Bank of America Notary Services at a Glance
Yes, Bank of America offers notary services at most of its branches, but availability and cost vary by location. Many branches have at least one notary on staff during business hours, though some smaller locations may not. The service is typically free or low-cost for account holders, while non-account holders may pay a small fee—usually between $5 and $15 per signature, though this varies by state and branch.
Because notary availability is not may provide at every branch, you should call ahead before visiting. A staff member can confirm whether a notary is available that day, what hours they work, and whether you need an appointment. This five-minute call saves you a trip if your nearest branch has no notary on duty.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notaries are available at most branches during business hours, but you must call ahead to confirm availability at your specific location.
- Account holders typically receive notary services free or at a reduced cost, while non-account holders usually pay $5 to $15 per signature.
- You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarizing.
- If your Bank of America branch does not have a notary, you can find one through your state's notary public directory or at other financial institutions, UPS stores, or law offices.
What to Bring to Your Bank of America Branch
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing any document. Without a photo ID, the notary cannot proceed, so this is non-negotiable.
Bring the actual document that needs notarizing. The notary will review it to understand what is being signed and will watch you sign it in their presence. Do not sign the document before arriving at the branch—the notary must witness your signature. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them.
If you are notarizing a power of attorney or similar legal document, bring any supporting paperwork the document references. For example, if the power of attorney names a specific agent or lists account numbers, have that information available so the notary can verify the details match what you are signing.
How to Find a Notary at Your Bank of America Branch
Call your local Bank of America branch directly and ask whether a notary is available. The main branch phone number is on the Bank of America website or on your debit card. When you call, provide your zip code or branch name so they connect you to the right location.
Ask three specific questions: Is a notary available today or this week? What are the notary's hours? Do I need to make an appointment, or can I walk in? Some branches require appointments, especially if the notary works part-time or shares the role with other staff members. A few branches may have no notary at all, in which case the staff can direct you to the nearest branch that does.
If your branch has no notary, do not assume all Bank of America branches are without one. Call the next-nearest branch or check the Bank of America branch locator online and filter for branches near you, then call each one until you find a notary.
Cost and Fees for Bank of America Notary Services
Bank of America account holders often receive notary services at no charge or for a small fee of $2 to $5 per signature. Non-account holders typically pay $5 to $15 per signature. Some states cap notary fees by law, so the cost depends partly on where you live. California, for example, limits notary fees to $15 per signature, while other states allow higher amounts.
Ask about the fee when you call to confirm availability. If the cost seems high, you can compare it to other notaries in your area—UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and law offices often offer notary services at similar or lower rates. Some public libraries also offer free notary services, though availability varies by library system.
Alternatives if Your Bank of America Branch Cannot Help
If Bank of America cannot notarize your document, your state's notary public directory lists all licensed notaries in your area. Most states maintain this list online through the Secretary of State's office. You can search by zip code or city to find notaries near you, along with their phone numbers and hours.
UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff at most locations and often charge $5 to $15 per signature. Many law offices offer notary services to the public, even if you are not a client. Some title companies and real estate offices also notarize documents. Public libraries in some areas offer free notary services—call your local library to ask.
If you need the document notarized quickly, online notary services exist in most states, though they work differently than in-person notaries. An online notary uses video conferencing to verify your identity and witness your signature. These services typically cost $25 to $50 and take a few hours to complete, so they are useful if you cannot visit a branch in person.
What the Notary Will Do With Your Power of Attorney
The notary will ask you to sign the power of attorney document in front of them. They will watch you sign and may ask you to initial certain pages. They will then add their notary seal and signature to the document, along with the date and their notary number. This official mark proves that a licensed notary witnessed your signature and verified your identity.
The notary does not read or interpret the power of attorney—they only verify that you signed it willingly and that you are who you say you are. If you have questions about what the document means or whether it is correct, ask a lawyer before you go to the notary, not during the notarization. The notary cannot give legal information.
Once notarized, your power of attorney is ready to use. Some institutions—banks, investment firms, or government agencies—may require the original notarized document or a certified copy. Ask the organization where you plan to use the power of attorney whether they need the original or will accept a photocopy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document if I do not have a Bank of America account?
Yes. Bank of America notarizes documents for non-account holders, though you may pay a higher fee than account holders do. Call your local branch to confirm they will notarize for non-members and ask about the cost.
Do I need an appointment for Bank of America notary services?
It depends on the branch. Some branches accept walk-ins during business hours, while others require an appointment. Call ahead to find out what your branch requires. If an appointment is needed, you can usually schedule one the same day or the next day.
What if I sign the document before going to the notary?
The notary cannot notarize a document you have already signed. You must sign it in the notary's presence. If you have already signed it, you will need to get a blank copy and sign it again at the branch.
Can Bank of America notarize documents from other countries?
Bank of America notaries can notarize documents written in any language, but the notary must be able to verify your identity and understand what you are signing. If the document is in a language the notary does not speak, you may need to bring a certified translator or use a notary who speaks that language.
How long does a notarization take?
A notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The notary will review your ID, watch you sign, and add their seal. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer, so plan for 15 to 20 minutes total if you are walking in without an appointment.