Bank of America offers notarization at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location

Bank of America does provide notarization services at many of its branches, but you cannot assume your local branch offers it. Some branches have a notary public on staff during business hours; others do not. The service is typically free or low-cost for account holders, though some branches charge a small fee per signature. Non-customers may also use the service at branches that offer it, sometimes for a higher fee.

The fastest way to know whether your branch notarizes is to call ahead. Ask specifically whether a notary is available today and whether you need an appointment. Do not rely on the website to tell you — branch staffing changes, and the online locator does not always reflect current notary availability.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your local Bank of America branch directly to confirm they have a notary on staff, because availability is not consistent across all locations.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarization; the notary will verify your identity before witnessing your signature.
  • Account holders typically pay nothing or a small fee; non-customers may pay a per-signature fee that varies by branch.
  • If your branch does not offer notarization, credit unions, UPS stores, and FedEx locations often do, sometimes at lower cost.

What to bring and how the notarization works

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your identity against the ID before witnessing your signature. Bring the actual document that needs notarization, not a copy. If the document is not yet signed, the notary will watch you sign it in front of them. If it is already signed, most notaries will not notarize it; the signature must happen in their presence.

The notary will then add their seal and signature to the document, along with the date and their notary commission number. This certifies that they witnessed you sign the document and verified your identity. The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes per document.

Cost and who can use the service

Bank of America account holders often receive notarization for free, though some branches charge a small fee per signature — typically between $5 and $15. Non-customers usually pay a per-signature fee. The exact cost depends on the individual branch, so ask when you call to confirm availability.

You do not need to be a Bank of America customer to use the service at a branch that offers it. However, branches that do offer notarization to non-customers may charge more than they charge account holders, or may have restrictions on which documents they will notarize.

How to learn about your branch has a notary

Call the branch directly — this is faster and more reliable than checking online. The phone number is on the Bank of America website or on your debit card. Ask whether a notary is available, what the cost is for your situation (account holder or non-customer), and whether you need an appointment. Some branches take walk-ins; others require you to schedule ahead, especially if the notary is part-time.

If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether they can refer you to a nearby branch that does. Some branches keep a list of local notaries or partner locations.

When Bank of America notarization may not work

Some documents cannot be notarized by a standard notary public. Powers of attorney, living wills, and certain financial documents sometimes require a notary who specializes in that type of document or who has additional training. If the document came with instructions about notarization, read them carefully — they may specify what kind of notary you need.

Bank of America notaries also cannot notarize documents for themselves or for close family members, and they cannot notarize a document if they have a financial interest in it. If the notary at your branch cannot help, they should tell you why and may refer you elsewhere.

Alternatives if Bank of America does not work for you

If your local Bank of America branch does not offer notarization or cannot notarize your specific document, several other options exist. Credit unions often notarize for members at no cost. UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries on staff in most areas and typically charge $10 to $25 per signature. Some law offices and title companies also notarize documents, sometimes for a fee.

Online notarization is also now available in most states through services that connect you with a notary via video call. This works for documents that do not require a wet signature (an ink signature on the original document). Check your state's laws before using an online notary, because some states do not recognize remote notarization for certain document types.

What happens after notarization

Once the notary has sealed and signed your document, it is notarized. You can then submit it to whoever requested it — a court, a government agency, a financial institution, or a private party. The notary's seal and signature prove that a may have access to person witnessed you sign the document and verified your identity on a specific date.

Keep the original notarized document safe. Most organizations will not accept a photocopy of a notarized document; they want the original with the notary's seal. If you need multiple copies, ask the notary whether you can make copies after notarization, or ask the organization that requested the notarization whether a copy is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I cannot go to the branch in person?

No — a notary must see you sign the document in front of them and verify your identity with a photo ID. Remote online notarization exists in some states, but it requires a video call with a notary and works only for documents that do not need an ink signature on paper. Check your state's rules before trying this route.

How long does notarization take?

The notarization itself takes five to ten minutes. However, you may wait in line at the branch, and some branches require an appointment. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you need to schedule.

What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?

Notaries can refuse if the document is already signed, if they cannot verify your identity, if they have a conflict of interest, or if the document appears fraudulent or illegal. If a notary refuses, ask why — they should explain. You can then seek a notary elsewhere or contact the organization that requested the notarization to ask what to do next.

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

It depends on the branch. Some take walk-ins during business hours; others require you to schedule ahead. Call your branch to ask. If you need notarization urgently, mention that when you call — the branch may be able to fit you in quickly.

Can Bank of America notarize a document I already signed?

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