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 or can connect you with one, but this is not a may provide at every location. Some branches offer notarization for free to account holders, while others charge a fee (typically $5 to $15 per signature). A few branches have no notary available at all. The only way to know what your specific branch offers is to call ahead—do not assume based on branch size or location.
Notarization is a verification service, not a legal document review. A notary confirms your identity, watches you sign a document, and stamps it with their seal. They do not check whether the document is correct, whether you understand what you are signing, or whether it is appropriate for your situation. If you need legal advice about a document, you need a lawyer, not a notary.
Key Takeaways
- Call your local Bank of America branch directly to ask whether they offer notary services and whether there is a fee for account holders.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and the unsigned document you need notarized.
- The notary will watch you sign in front of them and then apply their seal and signature to the document.
- If your branch has no notary, ask for a referral to a nearby location or search for independent notaries in your area through your state's notary board.
- Some documents (like powers of attorney or real estate deeds) may have specific notarization rules depending on your state—check your state's requirements before you go.
How to learn about your branch offers notary services
Call the branch directly and ask whether they have a notary public available. Do not rely on the Bank of America website or app—branch services change frequently and are not always updated online. When you call, ask three things: whether a notary is available, whether there is a fee, and whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether they can refer you to another nearby Bank of America location that does. Some branches in rural areas or smaller towns may not have notary services at all. In that case, you can search for independent notaries through your state's notary board website or ask your local courthouse for referrals.
What to bring when you go in
Bring a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. The notary will check your ID to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the unsigned document itself—do not sign it before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it in their presence.
Bring the original document, not a copy. Some documents require the original to be notarized. If you are unsure, ask the person or organization that requested the notarization (your employer, a court, a lender) whether a copy is acceptable. If you need multiple copies notarized, bring all of them.
What happens during notarization
The notary will ask you to confirm your identity using your photo ID. They will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will then apply their notary seal (a stamp or embosser) to the document, sign it themselves, and write the date and their notary number. This process usually takes five to ten minutes.
The notary does not read the document or check its contents. They do not verify that the information in the document is true or that you understand what you are signing. Their job is only to confirm that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly. If you have questions about what the document means or whether you should sign it, ask a lawyer before you go to the notary.
Cost and whether Bank of America account holders get a discount
Bank of America notary fees vary by branch. Some branches offer free notarization to account holders and charge non-account holders $5 to $15 per signature. Other branches charge everyone a fee. A few branches do not offer notary services at all. The only way to know the cost at your branch is to call and ask.
If you are charged a fee, ask whether it is per signature or per document. Some notaries charge per signature, so a document with multiple signature lines costs more. Get the fee in writing or at least confirm the amount before the notary begins work.
State-specific rules that affect notarization
Some documents have special notarization rules depending on your state. Powers of attorney, real estate deeds, and affidavits sometimes require acknowledgment (the notary confirms you signed it) or jurat (the notary confirms you swore or affirmed the contents are true). These are different from basic notarization and may require different wording on the document.
Before you go to the notary, check whether your document has specific state requirements. If it does, make sure the notary knows what type of notarization is needed. If the document does not specify, ask the person or organization that requested the notarization what type they need. Bringing this information with you saves time and prevents the notary from having to turn you away.
What to do if your branch cannot help
If your Bank of America branch has no notary or cannot fit you in, search for independent notaries through your state's notary board website. Most states maintain a directory of licensed notaries. You can also ask your employer, bank, or the organization requesting the notarization for a referral. Many title companies, real estate offices, and law firms offer notary services to the public, sometimes for free.
UPS stores and some CVS and Walgreens locations also offer notary services for a fee, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary available and what they charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary?
Most branches offer free or discounted notarization to account holders and charge non-account holders a fee. Some branches charge everyone the same fee regardless of account status. Call your branch to ask about their specific policy.
Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notarization is not valid. Bring the unsigned document to the notary.
What if I need a document notarized but cannot go to the branch in person?
Some notaries offer mobile or remote notarization, though this is less common at bank branches. Ask your Bank of America branch whether they offer this service. If not, search for independent mobile notaries in your area or ask whether the organization requesting the notarization accepts remote notarization.
How long does a notarized document stay valid?
A notarized document does not expire. The notary seal and signature confirm that you signed it on a specific date. However, the organization using the document (a court, lender, or government agency) may have its own rules about how old a notarized document can be before they will accept it. Ask the organization requesting the notarization whether there is an age limit.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you are not who you say you are, if you appear to be signing under duress, or if the document appears to be fraudulent. A notary can also refuse if the document violates state law or if they have a conflict of interest (for example, if they are a party to the document). If a notary refuses, ask why and whether another notary might be able to help.