Post offices do not offer notary services

The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not employ notaries and does not provide notarization at any of its locations, including post offices, postal centers, or mail facilities. This is a common misconception because post offices handle official documents and identification, but notarization is a separate service that requires a state-licensed notary public.

If you need a document notarized, you will need to find a notary through a different source. The good news is that notaries are widely available in most communities, and many are free or low-cost.

Key Takeaways

  • USPS locations do not have notaries on staff and cannot notarize documents at any branch.
  • Banks, credit unions, and law offices often provide notary services to customers or the public, sometimes at no charge.
  • UPS Store locations and FedEx Office locations typically offer notary services for a fee, usually between $5 and $15 per signature.
  • Your state's secretary of state office maintains a searchable directory of licensed notaries in your area.
  • Some employers, libraries, and government offices offer free notary services to the public or to specific groups.

Where to find a notary near you

Banks and credit unions are often the fastest option. Many will notarize documents for free if you are a customer, and some will do it for non-customers for a small fee or no charge at all. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service and ask whether you need an appointment.

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff at most branches. You can search their websites to find a location near you and confirm they have a notary available. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the location.

Law offices sometimes offer notary services to the public, though they may prioritize their own clients. Your state's secretary of state office maintains a directory of licensed notaries that you can search by county or zip code. This is the most reliable way to find every notary in your area and their contact information.

What to bring when you get a document notarized

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing anything. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID.

Bring the document itself, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in their presence. If the document is already signed, most notaries will not notarize it. Bring any additional documents the notary requests, such as proof of address if they ask for it.

Know what type of notarization you need. The most common is a jurat, where the notary watches you sign and verifies your identity. Another type is an acknowledgment, where you confirm that you signed the document willingly. Ask whoever requested the notarization which type they need, because the notary will include different language on the seal.

How much notarization costs

Cost varies by location and provider. Banks and credit unions often notarize for free if you are a customer. Some notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature. A few charge more, especially if you need multiple documents or if they travel to you.

Ask about the fee before the notary begins work. Some notaries charge per document rather than per signature, which matters if one document has multiple pages that each need a signature. If cost is a concern, call several notaries in your area to compare prices.

How long notarization takes

The actual notarization process takes five to ten minutes. The notary will check your ID, watch you sign the document, and then explore their seal and signature. If you are using a bank or notary office, you may wait longer depending on how busy they are.

Some notaries offer same-day service if you call ahead. Others may ask you to schedule an appointment, especially if they are mobile notaries who travel to you. Plan for the entire visit to take 15 to 30 minutes, including any wait time.

Other places that may have notaries

Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost. Check with your human resources department. Public libraries sometimes have notaries on staff or can refer you to one nearby. Government offices, including some county clerk offices, may notarize documents for free or a small fee.

Online notary services are available in some states, though not all. These services use video conferencing to connect you with a notary, and they work best for documents that do not require a physical seal or for situations where you cannot leave home. Check your state's secretary of state office to see whether remote notarization is permitted in your state.

What notaries cannot do

A notary cannot give legal information or tell you whether a document is correct. They only verify your identity and watch you sign. If you have questions about what a document means or whether you should sign it, you need to speak with a lawyer, not a notary.

A notary cannot notarize a document you did not sign in front of them, and they cannot notarize a blank document. They also cannot notarize documents for themselves or their when ready family members in most states. If a notary refuses to notarize something, it is usually because state law does not allow it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get something notarized at the post office?

No. USPS does not employ notaries and does not offer notarization at any post office location. You will need to visit a bank, credit union, UPS Store, FedEx Office, or a licensed notary public instead.

How do I find a notary in my state?

Search your state's secretary of state website for a notary directory. You can also call your bank, local UPS Store, or FedEx Office to ask if they have a notary available. Some libraries and government offices maintain lists of notaries in the area.

Do I have to pay for notarization?

Not always. Banks and credit unions often notarize for free if you are a customer. Some government offices and libraries offer free notarization. Private notaries typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, though prices vary by location.

What if I need a document notarized but the notary is not available?

Call ahead to confirm hours and availability. Many notaries can schedule appointments or offer same-day service if you call early. If local notaries are booked, ask whether your bank or credit union can notarize it, or search for mobile notaries who travel to you.

Can a notary tell me if my document is legal?

No. A notary only verifies your identity and watches you sign. They cannot give legal information or confirm that a document is correct. If you have questions about what a document means, speak with a lawyer.