Bank of America's Notary Services

Bank of America does offer notary services at many of its branch locations, but availability depends on which branch you visit and whether you have an account there. Most Bank of America branches can notarize documents for free if you are a customer with an active account. Non-customers may also find notary services at some locations, though policies vary by branch and some may charge a fee.

The catch is that not every Bank of America branch has a notary on staff, and hours can be limited. A notary may only be available during certain times of the day or on specific days of the week. Before you go to your nearest branch, call ahead to confirm that a notary is available and ask whether you need an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America customers can usually get documents notarized for free at their branch, but you must call first to confirm a notary is available.
  • Not all Bank of America locations have notary services, and hours vary widely by branch.
  • Non-customers may be turned away or charged a fee, depending on the branch's policy.
  • You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the unsigned document that needs notarizing.
  • If your branch does not offer notary services, credit unions, UPS stores, and county clerk offices are common alternatives.

What to Bring to Your Bank of America Branch

Bring your unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will not notarize a document that is already signed, so make sure the signature line is blank. If you are notarizing a power of attorney, bring the original unsigned copy and any additional pages that are part of the document.

Some notaries will ask you to sign the document in front of them. Others may require you to swear or affirm that the information in the document is true. Be prepared to answer basic questions about what you are signing and why. The notary's job is to verify your identity and confirm that you are signing of your own free will, not under pressure.

How to Find a Bank of America Branch with Notary Services

Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or call 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether your nearest branch offers notary services. When you call, ask what hours the notary is available and whether you need to make an appointment. Some branches require you to schedule ahead, especially if the notary is only there part-time.

If your branch does not have a notary, the representative can tell you which nearby branches do. This saves you a trip. Write down the branch address, phone number, and notary hours before you go.

Cost and Account Requirements

Bank of America customers with an active checking or savings account can usually get notary services for free. Non-customers should ask about fees when they call, as policies differ by location. Some branches may charge between $5 and $15 per document, while others may decline to notarize for non-customers altogether.

You do not need to be a long-time customer or have a large balance. A basic checking account qualifies you for free notary services at most branches. If you do not have an account and your branch charges a fee, it may be cheaper to visit a UPS store or a local notary public instead.

When Bank of America Is Not Your Best Option

If your branch does not offer notary services or the hours do not work for you, several other places notarize documents. UPS stores (The UPS Store) have notaries at most locations and are often open on weekends and evenings. Credit unions frequently offer free notary services to members. County clerk offices and courthouses also provide notarization, usually for a small fee of $1 to $5 per document.

Online notary services have become more common and may work if your state allows remote notarization. These services connect you with a notary by video call, and the notary can notarize your document electronically. This option is fastest if you need the document notarized outside normal business hours, though there is usually a fee of $25 to $50.

What Happens After Notarization

Once the notary signs and stamps your document, it is notarized. The notary will add their signature, the date, and their official seal or stamp. Keep the original notarized document in a safe place—do not lose it or give away your only copy. You may need to show it to a lawyer, a court, a financial institution, or another party.

If you are notarizing a power of attorney, the notarized copy is what you will submit to banks, healthcare providers, or other organizations. Some institutions may ask for a certified copy, which is different from a notarized copy. A certified copy is made by a court clerk or government office and costs more. Ask the organization that will receive your power of attorney whether they need a notarized copy or a certified copy before you have it notarized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not sign the document before you go to the notary. The notary must watch you sign it. If you sign it ahead of time, the notary cannot notarize it and you will have wasted a trip. Bring the blank, unsigned version.

Do not assume your branch has a notary without calling first. Many people show up expecting notary services and find out the branch does not offer them. A five-minute phone call saves you time. Also, do not bring a photocopy of your ID—bring the original. The notary needs to see the actual ID, not a copy.

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 document the same way they notarize any other document. You will need the unsigned original, a valid ID, and you must sign it in front of the notary. Call your branch first to confirm a notary is available.

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

Some branches require appointments, while others serve notary customers on a walk-in basis. Call your branch to ask. If they do take walk-ins, you may still wait if the notary is busy, so arriving early in the day is usually faster.

What if Bank of America charges a fee and I do not want to pay?

If your branch charges a fee for non-customers, try a credit union (if you are a member), a UPS store, or your county clerk's office. County clerks usually charge $1 to $5 per document and are often the cheapest option.

Can Bank of America notarize a document I already signed?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document that is already signed. You must bring the unsigned version and sign it in front of the notary. If you have already signed it, you will need to get a new blank copy and start over.

How long does notarization take at Bank of America?

Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have everything you need and the notary is available. If the branch is busy or the notary is handling other customers, you may wait longer. Arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait.