Bank of America's Notary Services

Yes, Bank of America offers notary services at most of its branch locations, but availability and cost vary by branch and account status. The service is typically free for account holders and may cost $10 to $15 per signature for non-customers, though some branches charge nothing. You do not need an appointment at many locations, but calling ahead is wise because notaries may be busy or unavailable on any given day.

Not every Bank of America branch has a notary on staff. Smaller branches and those in rural areas may not offer the service at all. Before you travel to a branch, call the specific location where you plan to go and ask whether a notary is available and what the current fee is. The fee structure can change, and some branches waive fees for customers while others charge everyone the same rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notarizes documents at most branches, but you must call ahead to confirm your specific branch offers the service and has a notary available that day.
  • The service is usually free for Bank of America account holders and costs $10 to $15 per signature for non-customers, though fees vary by location.
  • You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, the document to be notarized, and the person whose signature needs notarizing must be present in person.
  • Bank of America notaries cannot notarize documents for themselves, and they will not notarize blank documents or ones with blank signature lines.
  • If your branch does not have a notary, you can find other notaries through your state's notary public directory or by asking your attorney or local courthouse.

What You Need to Bring to a Bank of America Branch

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. You also need the actual document that requires notarization. Bring the original, not a copy, because the notary must see the document in its final form and will typically place their seal directly on it.

The person whose signature needs notarizing must be present in person. A notary cannot notarize a signature that is already on the document or one made by someone else. If you are notarizing a power of attorney, the person granting the power (the principal) must sign in front of the notary. If someone else is signing on behalf of the principal, that arrangement will not work—the principal themselves must appear.

Documents Bank of America Notaries Will and Will Not Notarize

Bank of America notaries will notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, property deeds, and signature pages. They will not notarize blank documents or documents with blank signature lines. They also will not notarize a document if they have a financial interest in it or if they are a party to the transaction.

Some documents fall into a gray area. Notaries cannot notarize documents they believe are fraudulent or where they suspect coercion. If a notary suspects something is wrong—for example, if the signer appears confused or unwilling—they can refuse to notarize. This is a protection for you as well as the notary. If your document is unusual or you are unsure whether it can be notarized, describe it when you call the branch.

How to Find a Bank of America Notary Near You

Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website. Enter your zip code or city, and the results will show branch locations. Call the branch directly and ask whether a notary is available. Ask about hours, because notaries may work only during certain times of day or may be unavailable during lunch.

If the nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary or is inconvenient, other options exist. Many credit unions, UPS stores, and FedEx locations offer notary services. Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a directory of notaries public in your area. You can also contact your county courthouse or a local attorney's office for referrals.

Cost and Wait Time at Bank of America

For Bank of America account holders, notarization is usually free. Non-customers typically pay $10 to $15 per signature, though some branches charge less or nothing at all. Ask about the fee when you call. If you are notarizing a multi-page document with several signature lines, you may be charged per signature rather than per document.

Wait time depends on how busy the branch is. Walk-ins are usually served within 10 to 20 minutes, but during peak hours you might wait longer. If you call ahead and ask when the notary is least busy, you can time your visit to avoid a long wait. Some branches allow you to schedule a notary appointment, which guarantees you will not wait.

Notarizing a Power of Attorney at Bank of America

A power of attorney document must be notarized in most states. The person granting the power (called the principal) must sign the document in front of the notary. The person receiving the power (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) does not need to be present, though some states recommend it. Bring the original power of attorney document, your photo ID, and be ready to answer basic questions about whether you are signing of your own free will.

The notary will watch you sign the document and will then place their notarial seal on it. They will also record the notarization in a journal, which is a legal record. This process takes only a few minutes. After notarization, the power of attorney is ready to use, though some institutions may ask for additional certification or may want a certified copy.

Alternatives If Bank of America Cannot Help

If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary or the fee is too high, UPS stores and FedEx locations offer notary services in most areas. Many charge $5 to $15 per signature. Credit unions often notarize for members at no cost. Some employers offer notary services to employees through their HR department.

If you need the document notarized urgently and cannot reach a notary during business hours, some states allow online notarization through licensed remote notaries. This is faster but may cost more. Check whether your state allows remote notarization and whether the institution that will receive your document accepts remotely notarized documents—some do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a notarized copy of a document at Bank of America?

No. Bank of America notaries notarize original documents by placing their seal on them. They do not make certified copies. If you need a certified copy, you must take the notarized original to the courthouse or the agency that issued the document and request a certified copy there.

What if I do not have a Bank of America account?

You can still use Bank of America's notary service. Non-customers typically pay a fee of $10 to $15 per signature, though some branches charge less. Call ahead to confirm the fee and that a notary is available.

Can a Bank of America notary notarize a document I signed before coming to the branch?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to bring an unsigned copy and sign it in front of the notary.

How long does a notarization take at Bank of America?

The actual notarization process takes only a few minutes—usually between 5 and 10 minutes. Wait time to see the notary depends on how busy the branch is. Calling ahead or scheduling an appointment can help you avoid waiting.

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

Most Bank of America branches accept walk-ins for notary services, but availability is not may provide. Calling ahead to confirm a notary is available is the safest approach. Some branches allow you to schedule an appointment, which ensures the notary will be ready for you.