UPS Notary Service Pricing
UPS charges $15 per notarization at most locations in the United States. This is their standard rate for a single notarial act — one signature witnessed and certified on one document. If you need multiple documents notarized in the same visit, you typically pay $15 for each one.
The price can vary slightly by location and state. Some UPS stores in high-cost areas or certain states may charge up to $20 per notarization, so calling ahead to confirm the exact price at your nearest store is worth doing. A few states set maximum fees by law, which means UPS cannot charge more than that amount — your state's notary regulations determine the ceiling.
UPS does not charge extra fees for travel time, document preparation, or multiple pages within a single notarization. You pay one flat rate per notarial act, regardless of how many pages the document contains or how long the process takes.
Key Takeaways
- UPS notary service costs $15 per notarization at most locations, though some stores charge up to $20 depending on state and local rates.
- Each notarization is billed separately, so notarizing three documents means paying three times the per-document rate.
- You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID to any UPS notary appointment, and the notary will verify your identity before witnessing your signature.
- Call your local UPS store before visiting to confirm they have a notary on staff that day, since availability varies by location and some stores do not offer this service.
- The document must be signed in front of the notary — they cannot notarize a signature that was already on the page before you arrived.
What You Need to Bring
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check this to confirm your identity before notarizing anything. Without it, the notary cannot proceed, so forgetting your ID means a wasted trip.
Bring the unsigned document itself. The notary must watch you sign it in front of them. If the document is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it — they need to witness the act of signing. If you are unsure whether a signature is required in a particular spot, bring the document unsigned and ask the notary where to sign.
If you are notarizing a document on behalf of a business or organization, bring any paperwork that shows your authority to sign on their behalf — a power of attorney, corporate resolution, or letter of authorization. The notary may ask to see this before proceeding.
How to Find a UPS Store with Notary Service
Not every UPS location offers notary service. Visit ups.com, click "Find a Location," and search for your address or ZIP code. On the store details page, look for "Notary Services" listed under the services offered. If it is not listed, that store does not have a notary available.
Call the store directly before you go. Even if the website says notary service is available, staffing changes and the notary may not be in that day. A quick phone call confirms someone is there and can notarize your document when you arrive. This also gives you a chance to ask about wait times — some stores get busy during lunch hours or after work.
If your nearest UPS does not offer notary service, check whether a local bank, credit union, or law office provides it. Many banks notarize documents for account holders at no charge, and some do it for non-customers for a small fee. Your state bar association can also point you toward notaries in your area.
What Happens During a UPS Notarization
You arrive with your unsigned document and photo ID. The notary will ask you to state your name and confirm that you are signing the document of your own free will — not under pressure or duress. They will examine your ID to verify your identity matches the name on the document.
You then sign the document in front of the notary. They watch the signature happen. Once you have signed, the notary adds their own signature, stamps the document with an official notary seal, and writes the date and their notary number. This process usually takes five to ten minutes per document.
The notary will give you the original notarized document. Keep this — it is the official version. Some documents require certified copies, which are different from notarization; ask the notary or the organization requesting the document if you need copies made and certified as well.
Timing and Availability
UPS notary service is available during regular store hours, which vary by location. Most UPS stores are open Monday through Friday during business hours and have reduced hours on Saturday; many are closed on Sunday. Some UPS locations inside other businesses (like grocery stores) may have different hours.
Wait times depend on how busy the store is. Arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon usually means a shorter wait than lunch hour or right after work. If you are notarizing multiple documents, budget extra time — each one takes a few minutes, and the notary may have other customers ahead of you.
If you need notary service urgently, call ahead to confirm availability and ask about the current wait. Some stores can fit you in quickly; others may ask you to come back at a slower time.
State-Specific Fees and Rules
A handful of states set maximum notary fees by law. For example, some states cap the fee at $5 or $10 per notarization, which means UPS cannot charge more than that amount in those states. Other states have no fee cap, allowing notaries to set their own rates within reason.
A few states also require notaries to be commissioned in that state, which affects where you can get a document notarized. If you are notarizing a document for use in another state, confirm with the organization requesting the notarization that a notary in your state is acceptable. In almost all cases it is, but some legal documents have specific requirements.
If you are unsure about your state's notary rules, contact your state's Secretary of State office or search "[your state] notary fees" online. The rules are public information and usually posted on the state government website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can UPS notarize documents that are already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If it is already signed, they cannot notarize it. You will need to get a fresh copy of the document, leave the signature line blank, and bring that to the notary.
Do I need an appointment for UPS notary service?
Most UPS stores do not require appointments for notary service — you can walk in during business hours. However, calling ahead is smart because it confirms the notary is there and gives you an idea of the wait time. Some very busy locations may ask you to schedule a time slot.
What if I need the document notarized but do not have a photo ID?
The notary cannot proceed without a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to get a state ID or passport first. This is a legal requirement, not a UPS policy — notaries in all states must verify identity before notarizing.
Can UPS make certified copies of a notarized document?
UPS can photocopy your document, but certified copies are different from notarization. A certified copy is a copy that a notary or court official has verified matches the original. Ask the organization requesting the document whether they need a certified copy or just a notarized original.
What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
A notary can decline if the document is unclear, if you cannot prove your identity, or if they believe you are signing under duress. They can also decline if the document appears to be fraudulent or if notarizing it would violate state law. If this happens, ask the notary why they declined — their explanation will tell you what needs to change before you try elsewhere.