Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account

Bank of America branches provide notary services to customers and non-customers alike at no charge. However, not every branch has a notary on staff, and hours vary. Your best move is to call the specific branch where you plan to go and ask whether a notary is available that day, since staffing changes and some smaller locations do not offer the service at all.

Notarization is a way to verify that you signed a document and that you are who you say you are. A notary public watches you sign, checks your ID, and stamps the document with an official seal. Banks offer this because many financial and legal documents require it—mortgages, power of attorney forms, affidavits, and some loan applications among them.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notary services are free and available at most branches during business hours, but you must call ahead to confirm a notary is present that day.
  • You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to be notarized.
  • The document you want notarized must be present and ready to sign when you arrive; notaries cannot notarize blank documents or ones already signed.
  • If your local branch does not have a notary, you can search for other notaries through your state's notary registry or use a UPS Store or FedEx location, which also offer notary services for a fee.

What you need to bring to get a document notarized

Bring your original, unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will not notarize a document that is already signed, so do not sign it before you arrive. If the document has blank spaces that need to be filled in, complete those before you go, but leave your signature line empty.

Some documents have specific notarization requirements—for example, they may need to be notarized in front of two witnesses, or the notary may need to know you personally. Check the document itself or call the organization requesting it to understand what is required before you make the trip to the branch.

How to find a Bank of America branch with a notary

Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether the branch nearest you has notary services available. When you call, ask what hours the notary works, since it may not be the same as branch hours. Some branches have one notary who works part-time, so you may need to visit on a specific day or call to schedule an appointment.

If the branch you prefer does not have a notary, ask whether another nearby branch does. Many areas have multiple locations, and one may be more convenient or have more reliable notary availability than another.

What happens during the notarization process

You will sign the document in front of the notary. The notary will examine your ID to confirm your identity, watch you sign, and then stamp and sign the document themselves. The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes. The notary will keep a record of the notarization in a journal, which is a legal requirement.

The notary cannot advise you on the content of the document or whether you should sign it. Their only job is to verify that you are who you say you are and that you signed it willingly. If you have questions about what the document means or whether it is right for your situation, you should speak with a lawyer or the organization that requested the notarization.

When Bank of America notary services may not work for you

Some documents cannot be notarized by a standard notary public. Loan documents that require a certified signing agent or a notary loan signing agent need someone with additional training and insurance. Bank of America notaries are not loan signing agents, so if your mortgage or refinance documents require one, you will need to hire a signing service separately.

If you need a notarization outside of business hours, Bank of America branches will not help. Mobile notaries and some UPS Store locations offer evening and weekend appointments for a fee, usually between $10 and $25 per signature.

Alternatives if your branch does not have a notary

UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and Staples often have notaries on staff and charge between $5 and $15 per signature. Search online for "notary near me" to find hours and availability. Some title companies and real estate offices also provide notary services, sometimes at no charge if you are a customer.

Your state's notary registry may list notaries in your area. You can search by zip code or city to find mobile notaries who will come to you, which is useful if you cannot leave home or need notarization outside business hours. Mobile notaries typically charge $25 to $75 depending on location and how many signatures you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to get a document notarized there?

No. Bank of America notarizes documents for customers and non-customers at no charge. You only need a valid photo ID and the unsigned document.

Can I notarize a document that is already signed?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document. If it is already signed, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to obtain an unsigned copy and sign it in front of the notary.

How long does notarization take?

The process usually takes five to ten minutes. However, you may wait longer if the branch is busy or if the notary is with another customer. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan.

What if I need a notarization but cannot get to a branch during business hours?

Mobile notaries work evenings and weekends for a fee, usually $25 to $75. Search online for "mobile notary near me" or check your state's notary registry. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations also offer notary services with extended hours in many areas.

Do I need to make an appointment for notarization at Bank of America?

Most Bank of America branches do not require an appointment for notarization, but calling ahead is wise to confirm a notary is available that day. Some branches may ask you to schedule if they are understaffed.