Bank of America does not notarize documents for free

Bank of America charges a fee for notary services at most branches. The cost is typically $10 per signature, though some branches may charge differently. If you have a Bank of America account, you may receive a discount or waived fee at certain locations, but this is not may provide — policies vary by branch and state.

The fastest way to know what your specific branch charges is to call ahead. Ask for the notary fee and whether account holders receive any discount. Some branches have a notary on staff during business hours; others require an appointment or may not offer the service at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America typically charges $10 per signature for notary services, though fees vary by location and state.
  • Having a Bank of America account may lower the cost at some branches, but this benefit is not universal.
  • Many public libraries, credit unions, and some government offices notarize documents for free or at a lower cost.
  • Calling your branch in advance is the only reliable way to confirm whether they offer notary services and what they charge.
  • Some online notary services are now legal in most states and may cost less than in-person notarization.

Where to find free or low-cost notary services

Public libraries in most states notarize documents at no charge. Call your local branch to confirm they have a notary on staff and whether you need an appointment. Hours vary, but many libraries offer notary services during regular business hours.

Credit unions often notarize for members at no cost. If you belong to a credit union, contact them before visiting a bank. Some employers also offer notary services to employees through their human resources department — ask your HR office whether this is available to you.

Certain government offices, including some county clerk offices and Secretary of State branches, notarize documents free or for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. A few states allow notaries to work from UPS stores and FedEx locations; fees at these retailers are usually $5 to $15 per signature.

How to verify a notary is legitimate

A notary must be commissioned by the state where they work. Before using any notary service, ask to see their notary commission certificate or seal. The certificate shows their name, commission number, and expiration date. You can also verify a notary's status through your state's Secretary of State office — most maintain a searchable database of active notaries.

For power of attorney documents, the notary must witness you sign in person. They cannot notarize a signature that was already made. The notary will ask for a government-issued ID and may ask you to confirm that you understand what you are signing. This is standard practice and protects both you and the notary.

Online notary services and whether they work for power of attorney

Many states now allow remote online notarization, where a notary watches you sign via video call. Services like Notarize, LegitScan, and others charge $25 to $50 per signature and can often complete the process within hours. However, not all states permit remote notarization for all document types, and some power of attorney forms may require in-person notarization depending on your state's law.

Before using an online notary, check your state's rules on remote notarization. Your state's Secretary of State website lists which documents can be notarized remotely. If your power of attorney document is not on that list, you will need to use an in-person notary instead.

What to bring when you get a document notarized

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize without one. Bring the unsigned document itself; the notary must watch you sign it. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, as the notary may need to notarize more than one signature.

Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary's job is to witness your signature, so they must see you sign it in person. If you have already signed, the notary cannot proceed and you may need to obtain a new copy of the document.

Bank of America notary availability by state

Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost depend on your location. Some states regulate notary fees more strictly than others, which affects what Bank of America can charge. A few states cap notary fees at $2 to $5 per signature, while others allow notaries to set their own rates.

Your best option is to call the specific Bank of America branch where you plan to go. Ask whether they have a notary available, what the fee is, and whether you need an appointment. If the branch does not offer notary services, ask for a referral to a nearby location that does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Bank of America to get a notary there?

No. Bank of America notarizes documents for both account holders and non-customers. However, account holders may receive a discount at some branches. Call ahead to confirm the fee for your situation.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my power of attorney document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you do not understand the document, if you appear to be under duress, or if the document appears fraudulent. A notary can also refuse if you cannot provide a valid ID or if you have already signed the document.

How long does notarization take?

In-person notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Online notarization can take 15 to 30 minutes. Wait times at busy locations like banks may be longer, so arriving early or making an appointment is wise.

What if my state does not allow remote notarization?

You will need to visit an in-person notary. Check your library, credit union, or local government office first, as these often charge less than banks. If none of those options work, Bank of America is available but will charge a fee.

Can I notarize a document for a family member?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they are related to or have a financial interest in. The notary must be a neutral third party with no stake in the document's outcome.