UPS Store notary fees typically run $15 to $25 per signature, though the exact price depends on your location and whether you're a UPS Store customer
The UPS Store does not set a single national price for notary services. Each franchise owner sets their own rates within a range, so a notary at one location might charge $15 while another across town charges $25. Some locations charge per signature (meaning if a document needs three signatures notarized, you pay three times), while others charge per document. A few locations offer lower rates to customers who also use their shipping or mailbox services.
The best way to find out what your local UPS Store charges is to call the specific location where you plan to go. You can search for the nearest UPS Store on their website, get the phone number, and ask directly. This takes two minutes and saves you a trip if the price is higher than you expected or if they're booked up.
Key Takeaways
- UPS Store notary fees are set by individual franchise owners, so prices vary by location between roughly $15 and $25 per signature.
- You will need a valid government-issued photo ID to have a document notarized, regardless of location.
- Some UPS Store locations require an appointment for notary services, while others take walk-ins; calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
- If the UPS Store price is too high or they cannot fit you in, banks, credit unions, and public libraries often offer notary services at lower cost or free.
What to bring when you go
Bring your original document (not a copy) and a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize a document without seeing your ID in person. If the document is already partially filled out, bring it that way; the notary will notarize it as it stands.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a blank copy or to cross out your signature and sign again in front of the notary.
How to find your local UPS Store's price
Go to upsstore.com and use the location finder to search by address or zip code. Click on the location nearest you and look for a phone number. Call and ask: "What is your notary fee?" and "Do you need an appointment or do you take walk-ins?" Write down both answers.
If the location does not answer or you cannot reach them, try the next closest UPS Store. Some locations are busier than others and may have longer wait times or stricter appointment policies, so having a backup option is useful.
Comparing costs at other places
Banks often notarize documents free for customers who have an account with them. If you bank somewhere, call and ask whether they offer notary services and whether there is a fee. Credit unions typically do the same. Public libraries in many areas offer notary services free or for $1 to $5, though availability varies widely by library system.
If you need the notarization quickly and the UPS Store is the only option available at that moment, the $15 to $25 cost is usually worth it to avoid delay. If you have time to shop around, a free or low-cost option at your bank or library can save you money, especially if you need multiple documents notarized.
What happens during the notarization
The notary will ask you to confirm your identity using your photo ID, then watch you sign the document in front of them. They will then stamp and sign the document themselves, adding the notary seal and their notary number. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per document. Some UPS Store locations are faster than others depending on how busy they are.
The notary will not read or judge the content of your document. Their job is only to verify that you are who you say you are and that you signed it willingly. If a document requires notarization from multiple people, each person must be present with their own ID.
When you need an appointment versus walk-in
Busy UPS Store locations in urban areas often require appointments for notary services because the notary is also handling shipping and mailbox tasks. Less busy locations may take walk-ins. Calling ahead tells you which applies to your location and whether they have same-day or next-day availability.
If you need a notarization urgently and your nearest UPS Store requires an appointment with a long wait, calling your bank or local library may get you in faster. Some libraries have notaries on staff during specific hours, so check their website or call to confirm availability before you go.
What notarization does and does not do
Notarization confirms that you signed a document in front of a notary public and that you are the person whose name appears on it. It does not mean the document is legal, that the information in it is true, or that it will be accepted by whoever is asking for it. Some documents require notarization by law; others do not. If you are unsure whether a document needs to be notarized, ask whoever requested it.
If a document is rejected after notarization, the problem is usually not with the notary's work but with the document itself—missing information, the wrong type of signature, or the wrong form for what you are trying to do. The notary cannot fix these issues; you will need to correct the document and have it notarized again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document that is already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, you will need a blank copy or must cross out your signature and sign again in front of the notary. Bring an unsigned copy if you are not sure whether you have already signed it.
Do I need an appointment at the UPS Store for notary services?
It depends on the location. Some UPS Store franchises take walk-ins for notary services; others require appointments. Call the specific location you plan to visit and ask. Busy urban locations are more likely to require appointments than smaller or less busy locations.
What if the UPS Store notary fee is too high?
Call your bank or credit union first—they often notarize for free if you have an account. Public libraries in many areas also offer notary services for free or $1 to $5. Check your library's website or call to confirm they have a notary available and what their hours are.
Can the notary refuse to notarize my document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if you do not have a valid photo ID, if you appear unable to understand what you are signing, or if the document appears to be fraudulent. The notary cannot refuse based on the content or purpose of the document—they are not judging whether it is a good idea, only verifying your identity and signature.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per document. The wait time depends on how busy the UPS Store is. If you walk in during a busy period, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. Calling ahead or making an appointment helps you avoid a long wait.