Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location
Bank of America does have notaries available at many of its branches. However, the service is not may provide at every location, and you will need to call ahead to confirm. Some branches staff a notary full-time; others have one available only on certain days or during specific hours. A few smaller branches may not offer the service at all.
Bank of America typically charges a fee for notary services, though the amount varies. As of now, the cost ranges from $5 to $15 per signature, depending on your branch and whether you are a customer. Some branches waive the fee for account holders; others charge everyone the same rate. Call your local branch directly to ask about their specific pricing and whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Most Bank of America branches have notaries on staff, but you must call ahead to confirm availability at your specific location.
- Notary fees at Bank of America typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, and some branches offer the service free to account holders.
- You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs notarizing; the notary will not notarize blank documents.
- If your local Bank of America branch does not have a notary or cannot fit you in, your county clerk's office, UPS Store, or library often offer notary services at lower cost.
How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch
Start by calling the branch nearest you. Ask specifically whether they have a notary available and whether you need to schedule an appointment. Some branches can see you the same day; others book appointments days in advance. If the branch does not have a notary, ask whether another nearby branch does.
You can find your local branch phone number on the Bank of America website by entering your zip code. When you call, have your document ready so you can describe what needs notarizing. The notary may ask questions about the document over the phone to determine whether they can help.
What to bring when you visit
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs notarizing; notaries cannot notarize copies or blank documents.
If the document is a power of attorney, bring it unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in their presence. Some notaries will also ask you to sign a notary journal (a record they keep of the transaction), so be prepared to sign twice—once on the document itself and once in their log.
When Bank of America notaries cannot help
Bank of America notaries cannot notarize certain documents, including those that require a certified copy (a notarized photocopy with the notary's seal and signature). They also cannot notarize documents where you are not physically present, and they will not notarize a document you have already signed elsewhere.
If your document falls into one of these categories, or if your local branch has no availability, you have other options. County clerk offices, UPS Store locations, and many public libraries offer notary services, often at lower cost than banks. Some charge $2 to $5 per signature.
Cost comparison with other notary sources
| Source | Typical Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | $5–$15 per signature | Varies by branch; call ahead |
| County clerk office | $2–$5 per signature | Standard business hours |
| UPS Store | $5–$15 per signature | Extended hours; many locations open weekends |
| Public library | Free to $5 per signature | Varies; some offer notary only certain days |
| Online notary service | $25–$50 per document | Available 24/7; requires video call |
What happens during the notarization
The notary will ask you to state your name and confirm your identity using your photo ID. They will ask you to swear or affirm that you are signing the document of your own free will and that the information in it is true. This is a legal requirement—the notary is witnessing that you are who you say you are and that you are signing willingly.
Once you have signed the document in front of the notary, they will sign and stamp it with their official seal. The seal, signature, and date are what make the document notarized. Keep the original notarized document; you will need it to present to whoever is requesting the notarization (a court, an attorney, a financial institution, or another party).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a power of attorney notarized at Bank of America?
Yes. Bring the unsigned document, your photo ID, and any other documents the notary asks for. The notary will watch you sign it. Some states require additional steps for powers of attorney—for example, a witness signature or a specific form—so check your state's rules before you go, or ask the notary whether your document meets your state's requirements.
Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary?
No, but some branches charge account holders a lower fee or waive the fee entirely. Call your branch to ask about their customer discount policy before you visit.
What if I cannot get to a Bank of America branch during business hours?
UPS Store locations often have extended hours and are open on weekends. Public libraries sometimes offer notary services on evenings or Saturdays. Online notary services are available 24/7 but require a video call and typically cost more than in-person notarization.
Can the notary tell me whether my power of attorney is correct?
No. A notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature; they do not review the legal content of the document. If you are unsure whether your power of attorney meets your state's requirements, speak with an attorney before notarization.
What if I lose the notarized document after I get it?
You will need to have it notarized again. The notary's seal and signature cannot be reproduced, so a photocopy of a notarized document is not valid. Keep the original in a safe place.