Bank of America Notary Services: What's Available
Bank of America does offer notary services at many of its branch locations, but availability depends on which branch you visit and whether you have an account there. Most Bank of America branches have at least one notary public on staff during business hours, and the service is typically free for account holders. Non-account holders may be charged a fee, which varies by location—usually between $5 and $15 per signature.
The catch is that not every Bank of America branch has a notary available at all times. Smaller branches or those in rural areas may have limited notary hours, and some branches share a single notary across multiple locations. Before you go in, call your local branch directly to confirm a notary is present and ask about their hours. Many branches require you to make an appointment rather than walk in, especially if you need multiple documents notarized.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary services are free for account holders at most branches, but you should call ahead to confirm availability and hours.
- Non-account holders may pay a fee per signature, typically $5 to $15, depending on the branch location.
- Not all branches have a notary on staff, and some require an appointment rather than accepting walk-ins.
- You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs to be notarized when you visit.
- If your local Bank of America branch cannot help, credit unions, UPS stores, and FedEx locations often offer notary services as an alternative.
What You Need to Bring to a Bank of America Branch
When you visit a Bank of America branch for notary services, bring your valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will verify your identity before notarizing any document. You also need to bring the actual document that requires notarization. If it is a power of attorney form, bring the original unsigned copy, since the notary must watch you sign it in their presence.
Do not bring a pre-signed document expecting the notary to notarize it. Notaries are required by law to witness your signature in real time. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot proceed. Also bring any additional copies you need notarized—the notary can notarize multiple copies of the same document in one visit, which saves you a trip.
How to Find a Bank of America Branch With Notary Services
Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or call 1-800-432-1000 to find branches near you. When you call or visit the locator, ask specifically whether that branch has notary services and what their hours are. Some branches list notary availability online, but calling is faster and more reliable because staffing changes throughout the day.
If you are looking for the quickest option, ask whether the branch offers appointments. Some locations let you book a notary slot online or by phone, which means you will not wait in line. If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have notary services or their hours do not work for you, ask the staff to recommend another location in your area that does.
Cost and Account Requirements
Bank of America account holders receive free notary services at most branches. This applies whether you have a checking account, savings account, or any other product with the bank. If you do not have an account, you will likely be charged a per-signature fee. The exact amount varies by branch and region, but $5 to $15 per signature is typical. Some branches may charge a flat fee for multiple signatures on one document, so ask before the notary begins.
A few Bank of America branches in high-traffic areas or major cities may have different pricing structures, so confirm the cost when you call. If the fee seems high, compare it to nearby alternatives like UPS stores or FedEx locations, which often charge $5 to $10 per signature regardless of whether you are a customer.
Alternatives If Bank of America Cannot Help
If your local Bank of America branch does not have notary services or their hours do not work for you, several other options are available. UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries on staff at most locations and are often open longer hours than banks, including weekends. Credit unions frequently offer notary services to members and sometimes to the general public. Online notary services have also become more common, though they work differently—you sign the document on video while the notary watches remotely, and the document is returned to you electronically or by mail.
Your state bar association or secretary of state's office maintains a directory of notaries public in your area. You can search by zip code to find independent notaries near you, many of whom will come to your home or office for a fee. For power of attorney documents specifically, some attorneys offer notary services as part of their document preparation, which can be worth the cost if you need legal review as well.
What Bank of America Notaries Can and Cannot Do
Bank of America notaries can notarize most standard documents, including power of attorney forms, affidavits, and signature verification pages. They will watch you sign the document, verify your identity, and explore their notary seal and signature. They cannot, however, provide legal information about what you are signing or whether a power of attorney is the right document for your situation. If you have questions about the legal content of the document, you will need to consult an attorney.
Notaries also cannot notarize documents that are already signed, documents where the signer is not present, or documents that appear to be fraudulent or coercive. If a notary refuses to notarize your document, it is usually because the law requires them to—not because of a Bank of America policy. Ask the notary to explain their concern, and consider having an attorney review the document if you are unsure why it was refused.
Timing and Appointment Scheduling
The notarization itself takes only a few minutes—usually five to ten minutes per document. However, if you walk in without an appointment, you may wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. Scheduling an appointment eliminates the wait and guarantees a notary will be available when you arrive. Some Bank of America branches allow you to book appointments online through their website; others require a phone call to the specific branch.
Call your branch at least one business day in advance if you can. If you need notary services urgently, ask whether they have same-day appointments available. Branches in downtown areas or near business districts tend to have more flexible scheduling because they handle more notary requests. Avoid visiting during lunch hours or late afternoon, when branches are typically busiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a power of attorney notarized at Bank of America if I am not a customer?
Yes, but you will likely pay a per-signature fee, typically $5 to $15. You must bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned power of attorney document. Call your local branch first to confirm they have notary services and ask about their fee for non-account holders.
What if I need the notarization done on a weekend or after hours?
Most Bank of America branches are closed on weekends and have limited evening hours. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some credit unions offer weekend and evening notary services. Online notary services are also available 24/7, though they work through video conferencing rather than in person.
Do I need to sign the power of attorney in front of the notary?
Yes. The notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the unsigned original to the Bank of America branch.
Can Bank of America notarize documents for someone else if I bring them?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in person with a valid photo ID. The notary cannot notarize a signature on behalf of someone who is not there.
How much does it cost to get a power of attorney notarized at Bank of America?
It is free for Bank of America account holders. Non-account holders typically pay $5 to $15 per signature. Call your local branch to confirm the exact fee, as it varies by location.