What Getting a License Notarized Means
Getting your license notarized means having a notary public witness you presenting the document, verify your identity, and then stamp and sign it to confirm those facts. The notary does not check whether your license is valid, current, or real — they only confirm that you are the person whose name appears on it and that you presented it willingly. The result is a notarized copy or a notarial certificate attached to the original, depending on what the organization requesting it will accept.
You need this step when a bank, employer, school, or government office requires proof that a document belongs to you and that you showed it in person. A notarized license is common for opening accounts, explore for loans, proving identity for legal documents, or completing background checks. The notary's seal and signature tell the receiving organization that someone trained and bonded verified your identity on a specific date.
Key Takeaways
- Bring your original license and a second form of ID to the notary, because most notaries require two pieces of identification before they will notarize anything.
- The notary will watch you sign a document or statement, verify your identity, and then add their seal and signature — the whole process takes five to ten minutes.
- Notaries are available at banks, UPS stores, shipping centers, law offices, and independent notary services, often for a fee between $5 and $15 per document.
- You can find a notary near you through your bank, a 24-hour notary search online, or by calling your county clerk's office for a list of public notaries.
Where to Find a Notary Public
Your bank is often the fastest option if you have an account there. Most banks offer notary services free to customers and by appointment or walk-in during business hours. Call your branch ahead of time to confirm a notary is available and to ask whether you need an appointment.
If you do not have a bank or prefer not to use it, UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and local shipping centers almost always have a notary on staff. These businesses charge a fee — typically $5 to $15 per document — and usually do not require an appointment, though wait times vary. Search "notary near me" online or call ahead to confirm hours and whether they are currently open.
Law offices, title companies, and real estate offices employ notaries and will notarize documents for a small fee. Your county clerk's office keeps a list of public notaries in your area and can direct you to ones that work independently or through a service. Some notaries work from home or mobile offices and will come to you, though this usually costs more.
What to Bring to the Notary
Bring your original driver's license or state ID card — the document you want notarized. You will also need a second form of identification, because notaries are required by law to verify your identity using two separate documents before they notarize anything. Acceptable second IDs include a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or another government-issued photo ID.
If you do not have two forms of ID, some notaries will accept a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill with your name and address, though this varies by state and notary. Call ahead and ask what the notary will accept rather than showing up unprepared. Bring the original document you want notarized, not a copy — notaries must see and verify the original.
Have cash or a debit card ready to pay the notary fee if you are not using your bank. Fees are set by state law and typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though some notaries charge a flat fee per visit. Ask the cost before the notary begins work.
The Notarization Process Step by Step
When you arrive, tell the notary what document you need notarized and why. The notary will ask you to present both forms of ID and will examine them to confirm your identity matches the name on the document. This step takes a minute or two and is the core of what notarization is — the notary is confirming you are who you say you are.
Next, the notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. You must sign it yourself — the notary cannot sign for you. If the document is a statement or affidavit (a sworn statement), the notary may ask you to swear or affirm that the information in it is true. This is a formality; you straightforward say "I do" or "I affirm."
Once you have signed, the notary will add their official seal (a stamp or embosser), write the date, and sign the document themselves. They will also record the notarization in their journal — a log that notaries are required to keep. The whole process takes five to ten minutes. You will receive the notarized document when ready and can use it right away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not sign the document before you arrive at the notary. The notary must watch you sign it — if you show up with a document already signed, the notary cannot notarize it and you will have wasted the trip. Wait until you are in front of the notary to put your signature on the page.
Do not assume your bank will notarize for free if you are not a customer. Some banks only notarize for account holders. Call ahead and ask whether you need to be a customer and whether an appointment is required.
Do not bring a copy of your license instead of the original. Notaries must see the original document you want notarized. A photocopy will not work.
Do not expect the notary to explain what the document means or to give you legal information about it. Notaries verify identity and witness signatures — they do not read or interpret the content. If you have questions about what a document says or whether you should sign it, ask a lawyer, not the notary.
What Happens After Notarization
Once the notary has sealed and signed your document, it is ready to send to whoever requested it. The organization that asked for the notarization will accept the notarized copy as proof that you presented the original license in person and that your identity was verified on that date. Keep a copy for your own records.
Notarizations do not expire, but the organization receiving the document may have its own time limits. For example, a bank might require a notarized ID that is no more than six months old. Check with the organization that requested the notarization to see whether there are any age limits on the document.
Notarization by Mail or Online
Some states allow remote notarization, where a notary verifies your identity over a video call instead of in person. This option is useful if you cannot reach a notary in your area or have mobility issues. Remote notarization requires you to have a camera, internet connection, and a government-issued ID. The process is similar to in-person notarization — the notary watches you sign the document on camera and then sends you the notarized copy by mail or email.
Not all states permit remote notarization, and rules vary widely. Some states allow it only for certain types of documents. Search your state's secretary of state website or call your county clerk to find out whether remote notarization is available where you live and which documents may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary notarize a copy of my license instead of the original?
No. Notaries must see and verify the original document. If you want a notarized copy, the notary will make a copy in front of you and then notarize that copy, confirming they saw the original. You cannot bring a photocopy you made at home.
How much does notarization cost?
Fees vary by state and notary. Banks often notarize for free if you are a customer. Independent notaries and businesses like UPS stores typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some charge a flat fee per visit. Call ahead to ask the cost.
What if I do not have two forms of ID?
Call the notary ahead of time and explain what ID you have. Some notaries will accept a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, utility bill, or Social Security card along with one photo ID. Rules vary by state, so ask what the notary will accept before you go.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization process takes five to ten minutes. Wait times depend on how busy the notary is. Banks and UPS stores may have a wait, especially during lunch hours or on weekends. Calling ahead or going early in the day usually means shorter waits.
Do I need an appointment to get something notarized?
Banks often require appointments, especially if you are not a customer. UPS stores and shipping centers usually take walk-ins but may have wait times. Independent notaries vary — some work by appointment only, others are available drop-in. Call ahead to ask about the notary's availability.