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

Bank of America branches typically have at least one notary public on staff during business hours. You do not need to be a customer to use the service — the bank will notarize documents for anyone who walks in. However, not every branch has a notary available at every moment, and some smaller locations may not offer the service at all. Call your local branch before you go to confirm a notary is there and to ask about wait times.

The notary will verify your identity using a government-issued ID, watch you sign the document in front of them, and apply their official seal and signature. Bank of America does not charge a fee for this service to account holders. Non-customers may face a small fee, though this varies by branch — some waive it entirely. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if the notary is available.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bank of America branches have a notary on staff during business hours, but you should call ahead to confirm one is available that day.
  • You do not need a Bank of America account to use the notary service, though account holders typically do not pay a fee.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID — the notary will not notarize a document without verifying your identity in person.
  • The notary will watch you sign the document and apply their seal, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes if they are not busy.
  • Not all documents can be notarized — the notary cannot notarize something you signed before arriving, and some legal documents have restrictions.

What documents Bank of America will and will not notarize

A notary public can notarize most everyday documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, travel consent forms for minors, and property-related paperwork. The notary's job is to confirm that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly in front of them — not to verify that the document is legal or correct.

Bank of America notaries will not notarize a document you have already signed. The signature must happen in front of the notary. They also cannot notarize documents where they have a financial interest — for example, a notary at a Bank of America branch cannot notarize a mortgage or loan document if Bank of America is the lender. Some states restrict notarization of wills and certain family law documents, so ask the notary whether your specific document can be handled before you sit down.

How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch

Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or call 1-800-432-1000 to find the nearest location. When you call the branch directly, ask whether a notary is available that day and what their hours are. Many branches have notaries available during all business hours, but some only have them at certain times. If your branch does not have a notary, the staff can usually direct you to one nearby.

Walk-ins are welcome, but you may wait if the notary is busy with another customer. If you have a complex document or expect the process to take longer than 15 minutes, ask if you can schedule an appointment. Some branches will hold a time slot for you, though this is not may provide.

What to bring when you visit

Bring your government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize without seeing this. Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them. If you are unsure whether the document needs notarization or what form it should take, bring any instructions you received from the party requesting the notarization.

If you are signing on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation showing your authority to sign — such as a corporate resolution, power of attorney, or board authorization. The notary may ask questions about why you are signing and what the document is for, so be prepared to explain briefly.

Notary fees and account holder discounts

Bank of America account holders receive notary services at no charge. Non-customers may be charged a fee per signature or per page, though the amount varies by branch and state law. Some branches waive the fee for non-customers as a courtesy; others charge $5 to $15 per notarization. Call ahead to ask what your branch charges before you go.

If cost is a concern, public libraries, county clerk offices, and some title companies also offer notary services, often for free or at a lower cost than a bank. However, Bank of America's convenience and extended hours make it a practical choice for many people.

When Bank of America notaries cannot help

If you need a notary outside of business hours — evenings, weekends, or holidays — Bank of America branches will be closed. Some mobile notary services operate 24/7 and will come to your home or office, though they charge significantly more than a branch notary. Check your state's notary directory online to find mobile notaries in your area.

If your document requires a certified copy — a notarized photocopy of an original document — Bank of America notaries typically cannot provide this. Certified copies usually come from the government agency that issued the original, such as a vital records office for a birth certificate or a court clerk for a judgment. A notary can notarize a photocopy you made yourself, but that is different from a certified copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a Bank of America account?

Yes. Bank of America notarizes documents for anyone with a valid government-issued photo ID, whether or not you bank there. You may be charged a small fee, which varies by branch. Call ahead to confirm the fee and that a notary is available.

What if I signed the document before I got to the bank?

The notary cannot notarize it. A notary must watch you sign in front of them. If you have already signed, you will need to get an unsigned copy and sign it again during the notarization appointment.

How long does notarization take?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes if the notary is available and your document is straightforward. Wait times depend on how busy the branch is. If you expect your document to be complex or have multiple signatures, call ahead to ask about scheduling an appointment.

Can Bank of America notarize a document for a business I own?

Yes, if you bring documentation showing you have authority to sign on behalf of the business — such as a corporate resolution, power of attorney, or board authorization. The notary will verify your personal identity and may ask why you are signing.

What if my local Bank of America branch does not have a notary?

Call the branch and ask them to direct you to the nearest location that does. You can also use the branch locator on Bank of America's website to search for branches by service. Public libraries and county clerk offices are other free or low-cost options.