UPS notary costs range from $15 to $25 per signature, depending on your location and whether you are a UPS Store customer

Most UPS Store locations charge between $15 and $25 for each notarized signature. The exact price varies by store and state — some charge a flat rate per document, others charge per signature if a document needs multiple notarizations. A few locations in high-cost areas charge up to $30 per signature. Call your local UPS Store directly to confirm the price, because rates are set by individual franchise owners, not by UPS corporate.

UPS Store notaries are commissioned by the state where they work, which means they have the legal authority to notarize documents. However, not every UPS Store location offers notary services. Smaller or rural locations may not have a notary on staff, so confirm availability before you go. You can search for notary services on the UPS Store website by entering your zip code, or call ahead to ask whether a notary is available that day.

Key Takeaways

  • UPS Store notary fees typically run $15 to $25 per signature, with prices set by individual store owners rather than a corporate standard.
  • Not all UPS Store locations have a notary available, so check the website or call before you visit.
  • You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarizing; the notary cannot notarize blank documents or documents you have not yet signed.
  • Bring the original document, not a copy — notaries must see the original and verify your identity in person.
  • Other options like banks, credit unions, and independent notaries may charge less or offer different hours if UPS is not convenient.

What you need to bring to a UPS Store notary

Bring your original document and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will not notarize a copy, a blank document, or a document you have not yet signed. You must sign the document in front of the notary — they cannot notarize a signature that was already there. If the document requires multiple signatures from different people, each person must be present with their own ID.

Some documents specify which notary language or wording must appear on the page. If your document has a notary block (a blank space with lines for the notary's seal and signature), the notary will fill that in. If it does not, the notary will add one. Bring any instructions or requirements from the organization requesting the notarization — for example, a bank may require specific wording or a particular type of seal.

How UPS notary pricing compares to other options

Banks and credit unions often notarize documents for free if you have an account with them. This is the cheapest option if you are a customer. Independent notaries typically charge $10 to $20 per signature and may come to your home or office, which saves you a trip. Some charge travel fees if you are outside their service area.

Online notary services have emerged in recent years and charge $25 to $50 per signature, but they work only for documents that do not require a physical original — mainly digital or electronic documents. If your document must be notarized in person with the original present, UPS Store, banks, or independent notaries are your only options. Check whether your document can be notarized remotely before paying for an in-person service.

How to find the nearest UPS Store with notary services

Go to the UPS Store locator on the UPS website and enter your zip code or city. The search results will show which locations offer notary services. You can also filter by service type — select "Notary" from the list of available services. If the website does not show notary availability clearly, call the store directly. Staff can tell you whether a notary is in the store that day and whether you need to make an appointment.

Many UPS Store locations do not require an appointment for notary services, but calling ahead is still a good idea. Some stores have only one notary on staff, and they may be busy with other customers. If you call first, you can find out the best time to come in, or you can ask whether an appointment is available if walk-ins are not being taken that day.

Time and ID requirements for notarization

The notarization process itself takes about five to ten minutes once you are at the counter. The notary will ask you to confirm your identity, verify that you signed the document (or watch you sign it), and then explore their seal and signature. Bring only the ID you plan to use — the notary must see the ID that matches the name on the document.

Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Expired IDs are usually accepted as long as the photo is still recognizable. If you do not have a photo ID, some notaries will notarize using a credible witness — another person who knows you and can vouch for your identity — but this is less common and may not be available at all UPS locations. Ask when you call.

Documents that cannot be notarized

Notaries cannot notarize blank documents, documents you did not sign yourself, or documents where the signature is already there but you are not present to confirm it. They also cannot notarize documents that appear to be fraudulent or where they suspect coercion. If a document asks the notary to certify something they cannot verify — such as the truth of the statements inside — they will refuse.

Some documents require a specific type of notarization, such as an acknowledgment or a jurat. An acknowledgment means the notary verifies your identity and confirms you signed the document. A jurat means you swear under oath that the contents are true. The notary will know which type is needed based on the wording in the notary block, but if you are unsure, ask the organization requesting the notarization which type they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document for someone else?

No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present with a valid photo ID. The notary is confirming that the person in front of them is the person whose name is on the document and that they signed it willingly. If someone else signs on your behalf, that signature cannot be notarized at a UPS Store.

Do I need an appointment for UPS notary services?

Most UPS Store locations do not require an appointment, but it depends on the individual store. Call ahead to ask. If you go without calling, you may have to wait if the notary is busy, or you may be turned away if the notary is not available that day.

What if I need the document notarized the same day?

Call your nearest UPS Store in the morning and ask when the notary is available. Many locations can notarize documents same-day if you come in during business hours. UPS Store hours vary by location, but most are open six days a week. If your local UPS Store cannot help, try a bank, credit union, or independent notary in your area.

Can UPS notarize documents that are already signed?

No. You must sign the document in front of the notary. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it because they cannot verify that you signed it yourself and that you did so willingly.

What happens if I lose the notarized document?

You will need to have it notarized again. The notary keeps a record of the notarization in their journal, but they cannot issue a copy of the seal or signature. You must bring the original document back to a notary and go through the process again. Some organizations accept a certified copy from the notary's journal, so ask before you pay for a second notarization.