Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location
Many Bank of America branches have a notary public on staff who can notarize documents during business hours. However, not every branch offers this service—smaller locations or those in rural areas may not have a notary available. The best way to find out is to call your local branch directly and ask whether they have a notary, what hours they work, and whether you need an appointment.
When a notary notarizes a document, they verify your identity, confirm you are signing of your own free will, and stamp and sign the document as proof. This is different from a bank endorsing or guaranteeing the document itself. The notary is simply witnessing your signature and confirming you are who you say you are.
Bank of America does not charge customers for notary services at their branches. If you are not a Bank of America customer, some branches may still notarize your document for free, though policies vary. Call ahead to confirm whether the branch will notarize for non-customers.
Key Takeaways
- Not all Bank of America branches have a notary on staff, so call your local branch first to confirm availability and hours.
- Bank of America does not charge account holders for notary services, though non-customers may face different policies depending on the branch.
- You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the document you want notarized; the notary will not notarize blank documents or documents you have already signed.
- Notarization takes a few minutes and happens while you wait; you do not need an appointment at most branches, but calling ahead is safer.
- If your local branch does not have a notary, you can find one through your state's notary search tool, a UPS Store, or a title company.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized
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 a valid ID, they cannot notarize your document.
Bring the unsigned document itself. The notary must watch you sign it in front of them. If you have already signed the document, most notaries will not notarize it. Some documents require you to sign in front of the notary; others allow you to have signed it beforehand, but this depends on the type of document and your state's rules. When you call the branch, mention what you are having notarized so they can tell you whether it needs to be unsigned.
Bring any other documents the notary might need. For example, if you are notarizing a power of attorney, the notary may ask to see proof that you are who you claim to be beyond just your ID. Ask the branch what else they need when you call.
How the notarization process works at Bank of America
Call your local Bank of America branch and ask to speak with the notary or the branch manager. Tell them you need a document notarized and ask what hours the notary is available. Some branches have a notary in the office all day; others have one only on certain days or at certain times. Ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
Go to the branch during the notary's available hours with your ID and your unsigned document. The notary will ask you to confirm your name and address, check your ID, and ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will then stamp the document, sign it, and add the date and their notary seal. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.
You will receive the notarized document immediately. Keep it in a safe place—you may need it for a court filing, a real estate transaction, a loan, or another legal matter. Some organizations require the original notarized document, not a copy, so do not lose it.
When Bank of America notarization may not work for your document
Some documents have special notarization rules that a standard notary cannot handle. For example, if you need a certified copy of a document (a copy that is officially confirmed to be true to the original), a notary cannot provide that—only the organization that issued the original document can. If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, you must request it from the vital records office in the state where you were born.
If you need an apostille—a special certification for documents used in other countries—a notary at a bank cannot provide one. Apostilles must be issued by your state's Secretary of State office. Call your state's Secretary of State to find out how to request one.
If the document requires a notary acknowledgment or jurat (specific legal language that varies by state and document type), the notary at Bank of America can handle this, but you should tell them what type of notarization you need when you call. Some documents are very specific about what language must appear on the notarization, and the notary needs to know this in advance.
Alternatives if your Bank of America branch does not have a notary
If your branch does not have a notary or their hours do not work for you, you have several other options. Many UPS Store locations have a notary on staff and are open longer hours than banks, including some evenings and weekends. Call ahead to confirm availability and ask about their fee, which is usually between $5 and $15 per signature.
Title companies often have notaries available and may notarize for free if you are a customer or if the document is related to a real estate transaction. Law offices sometimes offer notary services to the public for a small fee. Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a searchable list of notaries public in your area—search online for "[your state] notary search" to find one near you.
Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost. If you work for a large company, check with your HR department or your company's legal or compliance team to see whether they have a notary available.
What notarization does and does not do
Notarization proves that you signed the document in front of a notary and that you showed valid ID. It does not prove the document is accurate, that you understand what you are signing, or that the transaction is legal. A notary is a witness to your signature, not a lawyer or a guarantor of the document's contents.
If you are signing a legal document—a power of attorney, a will, a loan agreement, or anything that affects your rights or finances—consider talking to a lawyer before you sign, even if you are only getting it notarized. A notary cannot give you legal advice, and notarization does not replace legal review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at Bank of America?
Most branches allow walk-ins, but it is safer to call ahead. Some branches have only one notary, and they may be busy or away from their desk. Calling first ensures the notary is available when you arrive and can reduce your wait time.
Can Bank of America notarize a document I already signed?
Most notaries will not notarize a document you have already signed, because they must watch you sign it in front of them. Some documents allow pre-signed notarization under certain state laws, but this is rare. Ask the notary when you call whether your specific document can be notarized if already signed.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
A notary cannot notarize without a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to get one first. Contact your state's DMV or the appropriate agency to find out how to obtain a state ID card or passport.
How much does Bank of America charge for notarization?
Bank of America does not charge account holders for notary services. Non-customers may be notarized for free at some branches, but policies vary by location. Call your branch to ask about their policy for non-customers.
Can Bank of America notarize documents for a business or organization?
Yes, a notary can notarize documents for a business, but the person signing must be present with a valid ID. The notary is witnessing the individual's signature, not the business itself. If the document requires a corporate seal or officer certification, that is different from notarization and may require a lawyer.