Bank of America will notarize documents, but only for account holders and only during limited hours at select branches

Bank of America offers notary services at many of its branches, but the service comes with real restrictions. You must have an active Bank of America checking or savings account. The notary is available only during regular branch hours, which vary by location — many branches close by 5 p.m. on weekdays and do not open on Sundays. You cannot call ahead to reserve the notary or confirm they are working that day, so you may arrive to find the service unavailable.

The notarization itself is free for account holders. The notary will witness your signature, verify your identity using your Bank of America debit card or ID, and stamp the document. This works for power of attorney forms, but the notary cannot advise you on whether the document is filled out correctly or whether it meets your state's legal requirements. That responsibility stays with you.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notarizes documents for free if you hold a checking or savings account with them, but the service is not available at all branches.
  • You must bring a valid Bank of America debit card or government-issued ID to prove your identity; the notary will not accept other forms of ID alone.
  • Branch hours vary widely, and many locations close by 5 p.m. on weekdays, so calling ahead to confirm the notary is working that day is wise.
  • The notary will not review your power of attorney form for legal correctness or state compliance — that responsibility is yours.
  • If your nearest Bank of America branch does not offer notary services or the hours do not work for you, independent notaries and UPS stores often charge $5 to $15 per signature.

How to learn about your branch offers notary services

Not every Bank of America branch has a notary on staff. The easiest way to check is to call your local branch directly and ask whether notary services are available. Have your account number ready when you call, since some branches ask for it before confirming the service.

You can also visit the Bank of America website, use the branch locator tool, and filter by services offered. However, the online listing does not always match what is actually available on a given day, so a phone call is more reliable. When you call, ask what hours the notary works — many branches have a notary only during morning hours or on certain days of the week.

What you need to bring

Bring the unsigned document you need notarized and a valid form of ID. Bank of America prefers your Bank of America debit card, but will also accept a government-issued ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not accept a credit card, library card, or employee ID as your only form of identification.

Bring the document completely filled out except for your signature. The notary will not fill in blanks or advise you on what information to include. If your power of attorney form requires multiple signatures — for example, from a witness or a second notary — bring all parties who need to sign, since the notary can only witness signatures in person.

When Bank of America notary services do not work for you

If your branch does not offer notary services, or the hours do not fit your schedule, you have other options. UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and independent notary publics in your area will notarize documents for a fee, usually between $5 and $15 per signature. Many are open evenings and weekends, which makes them more flexible than bank branches.

Some states allow online notarization through services like Notarize.com or LegitScript-registered platforms, though your state may not recognize online notarization for power of attorney documents. Check your state's laws before paying for an online notary, since a power of attorney that is not notarized correctly in your state has no legal weight.

What the notary will and will not do

The notary's job is to witness your signature and confirm your identity. They will stamp and sign the document to show they saw you sign it. They will not read the document, check whether it is legal in your state, or tell you whether you have filled it out correctly. If your power of attorney form requires specific language or formatting under your state's law, the notary will not catch errors.

Before you go to the notary, make sure your power of attorney form meets your state's requirements. Many states require the document to be signed in front of two witnesses and a notary, or to include specific language about your intent. If your form does not meet these rules, notarization will not fix it. Some people have a lawyer review the form before notarization to avoid this problem, though that costs more than notarization alone.

Timing and what to expect

The notarization process itself takes about five to ten minutes. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, will check your ID, and will add their stamp and signature. You will not need an appointment at most Bank of America branches, but you may wait if other customers are ahead of you.

Bring the original document, not a copy. The notary must witness the original signature. If you need multiple copies notarized, you will need to sign each one in front of the notary separately, which means multiple trips or a longer single visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Bank of America notary to come to my home or office?

No. Bank of America notaries work only at their branch locations during branch hours. If you need a mobile notary who will travel to you, you will need to hire an independent notary public in your area, which typically costs $25 to $50 for a home visit.

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

Bank of America will not notarize documents for non-account holders. You will need to use an independent notary public, a UPS store, or another service. Some libraries also offer notary services for free or a small fee to residents.

Can the notary tell me if my power of attorney form is correct for my state?

No. The notary's only job is to witness your signature and verify your identity. They cannot advise you on whether the form meets your state's legal requirements. If you are unsure, consult a lawyer or your state's bar association website before you notarize.

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

Most Bank of America branches do not require appointments for notary services, but availability varies by location. Call your branch ahead of time to confirm a notary is available and to ask about wait times, especially if you are visiting during busy hours.

What if the notary is not available when I arrive?

Some branches have limited notary hours or may have the notary unavailable due to staffing. If you arrive and the notary is not there, ask the branch staff when the notary will be available, or visit a different branch nearby. Having a backup notary option — such as a UPS store — saves time.