Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location
Most Bank of America branches have a notary public on staff during business hours, and the service is free for account holders. If you are not a customer, some branches will notarize for a small fee—typically $5 to $15 per signature, though this varies. The catch is that not every branch offers notary services, and hours are limited to when the branch is open. You will need to call ahead to confirm your specific branch has a notary available and to ask about their current fee structure.
Notarization requires the notary to verify your identity using a government-issued ID, watch you sign the document in person, and then apply their official seal and signature. Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents—powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers—but they cannot notarize certain things like wills or documents that require a witness other than the notary. If your document has special requirements, ask the branch before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary services are free for account holders and cost $5 to $15 per signature for non-customers at branches that offer them.
- Not all branches have a notary on staff, so you must call ahead to confirm availability at your location.
- You must bring a current government-issued ID and sign the document in front of the notary during the appointment.
- Bank of America notaries cannot notarize wills or documents with witness requirements beyond the notary's seal.
- Hours are limited to branch business hours, which typically end by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and close earlier on weekends.
How to learn about your branch offers notary services
Call your local Bank of America branch directly. The main number on their website will connect you to the branch, and you can ask whether they have a notary available and what their hours are. Some branches have a dedicated notary; others rotate the duty among staff members. If your branch does not offer notary services, ask if they can refer you to a nearby branch that does.
You can also check the Bank of America website and search for your branch location. Some branch pages list notary availability, though not all do, so a phone call is the most reliable way to confirm. If you are a customer, you can also ask at your next visit or call customer service to ask about notary services at your branch.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized
Bring the unsigned document and a current government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your ID to verify your identity, so it must match the name on the document you are signing. If your ID is expired, some notaries will still accept it if it is recent enough to be recognizable, but call ahead to ask your branch's policy.
Bring the original document, not a copy. The notary must see you sign it in person and will apply their seal to the original. If you need multiple copies notarized, bring all of them unsigned, and the notary will notarize each one as you sign. Some documents require specific language or formatting—for example, a power of attorney may need to be on a particular form—so check the requirements before you go in.
Cost and timing for Bank of America notary services
For Bank of America account holders, notarization is free. For non-customers, the fee is typically $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the branch and the complexity of the document. Some branches may charge a flat fee per document rather than per signature. Call ahead to ask what the branch charges so you know what to bring.
The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you are the only person waiting. Bring your ID and the unsigned document, sign in front of the notary, and they will apply their seal and signature. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Some branches allow you to make an appointment for notary services, which can reduce wait time—ask when you call.
When Bank of America cannot notarize a document
Bank of America notaries cannot notarize wills, even if you are a customer. Wills have strict legal requirements in most states, and many notaries avoid them to reduce liability. If you need a will notarized, you will need to find a separate notary public or an attorney.
Notaries also cannot notarize documents where they have a financial interest or conflict of interest—for example, a document that names the notary as a beneficiary. If the document requires a witness in addition to the notary's seal, the notary cannot serve as both. Some documents, like certain real estate forms, may have specific notarization language that the notary will need to see before agreeing to notarize. If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, describe it to the branch when you call.
Alternatives if your branch does not offer notary services
If your Bank of America branch does not have a notary, ask them to refer you to a nearby branch that does. Many branches share notary services or can direct you to the closest location with one available.
Other options include UPS Store locations, which have notaries on staff at most stores and charge $10 to $25 per signature. Many law offices offer notary services for a fee, and some charge less than banks. You can also search for independent notary publics in your area—many work from home or mobile offices and will come to you. Some title companies and real estate offices notarize documents as part of their business. If you need the document notarized urgently, call ahead to confirm hours and availability before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized at Bank of America on the weekend?
Most Bank of America branches are open on Saturday mornings, but hours are shorter than weekdays and notary availability may be limited. Call your branch to ask if a notary is available on Saturday and what time they close. Sunday hours vary by location; many branches are closed on Sunday, but some open for a few hours in the afternoon.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at Bank of America?
Most branches do not require an appointment, but calling ahead to confirm a notary is available can save you a trip. Some branches allow you to schedule a notary appointment, which guarantees someone will be available when you arrive. Ask your branch whether they take appointments when you call.
What if I am not a Bank of America customer—will they still notarize my document?
Yes, most branches will notarize for non-customers, but they will charge a fee of $5 to $15 per signature. Some branches may decline to notarize for non-customers or have a higher fee. Call ahead to ask your specific branch's policy before you go in.
Can Bank of America notarize a document I signed before I came in?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to bring an unsigned copy and sign it during the notarization process.
How long does a notarization take at Bank of America?
The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you are the only person waiting. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Bringing all required documents and a valid ID will help speed things up.