Bank of America Notary Services: What You Need to Know

Yes, Bank of America offers notary services at most of its branches. The service is free for account holders and typically costs $10 to $15 per signature for non-account holders, though fees vary by location. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but calling ahead is wise because notary availability depends on staff schedules and branch size.

The notary must witness you sign the document in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and the unsigned document. The notary will not review the document for legal accuracy or completeness — that is your responsibility or your attorney's. If you are having a power of attorney notarized, make sure an attorney has already reviewed it for your state's requirements before you go to the branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notary services are free for account holders and cost $10 to $15 per signature for non-account holders at most branches.
  • You must appear in person with a government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document; the notary will not check whether the document is legally correct.
  • Availability varies by branch and time of day, so calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
  • Some Bank of America branches have limited or no notary service, particularly smaller locations or those in rural areas.
  • If the notary refuses to sign because they know you personally or have a financial interest in the document, that is normal — notaries have legal restrictions on what they can notarize.

How to Find a Bank of America Branch With Notary Service

Use the Bank of America branch locator on its website or call 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether your nearest branch offers notary services. Not every branch has a notary on staff. Smaller branches, particularly in rural areas, may not offer the service at all or may have a notary available only on certain days.

When you call, ask what hours the notary is available. Many branches have notaries present only during standard business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays), and some branches may have only one notary, meaning they could be unavailable if they are helping another customer. A five-minute call can save you a trip.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document. The ID must be current and show your photograph — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The notary will compare your signature on the ID to your signature on the document being notarized.

Bring the document unsigned. The notary must watch you sign it. If you sign it before arriving, the notary cannot notarize it. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs a signature.

If you are unsure whether the document is complete or correct, bring a copy of any instructions that came with it, or bring your attorney's contact information so you can call and ask before the notary signs.

When Bank of America Notaries Cannot Help

Bank of America notaries cannot notarize documents that require a certified copy — a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true copy by an authorized official. Certified copies typically come from government agencies (vital records offices, courts, the DMV) or from the organization that issued the original. A notary public cannot create a certified copy.

Notaries also cannot notarize a document if they have a personal or financial interest in it. For example, a notary cannot notarize a power of attorney that names them as the agent, or a will that leaves them money. If the notary knows you personally, they may still be able to notarize, but some notaries decline to avoid conflicts of interest. If this happens, ask to speak with another notary at the branch or visit a different branch.

Bank of America notaries do not provide legal information. They will not tell you whether a power of attorney is valid in your state, whether it covers the powers you need, or whether it is the right document for your situation. Those questions require an attorney.

Cost and Account Requirements

Account holders pay nothing. Non-account holders typically pay $10 to $15 per signature. Some branches charge a flat fee per document instead of per signature, so if a document has three signature lines, you may pay one fee or three, depending on the branch. Call ahead to confirm the fee structure at your branch.

You do not need to maintain a minimum balance or have a specific account type. Any Bank of America checking or savings account qualifies you for free notary service. If you do not have an account, the $10 to $15 fee is usually cheaper than a standalone notary service, which can charge $25 or more per signature in urban areas.

Alternatives if Your Branch Cannot Help

If your Bank of America branch does not offer notary service or the notary is unavailable, other banks often provide the service. Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all offer notary services at many branches, usually free for account holders. Call ahead to confirm availability.

Standalone notary services operate in most towns and cities. Search "notary public near me" online or check your state's notary directory (most states maintain one on the Secretary of State website). Standalone notaries typically charge $10 to $25 per signature and often have longer hours than banks, including evenings and weekends.

Some law firms offer notary services to the public, sometimes free if you are a client. If you are working with an attorney on the power of attorney, ask whether they can notarize it as part of your service.

What Happens After Notarization

After the notary signs and stamps the document, it is notarized. The notary will add their seal (a stamp or embosser), their signature, and the date. Keep the original notarized document — do not make copies and try to have those notarized. Copies of a notarized document are not notarized themselves.

Some documents require notarization before they are filed with a court or government agency. Others are notarized straightforward to add a layer of verification. The person or organization requesting the notarized document will tell you what to do with it next. If you are unsure, ask the attorney or organization that asked you to have it notarized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a power of attorney notarized at Bank of America?

Yes, Bank of America notaries can notarize a power of attorney as long as you bring it unsigned, bring a photo ID, and appear in person. However, the notary will not review whether the power of attorney is valid in your state or whether it includes the powers you need. Have an attorney review it first.

Do I need an appointment for notary service at Bank of America?

Most Bank of America branches do not require an appointment, but availability depends on staff. Calling ahead is the safest option, especially if you need the service on a specific day or time. Some branches may ask you to come back if the notary is busy.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

You cannot get a document notarized without a current government-issued photo ID. The notary must verify your identity by comparing your ID to your signature. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, explore for a state ID card at your local DMV.

Can Bank of America notarize documents from other states?

Yes. A notary public in one state can notarize documents for use in another state. However, some states have specific requirements for how a power of attorney must be notarized. Before you go to Bank of America, check whether the state where the document will be used has special notarization rules.

How long does notarization take?

Notarization itself takes five to ten minutes. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign, and add their seal and signature. Wait times depend on how busy the branch is. Calling ahead gives you a sense of whether you will walk in and be done quickly or wait in line.