Most banks offer notary services free to account holders, but the rules vary by bank and location

Many banks provide notary services at no charge if you have an account with them. However, this is a courtesy, not a requirement—some banks charge a fee per signature, others charge only for non-customers, and a few do not offer the service at all. The cost, if any, depends on your bank, whether you are a customer, and sometimes on the type of document being notarized.

Before you go to your bank, call ahead or check their website. A five-minute phone call saves you a trip if your bank does not offer notary services or charges a fee you did not expect.

Key Takeaways

  • Account holders at most major banks can get documents notarized for free, but you should confirm this with your specific branch before visiting.
  • Non-customers are often charged a fee per signature, which typically ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the bank and location.
  • Some banks do not offer notary services at all, even to account holders, so calling ahead prevents wasted trips.
  • Banks may refuse to notarize certain documents, such as powers of attorney or real estate deeds, even if they offer the service for other documents.
  • If your bank does not offer notary services or charges a fee, credit unions, UPS stores, and courthouse offices are common alternatives.

What banks typically charge account holders

Most major banks—including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—offer free notary services to customers with an active account. The notary is usually a bank employee or a notary public the bank employs. You typically need to bring your account card or ID and the document that needs notarizing.

However, "free" comes with conditions. Some banks limit the number of signatures they will notarize per visit, and some require you to have had the account open for a minimum period. A few banks have started charging even account holders a small fee—typically $5 per signature—so it is worth asking when you call.

What banks charge non-customers

If you do not have an account at the bank, expect to pay. Non-customer fees range from $5 to $15 per signature, though some banks charge a flat fee per document instead. A few banks refuse to notarize documents for non-customers altogether.

The fee structure varies by branch and region. A bank in a rural area may charge less than one in a major city. Call the specific branch where you plan to go, not the bank's general customer service line, because branch managers sometimes set their own rates within company guidelines.

Documents banks will and will not notarize

Banks are cautious about which documents they notarize. Most will notarize straightforward documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and loan documents. However, many banks refuse to notarize real estate deeds, wills, or documents related to court proceedings, because these carry higher legal liability.

Some banks will not notarize a document if they cannot verify the signer's identity or if the document appears to be incomplete or altered. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, describe it to the bank when you call. This prevents you from showing up with a document the notary will refuse.

How to find out what your bank charges

Call your bank's main branch or the branch closest to you. Ask: "Do you offer notary services to account holders, and is there a charge?" If the answer is yes, ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in, and what documents you need to bring. If the answer is no, ask whether another branch in your area offers the service.

You can also check your bank's website. Many banks list notary availability and fees in their service guide or FAQ section. If you cannot find the information online, a phone call takes two minutes and saves a wasted trip.

When to use alternatives to your bank

If your bank does not offer notary services, charges a fee you do not want to pay, or will not notarize your specific document, other options exist. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some Staples branches have notaries on staff and charge $5 to $15 per signature. Credit unions often notarize for members at no charge, even if you do not have an account there—call ahead to confirm.

County courthouses always have notaries available, usually for a small fee ($1 to $5 per signature) set by the state. Some courthouses offer the service during business hours only, so check the hours before you go. If you need the document notarized urgently and your bank is closed, a UPS store or courthouse may be your fastest option.

What to bring when you go to get a document notarized

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring the original document that needs notarizing; notaries cannot notarize copies. If the document has blank spaces, fill them in before you arrive. Bring any other documents the bank or notary asked you to bring when you called.

Arrive during the bank's business hours. If you need an appointment, ask when you call. Some banks notarize on a walk-in basis; others require you to schedule ahead, especially if the notary is part-time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized at any branch of my bank?

Not always. Some banks have notaries at only certain branches, especially in smaller towns. Call the branch where you plan to go before you visit. If that branch does not have a notary, ask whether a nearby branch does.

What if I need a document notarized after the bank closes?

UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some Staples branches have notaries available during extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Search online for "notary near me" and filter by hours. Expect to pay $5 to $15 per signature.

Do I have to use a notary at my bank, or can I go anywhere?

You can go anywhere. A notary is a notary—the signature is valid regardless of where you get it done. Choose based on convenience, cost, and whether the notary will notarize your specific document type.

Will the bank notarize a document I downloaded from the internet?

Yes, as long as the document is legitimate and complete. The notary will not verify whether the document is legally valid or whether you should be signing it—that is your responsibility. If the document looks incomplete or altered, the notary may refuse.

Can I get a document notarized by phone or video?

Some states allow remote notarization by video, but most banks do not offer this service yet. Call your bank to ask. If they do not offer it, search online for "remote notary" in your state—some independent notaries provide this service for a fee.