Whether Banks Notarize Documents for Free

Most banks do not notarize for free, but some offer it to account holders at no charge

Whether your bank notarizes for free depends on two things: whether they offer notary services at all, and whether you are a customer. Many large banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—have notaries on staff, but they typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, even for account holders. Some regional and community banks waive the fee for customers with checking or savings accounts. A few credit unions include notary services as a member benefit at no cost. The only way to know what your specific bank charges is to call the branch directly and ask.

If your bank does not offer notary services or charges a fee you want to avoid, you have other options: UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples often notarize documents for $5 to $15 per signature. Some state bar associations maintain lists of notaries in your area. Libraries, courthouses, and county clerk offices sometimes provide notary services free or at a low cost. Online notarization services are also available in most states, though they typically cost $25 to $50 per document and require you to verify your identity electronically.

Key Takeaways

• Large national banks usually charge $5 to $15 per notarized signature, even if you have an account with them.
• Some community banks and credit unions waive notary fees for members or account holders—call your branch to ask.
• UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples offer notary services for similar fees if your bank does not.
• Libraries, courthouses, and county clerk offices may notarize documents for free or a small fee depending on your location.
• Online notarization is available in most states but typically costs $25 to $50 and requires electronic identity verification.

What notarization actually is and why it costs money

A notary public is a person authorized by the state to witness signatures and verify that the person signing is who they claim to be. The notary does not judge whether the document is legal or fair—they simply confirm identity and that the signature was made willingly. This requires the notary to check a government-issued ID, watch the person sign, and then stamp and sign the document themselves.

Notaries are not government employees in most cases. They are private citizens or employees of businesses who have passed a test and paid a fee to the state to become commissioned. When a bank, UPS store, or notary charges you a fee, that money goes to the notary or their employer, not to the government. Some notaries work for nonprofits or government offices and charge little or nothing. Others work for retail businesses that set their own prices. The fee reflects the time and liability the notary takes on by putting their seal on your document.

How to learn about your bank notarizes and what it costs

Call your bank's main branch or the branch where you have your account. Ask specifically: "Do you have a notary public on staff?" and "What is the fee for notarizing a document?" Do not assume the answer based on the bank's size or your account type. Some branches have a notary and others do not, even within the same bank. If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak with a manager or the operations team.

If your bank does notarize, ask whether the fee applies to all customers or only to account holders. Some banks charge account holders a lower fee or waive it entirely. Ask also whether you need an appointment or can walk in, and whether the notary is available during your branch's regular hours. Some branches keep a notary only on certain days or require you to call ahead.

If your bank does not notarize or charges a fee you want to avoid, write down the name and phone number of the nearest UPS store, FedEx location, or Staples. Call ahead to confirm they have a notary available and ask their fee. This takes five minutes and saves you a trip.

Credit unions and community banks—where free notarization is more common

Credit unions are more likely than large banks to offer free notarization to members. Many credit unions include notary services as a member benefit, especially if you have a checking account or meet a minimum balance. Call your credit union's main number and ask whether notarization is free for members. If you do not have a credit union account, you can search for credit unions in your area through the CO-OP Network or Shared Branch locator.

Community banks and regional banks also notarize more often at no charge than national chains do. If you bank with a smaller institution, ask directly. The cost to them is low—it takes a notary five minutes to verify your ID and stamp a document—so many smaller banks absorb the cost as a customer service.

When you need notarization and where else to get it

Common documents that need notarization include power of attorney forms, affidavits, real estate deeds, loan documents, and adoption papers. Some states require notarization for certain legal documents; others do not. Before you search for a notary, check whether the document actually requires one. Look at the document itself—it will usually say "notarize before a notary public" or have a section labeled "notary acknowledgment." If you are unsure, contact the person or organization asking for the document and ask whether notarization is required.

If you need notarization and your bank charges a fee or does not offer it, your options are:

• UPS Store, FedEx, or Staples: Most locations have a notary on staff. Fees range from $5 to $15 per signature. Call ahead to confirm availability.
• County clerk or courthouse: Many offer notarization free or for a small fee (usually under $5). Hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
• Public library: Some libraries have a notary on staff or maintain a list of notaries in your area. Call your local branch to ask.
• State bar association: Most state bar associations publish a directory of notaries. Search "[your state] notary public directory" online.
• Online notarization: Services like Notarize, NotaryCam, and Notaryo allow you to notarize documents remotely. Costs range from $25 to $50 per document. You will need to verify your identity electronically and have a camera or webcam.

What to bring when you go to get a document notarized

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see this before they notarize anything. Bring the document you need notarized. If the document has a blank notary section, the notary will fill it in. If it does not, the notary can create a separate notary certificate and attach it to your document.

Bring the original document, not a copy. Notaries notarize originals. If you need multiple copies notarized, bring multiple originals or ask the notary whether they can notarize a copy of the original (some will, some will not). Ask the notary before you pay whether they charge per signature or per document—if your document has multiple pages that need signatures, the cost may be higher.

Online notarization—faster but not free

Online notarization is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, though the rules vary by state. You upload your document, verify your identity using a government ID and a video call, and the notary signs and stamps the document electronically. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You receive a notarized PDF by email.

Online notarization costs $25 to $50 per document, which is more than in-person notarization but faster if you need it urgently or live far from a notary. The main limitation is that some documents—particularly real estate deeds and certain legal papers—may not be accepted by online notaries depending on your state's rules. Before you pay, confirm with the online service that they can notarize your specific document type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document myself?

No. A notary public must be a third party who is not a signer on the document. You cannot notarize your own signature. If you are the only person signing, you still need a separate notary to witness and stamp it.

Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at a bank?

It depends on the bank and branch. Some notaries work on a walk-in basis during regular branch hours. Others require an appointment, especially if the notary is part-time or shared among multiple branches. Call ahead to ask.

What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?

A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they believe something is wrong—for example, if the signature does not match the ID, if the signer appears confused or under duress, or if the document is illegal. If this happens, ask the notary why they refused. If you believe they are wrong, you can take the document to a different notary for a second opinion.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

A notarized document does not expire. The notary's stamp and signature confirm that the document was notarized on a specific date, but the document itself remains valid indefinitely unless the law says otherwise. Some organizations may ask for a recently notarized document (within 6 months or a year), but that is their policy, not a legal requirement.

Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a government ID?

No. A notary must see a government-issued photo ID before notarizing anything. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can obtain a state ID card from your state's DMV. Some notaries may accept other forms of ID in rare cases, but this is not standard. Call ahead and ask.