Chase does not offer free notarization at most branches
Chase does not provide notarization as a free service to customers or the public. Most Chase branches do not notarize documents at all, regardless of whether you hold an account there. The few branches that do offer notarization typically charge a fee per signature—usually between $10 and $15 per document, though the exact amount varies by location and the number of signatures required.
Your best option is to call your local Chase branch directly and ask whether they notarize and what they charge. Many branches will tell you they do not offer the service, in which case you will need to look elsewhere. Do not assume a branch notarizes just because it is a bank; Chase's policy leaves it to individual branches to decide whether to staff a notary.
If your branch does notarize, you will need to bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document. The notary will witness your signature, add their seal and signature, and charge you at the time of service. Some branches may require an appointment; others take walk-ins during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Chase branches do not notarize for free; those that offer the service charge $10 to $15 per signature.
- Many Chase branches do not notarize at all, so calling ahead is essential before making a trip.
- You will need a valid photo ID and an unsigned document to be notarized at a Chase branch that offers the service.
- Notaries public at UPS stores, FedEx locations, and title companies often charge less and have longer hours than banks.
Where Chase branches do and do not notarize
Chase's notarization policy is not uniform across all branches. Some branches employ a notary public on staff; others do not. A branch's size, location, and staffing levels determine whether notarization is available. Urban branches and those in busy commercial areas are more likely to have a notary than smaller suburban or rural locations.
The only way to know whether your branch notarizes is to call and ask. When you call, confirm the fee, whether they require an appointment, and their hours. Some branches notarize only during certain hours or on certain days of the week. If your branch does not notarize, the representative may be able to refer you to a nearby location that does, but do not count on it.
Cheaper and faster alternatives to Chase
UPS stores and FedEx locations often notarize documents for $5 to $10 per signature and typically have longer hours than banks. Many are open on weekends and evenings. You can search for a notary near you on the UPS or FedEx website by entering your zip code.
Title companies, which handle real estate transactions, notarize documents as part of their business and often charge $5 to $15 per signature. If you are notarizing something related to a property transaction, your title company may notarize for free or at a reduced rate. County clerk offices and some libraries also offer notarization, sometimes for free or for a small fee under $5.
Online notarization services are now available in most states. These services connect you with a notary public via video call, and you can complete the notarization from home. Costs range from $25 to $50 per document, which is higher than in-person options but may be worth it if you cannot leave your home or need service outside business hours.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized
Bring a valid photo ID issued by a government agency—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing. Bring the unsigned document itself; do not sign it before you arrive. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs a signature.
If you are notarizing a document on behalf of a business or organization, bring documentation showing your authority to sign on their behalf. If you are unsure what to bring, call ahead and describe the document to the notary. They can tell you whether they can notarize it and what you will need.
Documents that notaries will and will not notarize
Notaries can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate deeds, and statutory declarations. They cannot notarize documents that require a specific official seal or certification beyond a notary's authority—such as certified copies of birth certificates or court documents. They also cannot notarize a document if you sign it before arriving; the notary must witness your signature.
Some documents require a notary's acknowledgment (the notary confirms your identity and that you signed willingly), while others require a jurat (the notary swears you under oath that the contents are true). The document itself or the person requesting it will specify which type is needed. If you are unsure, ask the notary when you arrive or call ahead.
How notarization protects you and the other party
A notary's seal and signature confirm that a real person with a valid ID signed the document in front of a neutral third party on a specific date. This makes the document harder to forge or dispute later. If someone claims they did not sign a document, the notary's record can be used as evidence that they did.
Notarization does not make a document legally binding or enforceable on its own. It only verifies the signature. A power of attorney still has to meet your state's legal requirements to be valid; a notary cannot fix a document that is missing required language or information. If you are unsure whether a document needs notarization or what language it needs, consult an attorney before paying for notarization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document online through Chase?
Chase does not offer online notarization. If you need remote notarization, you will have to use a third-party service such as Notarize, LegitScript, or your state's notary association website. These services connect you with a notary via video call and typically cost $25 to $50 per document.
What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?
UPS stores and FedEx locations often have weekend and evening hours and can notarize documents. Online notarization services are available 24/7 in most states. Call ahead to confirm hours at your nearest location.
Do I have to be a Chase customer to get a document notarized at Chase?
No. If a Chase branch notarizes, they will do so for anyone with a valid photo ID, whether or not you have an account. However, most branches do not notarize at all, so call first.
How long does notarization take?
Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have the correct document and ID. If the notary has questions about the document or your identity, it may take longer. Online notarization typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe the signer is not acting of their own free will, if they cannot verify your identity, or if the document appears fraudulent or illegal. They can also refuse if the document is outside their authority—for example, if it requires a specific government certification.