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

Bank of America does provide notary services at many of its branches, but the service is not may provide at every location and comes with restrictions. Most Bank of America branches will notarize documents for account holders at no charge, though some branches charge a small fee for non-customers. The catch: you must visit in person during business hours, and the notary will only witness your signature—they cannot advise you on what documents you need or whether a notary is the right step for your situation.

If you need a document notarized for a power of attorney, a will, or any other legal matter, calling your local Bank of America branch first is the fastest way to confirm they have a notary on staff that day. Branch staffing changes, and some smaller locations may not have a notary available. A few minutes on the phone saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notary services are free for account holders at most branches, though you should call ahead to confirm your branch offers the service.
  • You must appear in person with a valid photo ID and the document that needs notarizing; the notary will not prepare documents or give legal information.
  • Not every Bank of America branch has a notary available, and hours vary, so calling ahead prevents a wasted visit.
  • If your branch cannot notarize, alternatives include credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notaries, many of which charge $5 to $15 per signature.
  • Some documents—like powers of attorney—may have specific notarization rules that vary by state, so check your state's requirements before visiting.

What to bring when you visit a Bank of America branch

Bring a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the original document that needs notarizing, not a copy. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them. If someone else is signing the document, they must be present too.

Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must witness your signature being made. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a blank copy or a new document.

Cost and account holder status

Bank of America account holders typically receive notary services free of charge. Non-customers may be charged a fee—usually $5 to $10 per signature, though this varies by branch. Some branches refuse to notarize for non-customers altogether. Calling ahead tells you whether your branch will serve you and what the cost will be.

If you do not have a Bank of America account and your branch charges a fee or refuses service, you have other options nearby. UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and independent notaries are available in most areas and charge similar fees.

How to learn about your branch has a notary

Call your local Bank of America branch directly. The main number on the back of your debit card or on bankofamerica.com will connect you to your branch. Ask whether they have a notary available and whether they notarize for non-customers. If they do, ask about their hours and whether you need an appointment.

Some branches operate by appointment only for notary services, especially in busy urban areas. Others handle notarization on a walk-in basis during regular business hours. Asking when you call prevents you from arriving at a time when no notary is available.

When Bank of America notary service may not be enough

A notary public witnesses your signature and confirms your identity. They do not review the document for legal correctness, do not advise you on whether you need a notary, and do not certify that the document is valid. If you are creating a power of attorney, a will, or any other legal document, you may need to consult an attorney first to make sure the document meets your state's requirements.

Some documents require more than a notary's signature. For example, certain powers of attorney must be notarized and witnessed by two people who are not related to you and not your notary. A real estate deed may need to be recorded with the county after notarization. A Bank of America notary can only provide the notarization step—they cannot tell you what other steps are required.

Alternatives if your branch cannot help

If Bank of America cannot notarize your document, several other sources are usually nearby. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff and are open longer hours than most bank branches, including some weekend hours. Independent notaries advertise in local directories and online; you can search "notary public near me" to find options in your area.

Credit unions often notarize for members at no charge, just as Bank of America does for its customers. If you belong to a credit union, calling them first may save you a trip to a paid notary. Some employers also have notaries on staff for employee use.

State-specific notarization rules for powers of attorney

Notarization requirements for powers of attorney vary by state. Some states require only a notary's signature. Others require two witnesses in addition to notarization, or require the document to be recorded with the county clerk. A few states have specific forms that must be used.

Before you visit Bank of America or any notary, check your state's requirements. Your state bar association website or your state's secretary of state office publishes these rules. Knowing what your state requires prevents you from having a document notarized only to discover it does not meet the legal standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the branch. Some handle notarization on a walk-in basis during business hours; others require an appointment. Call your branch to ask. If they require an appointment, they can usually fit you in within a day or two.

Can a Bank of America notary notarize a document I did not bring with me?

No. You must bring the original document. The notary must see you sign it in their presence. They cannot notarize a copy or a document you sign elsewhere and bring in later.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?

Bank of America branches are closed on weekends and evenings. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations are open longer hours and have notaries available. Independent notaries sometimes offer evening and weekend appointments. Search online for "notary public near me" to find options in your area.

Can a notary tell me if my power of attorney is legal?

No. A notary only confirms your identity and witnesses your signature. They do not review documents for legal correctness. If you are unsure whether your power of attorney meets your state's requirements, consult an attorney before having it notarized.

Will Bank of America notarize a document from another country?

Bank of America notaries can notarize documents written in any language, but the notary must be able to see you sign it and verify your identity. Some countries have specific notarization rules that differ from U.S. standards. Check with the country or organization that will receive the document to confirm a U.S. notary's signature will be accepted.