UPS Notary Fees and What They Cover

UPS charges $15 per signature for notary services at most locations in the United States. If a document requires two signatures to be notarized, you pay $15 for each one, so $30 total. Some UPS Store locations may charge slightly different amounts — a few charge $10 or $20 — so calling ahead to confirm the exact price at your nearest store is worth the minute it takes.

The $15 fee covers the notary public witnessing your signature, verifying your identity with a government-issued ID, and explore the notary seal and stamp to your document. UPS does not charge extra for the seal itself or for the time spent reviewing your paperwork. You pay once per signature, regardless of how many pages the document is.

UPS notary services are available at most UPS Store locations, which are franchises separate from the brown UPS shipping centers. Not every UPS Store offers notary services, so you should call or check the store locator on the UPS website before making a trip. Hours vary by location, but many are open evenings and Saturdays, which can be more convenient than a bank or law office.

Key Takeaways

  • UPS charges $15 per signature for notary services, with most locations following this standard rate.
  • You need a current government-issued photo ID to have your signature notarized at UPS.
  • Not all UPS Store locations offer notary services, so confirm availability before visiting.
  • The notary fee covers the seal, stamp, and witness of your signature on one document.
  • If your document requires two signatures notarized, you will pay $15 for each signature.

What You Need to Bring to a UPS Notary Appointment

Bring a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before witnessing your signature. Expired IDs are not accepted, so check the expiration date before you go.

Bring the unsigned document that needs to be notarized. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them. Do not sign it beforehand — the whole point is that the notary witnesses the signature happen. If you sign it at home and then bring it in, the notary cannot notarize it.

Bring any other documents the notary might need to understand the context. For example, if you are notarizing a power of attorney, bring the full document even if only one page needs the seal. The notary may need to review the whole thing to understand what they are witnessing.

How the Notary Process Works at UPS

When you arrive, tell the UPS Store employee you need notary services. They will direct you to the notary public on staff or let you know when the notary is available. Wait times vary — some locations have a notary present all day, while others have one on specific days or hours.

The notary will ask to see your ID and examine it carefully. They are checking that the ID is current, that the photo matches you, and that the name on the ID matches the name on the document you are signing. This step takes a few minutes.

The notary will then ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will watch you write your signature. After you sign, the notary applies their official seal and stamp to the document, writes the date and location, and signs it themselves. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature.

When UPS Notary Services May Not Work for You

Some documents require acknowledgment rather than a straightforward notarization. An acknowledgment means the notary confirms you signed the document of your own free will, which is different from witnessing a signature. Most UPS notaries can handle acknowledgments, but call ahead to confirm if your document specifically requires one.

If your document is from another country or in a language other than English, the notary may decline. UPS notaries are trained in U.S. notary law and typically work only with English-language documents. Check with the location before making a trip.

Some documents, like certain legal filings or documents that require a certified copy, cannot be notarized at UPS. A certified copy means the notary must compare your original document to a copy and certify that they match — this is different from notarizing a signature. Ask the person or organization requesting the notarization whether they need a signature notarized or a certified copy made.

Comparing UPS Notary Costs to Other Options

Banks often offer notary services to account holders for free or at a lower cost than UPS. If you have a checking or savings account, call your bank first — many provide the service at no charge. However, bank hours are usually limited to business hours on weekdays, and you may need to make an appointment.

Law offices and title companies also notarize documents, typically for $10 to $25 per signature depending on location and complexity. These are often more expensive than UPS and require an appointment, but they may be necessary if your document is complex or requires a certified copy.

Some employers offer notary services to employees through HR or an employee information program. If your employer has this benefit, it is usually free. Check your employee handbook or ask HR before paying out of pocket.

Online notary services have grown in recent years and may cost $25 to $50 per signature, but they work from home and are available evenings and weekends. These services use video conferencing and are useful if you cannot visit a physical location, though not all states recognize online notarization yet.

Finding a UPS Store with Notary Services Near You

Go to the UPS website and use the store locator tool. Enter your address or zip code, and the results will show nearby UPS Store locations. Click on each location to see the hours and services offered — notary availability is listed under "Services."

Call the store directly before visiting. The website listing may not be updated in real time, and staffing changes. A quick phone call confirms that a notary is on duty that day and can tell you the exact fee if your location differs from the standard $15.

If the nearest UPS Store does not offer notary services, ask the employee if they can recommend another location in your area that does. Many UPS Store franchisees know each other and can point you to a nearby option.

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, the notary cannot notarize it because they did not witness the signature. You will need an unsigned copy of the document to bring to UPS.

Do I need an appointment for UPS notary services?

Most UPS Store locations do not require an appointment for notary services, but availability varies. Some locations have a notary on staff all day, while others have limited hours. Calling ahead to confirm the notary is available saves you a trip.

What if the notary says my document cannot be notarized?

The notary may decline if the document is unclear, in a foreign language, or requires a service UPS does not offer, such as a certified copy. Ask the notary why they cannot help and what type of service you need instead. A law office or title company may be able to handle it.

Will UPS notarize a power of attorney or will?

UPS can notarize the signature on a power of attorney or will, but some states have specific rules about how these documents must be notarized. Check your state's requirements before visiting, or bring a copy of the state law with you so the notary can review it.

Can someone else sign a document on my behalf at UPS?

No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in person with a valid ID. The notary must watch that specific person sign the document and verify their identity. No one can sign on your behalf.