Chase offers notary services at most branches, but availability varies by location and you must be a customer
Chase does notarize documents at many of its branches, but not all locations provide this service. You must have a Chase checking or savings account to use it. The service is free for account holders, though some branches may charge a small fee—usually $5 to $15—if you are not a customer. Call your local branch directly to confirm they have a notary on staff before you go in, because staffing changes and branch hours vary.
Notarization is not the same as a signature may provide or medallion may provide, which some financial documents require. Chase can notarize wills, powers of attorney, affidavits, and other documents that need a witness signature. It cannot notarize documents that require a medallion may provide, such as stock transfers or certain investment account changes.
Key Takeaways
- Call your Chase branch ahead of time to confirm a notary is available, because not all branches have one and hours vary.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document you need notarized; the notary will not notarize blank documents or ones already signed.
- The service is free for Chase account holders but may cost $5 to $15 if you are not a customer.
- Chase notaries can witness signatures on wills, powers of attorney, and affidavits, but cannot provide medallion guarantees for investment transfers.
What documents Chase will and will not notarize
Chase notaries can witness and certify signatures on most common documents: wills, powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, rental agreements, and general legal paperwork. They verify your identity, confirm you are signing of your own free will, and stamp the document with the notary seal and their signature.
Chase will not notarize documents that are already signed, blank documents, or copies of documents that require the original. They also cannot provide a medallion may provide or signature may provide, which are different from notarization and are required for some investment and brokerage transactions. If your document needs a medallion may provide, you will need to contact your investment firm or a bank that offers that service specifically.
What to bring to your Chase branch
Bring your original unsigned document and a valid government-issued photo ID. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them and will verify your identity by checking your ID. Bring the document in its final form—do not bring a draft or a copy.
If you are not a Chase customer, call ahead to ask about the fee and whether the branch requires an appointment. Some branches handle notarizations on a walk-in basis; others schedule them by appointment only. Having the document ready and your ID in hand will speed up the process, which usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
How to find a Chase branch with notary services
Use the Chase branch locator on Chase.com and filter by "services offered" or call the main number for your nearest branch. Not every Chase location has a notary, particularly smaller branches or ones in rural areas. The branch locator online does not always list notary availability, so a phone call is the most reliable way to confirm.
If your nearest Chase branch does not have a notary, ask whether they can refer you to another branch nearby or suggest an alternative. Some Chase branches can schedule you at a different location if you are willing to travel. If you are not a Chase customer and the fee is a concern, check whether your employer, credit union, or insurance company offers free notary services—many do for members.
Notarization versus medallion guarantees and signature guarantees
A notary is a person authorized by the state to witness signatures and verify identity. Notarization costs little or nothing and is used for wills, powers of attorney, and general legal documents. A medallion may provide or signature may provide is a higher level of certification used for investment and brokerage transactions, such as transferring stocks or changing beneficiaries on investment accounts. It is more expensive and requires the guarantor to verify not only your identity but also your authority to make the transaction.
Chase can provide notarization but not medallion guarantees. If you need a medallion may provide, contact your brokerage firm, investment bank, or the institution holding the securities. They can either provide the may provide themselves or refer you to a firm that does.
What happens after the notary stamps your document
Once the notary signs and stamps your document, it is notarized and ready to use. The notary will add their signature, the date, their notary seal, and their commission number. Keep the original notarized document—do not send only a copy unless the recipient specifically says they will accept one.
Some organizations, such as courts or government agencies, may require the notarization to be recent (within 30 days or 6 months, depending on the use). If you are notarizing a document for a future use, ask the recipient how old the notarization can be before it is no longer valid. Most notarizations do not expire, but the document itself may have a deadline for filing or use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Chase customer to get a document notarized?
No, but you will likely pay a fee of $5 to $15 if you are not a customer. Chase account holders receive notarization for free. Call your branch to confirm their fee policy before you visit.
Can Chase notarize a document I already signed?
No. The notary must witness your signature in person. If the document is already signed, you will need to have it re-signed in front of the notary, or the notary cannot certify it.
What if my Chase branch does not have a notary?
Call and ask whether they can refer you to another Chase branch nearby or suggest an alternative. Many employers, credit unions, and insurance companies offer free notary services to members. Your state bar association or secretary of state's office can also direct you to notaries in your area.
Can Chase provide a medallion may provide for a stock transfer?
No. Medallion guarantees are different from notarization and are used for investment transactions. Contact your brokerage firm or investment bank to request a medallion may provide.
How long does notarization take?
Most notarizations take 5 to 10 minutes. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Calling ahead or scheduling an appointment can reduce wait time.