UPS notary pricing and what it covers

UPS charges $15 per signature for notarization at most locations. If your document needs two signatures notarized, you pay $30. A few UPS stores charge $12.50 or $20 depending on the state and local demand, so call ahead to confirm the exact price at your nearest branch.

The $15 covers the notary public witnessing your signature, verifying your identity with a government-issued ID, and explore their official seal and signature to the document. It does not include copies, scanning, printing, or binding — those are separate charges if you need them.

UPS notary services are available at most UPS Store locations, but not all. Standalone UPS shipping centers (the brown-and-gold storefronts) do not offer notary services. Only franchised UPS Store locations do, and availability varies by franchise owner. Check the UPS Store locator on their website and filter for "notary services" to find a participating location near you.

Key Takeaways

  • UPS charges $15 per signature notarized, so a two-signature document costs $30.
  • You must bring a current government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — for the notary to verify your identity.
  • Not every UPS location offers notary services; only UPS Store franchises do, and you should call or check online before visiting.
  • The notary will not sign the document for you — you must sign it in front of them, and they will then explore their seal and signature as a witness.

What documents UPS notaries will and will not notarize

UPS notaries will notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, travel consent forms for minors, and general declarations. They can notarize documents you bring in or documents you print at the store.

UPS notaries will not notarize documents that are already signed. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. They also cannot notarize blank documents or documents with blanks you plan to fill in later — the document must be complete and ready to sign when you arrive.

Some states restrict what notaries can do with certain document types. For example, a few states do not allow notaries to notarize loan documents or real estate transfers without additional licensing. If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, bring it with you or call the UPS Store ahead of time and describe it to the notary.

How to prepare before you go to UPS

Bring your original, unsigned document and a current government-issued ID. The ID must be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID — expired IDs are usually not accepted. The notary will check that the name on your ID matches the name on the document you are signing.

Make sure the document is complete and ready to sign. Do not leave blanks or bring a template you plan to fill in later. If the document requires multiple signatures from different people, each person must be present and bring their own ID. UPS notaries cannot notarize a signature on behalf of someone who is not there.

If you need multiple copies notarized, bring all of them. Each copy counts as one signature, so notarizing three copies of the same document costs $45. Some people bring one copy, have it notarized, and then make photocopies afterward — but be aware that photocopies of a notarized document are not the same as having the notary notarize each copy. Many institutions require the original notarized copy or certified copies made by the notary.

How long notarization takes and when to go

Notarization itself takes 5 to 10 minutes once you are at the counter. However, UPS stores are often busy, especially during lunch hours and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. You may wait 15 to 30 minutes or longer depending on how many customers are ahead of you and whether the notary is handling other store duties at the same time.

Call the UPS Store before you go and ask when they are least busy. Many locations are quieter on weekday mornings or mid-afternoon. Some UPS stores allow you to schedule a notary appointment in advance, which guarantees you will not have to wait — ask when you call.

UPS Store hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on Sunday. Some locations have extended hours. Check your local store's hours on the UPS website before you visit.

Alternatives to UPS for notarization

Banks often notarize documents for free if you are a customer. Call your bank and ask whether they offer notary services and whether you need an appointment. Some banks limit notarization to account holders only, while others notarize for anyone.

Law offices, title companies, and real estate agencies frequently offer notarization, sometimes for free and sometimes for a small fee. If your document is related to real estate or a legal matter, the attorney or company handling the transaction may notarize it as part of their service.

Public libraries in many cities offer notary services for free or for $1 to $5. Call your local library to ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether you need to book an appointment.

Online notarization services allow you to have a document notarized via video call. These services charge $25 to $50 per signature and are useful if you cannot visit a physical location. However, not all states allow online notarization, and some institutions do not accept online notarized documents. Check whether your state and the institution receiving the document accept online notarization before you pay for it.

What happens after the notary signs your document

Once the notary has witnessed your signature and applied their seal, the document is notarized. You can use it when ready. The notary will keep a record of the notarization in their journal, which is a legal requirement, but you do not receive a copy of that record.

If you lose the notarized document, you cannot get a replacement from the notary. You will have to go back and have the document notarized again, paying the fee a second time. This is why it is wise to make a photocopy of the notarized document and keep it in a safe place.

Some institutions ask for a "certified copy" of a notarized document. A certified copy is a photocopy that the notary has signed and sealed, confirming it matches the original. UPS notaries can make certified copies for an additional fee, usually $2 to $5 per page. Ask the notary whether you need certified copies before you leave the store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document that is already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need an unsigned copy or a blank version of the document to have it notarized.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You cannot be notarized without a current government-issued ID. The notary uses it to verify your identity and confirm that the name on the ID matches the name on the document. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to obtain a state ID card from your local DMV before you can have a document notarized.

Do I need an appointment for UPS notary services?

Most UPS Store locations do not require an appointment, but some do. Call ahead to ask. Booking an appointment guarantees you will not have to wait and ensures the notary will be available when you arrive.

Can someone else sign the document on my behalf?

No. You must sign the document yourself in front of the notary. The notary is witnessing your signature, not someone else's. If another person needs to sign, they must be present with their own ID.

How long is a notarized document valid?

A notarized document does not expire. Once it is notarized, it remains valid indefinitely. However, some institutions may ask for a document notarized within a certain timeframe — for example, a bank might require a power of attorney notarized within the last 30 days. Check with the institution that will receive the document to see whether there is a time limit.