Most banks offer notary services, but not all branches do, and you may need to be a customer

Many banks have notaries on staff or can refer you to one, but availability depends on the bank, the branch, and whether you hold an account there. Some large banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase offer notary services to customers at many locations, often for free or a small fee. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely — some have notaries, others do not. The only way to know is to call your branch directly and ask whether a notary is available and whether you need to be a customer to use the service.

If your bank does not have a notary or you are not a customer, you have other options: UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples often have notaries available to the public for a fee (typically $5 to $15 per signature). Some county clerk offices and public libraries also offer notary services, sometimes free. A few states allow online notarization through licensed vendors, though this works only for certain document types and requires the notary to verify your identity remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your bank branch directly to ask if a notary is available and whether you must be a customer to use the service.
  • Large national banks often offer free or low-cost notary services to account holders, but smaller banks and credit unions may not have notaries at all.
  • UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples have notaries available to the public for a fee of $5 to $15 per signature.
  • County clerk offices and some public libraries offer notary services, sometimes at no cost.
  • A few states allow remote online notarization through licensed vendors, but only for certain document types.

What a notary actually does

A notary public is a person authorized by the state to witness a signature and verify that the person signing is who they claim to be. The notary checks a photo ID, watches you sign the document in front of them, and then stamps and signs the document themselves. This creates an official record that the signature is genuine — it does not mean the document itself is legal or that the notary has read or understood its contents.

Notarization is required for certain documents: real estate deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits, and some loan documents often need a notary's seal. Other documents may ask for it but do not legally require it. The notary does not make a judgment about whether you should sign; they only confirm that you are the person signing and that you did so willingly.

How to learn about your bank has a notary

Call your branch and ask directly. Do not rely on the bank's website, because branch staffing varies and the website may not be current. When you call, ask three things: whether a notary is available at that location, whether you need to be a customer, and whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Some branches require appointments, especially if the notary is part-time or shared across multiple branches.

If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether they can refer you to one nearby or whether another branch in your area has one. Some banks will notarize documents for non-customers if you call ahead, though this is less common. If your bank cannot help, move on to the next option rather than waiting.

What to bring when you go to get a document notarized

Bring a photo ID issued by a government agency — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see this before you sign. Bring the unsigned document itself; the notary will not notarize a document you have already signed. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, because the notary may need to see the full context and will stamp each page that requires it.

Bring a pen. Some notaries provide one, but it is safer to have your own. Do not sign the document before you arrive — the notary must watch you sign. If you are unsure which signature line needs notarization, ask the notary when you arrive; they can point you to the right place.

Fees and what they cover

Bank notary services for customers are often free, though some banks charge $5 to $10 per signature. Non-customers may pay more. UPS stores, FedEx, and Staples typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. County clerk offices and libraries may charge nothing or a small fee of $1 to $5. Online notarization services charge $25 to $50 per document, depending on the vendor and the state.

The fee covers the notary's time and the official seal and signature. If a document has multiple signature lines that all need notarization, you may be charged per signature rather than per document. Ask the notary before you start whether they charge per signature or per document, so you know what to expect.

When a bank notary cannot help

A notary cannot notarize a document they have a financial interest in — for example, a bank notary cannot notarize a loan document if the bank is the lender. In that case, you will need to find a notary outside the bank. A notary also cannot notarize a document for a family member or someone they know personally in most states, because it creates a conflict of interest.

If the document requires a certified copy (a copy that has been certified as a true copy of the original), a notary cannot provide that — you need the government agency that issued the original document. For example, a certified copy of a birth certificate comes from the vital records office, not a notary. A notary can only notarize an original document or a copy you have already made yourself.

Online notarization: when it works and when it does not

Some states allow remote online notarization, where you sign a document on video while a licensed notary watches. This works for certain documents — powers of attorney, affidavits, and some loan documents — but not all. Real estate deeds often cannot be notarized online because state law requires the notary to handle the physical document. Check your state's notary laws or ask the organization requesting the notarization whether remote notarization is acceptable for your specific document.

Online notarization requires you to upload a photo of your ID, sign the document electronically, and appear on video. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes and costs $25 to $50. It is faster than going in person if you live far from a notary, but it is not available everywhere and not for every document type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?

It depends on the bank. Large national banks often notarize for customers only, though some will notarize for non-customers if you call ahead. Smaller banks and credit unions vary. Call your branch and ask — there is no universal rule.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or evening?

Banks are usually closed on weekends and evenings. UPS stores and FedEx locations often have extended hours and notaries available. Some are open on Saturdays and a few on Sundays. Call ahead to confirm the notary is there before you go.

Can a notary tell me if my document is legal?

No. A notary only confirms that you signed the document and that you are who you say you are. They do not read the document, do not give legal advice, and do not verify that the document is correct or legally valid. If you need legal review, consult an attorney.

What if I sign the document before I get to the notary?

The notary will not notarize it. You must sign in front of the notary. If you have already signed, you will need a new blank copy of the document and will have to sign again in the notary's presence.

How long does notarization take?

In person, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Online notarization takes 10 to 30 minutes. The time depends on how many signatures need notarizing and how busy the notary is. If you are going in person, call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment.