record in their journal (a log of all documents they have certified), but you keep the original signed document. You can then file it, give it to the person it names, or store it as proof of your intent.

For a power of attorney, the notarized document is usually filed with the person who will act on your behalf (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) or kept in a safe place where it can be found if needed. Some states require power of attorney documents to be filed with a court or government office; others do not. Check your state's rules or ask an attorney whether your power of attorney needs to be filed after notarization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a power of attorney online with Bank of America?

Bank of America does not offer remote notarization. You must visit a branch in person with your ID and unsigned document. Some states now allow notaries to certify documents over video, but Bank of America has not rolled out that service. If your state permits remote notarization, search for "online notary [your state]" to find independent notaries who offer it.

Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to get a document notarized there?

Many Bank of America branches notarize for non-customers, but some limit the service to account holders. Call your local branch to ask. If they require you to be a customer, try a UPS store or FedEx location instead—both notarize for anyone with a valid ID.

How long does notarization take at Bank of America?

Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if the branch is not busy. Bring your ID and unsigned document, and the notary will verify your identity, watch you sign, and stamp the page. Call ahead during slow hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday) if you want to avoid a wait.

What if the notary says they cannot notarize my power of attorney?

Ask the notary why they are declining. If they are uncomfortable with the document type, ask for a referral to another notary or branch. If they say the document is invalid or incomplete, ask what is missing. You may need to revise the document or consult an attorney before trying again elsewhere.

Can someone else sign a power of attorney document on my behalf?

No. The person granting the power of attorney must sign it themselves in front of the notary. The notary verifies your identity and watches you sign to confirm you are doing so of your own will. Someone signing for you would make the document invalid.