Most banks notarize for free if you have an account there, but not all branches offer it
Whether your bank notarizes depends on the bank, the branch, and whether you are a customer. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank notarize documents for account holders at most branches, usually at no charge. Credit unions often do the same. But smaller regional banks, online-only banks, and some branches of larger chains may not have a notary on staff or may charge a fee—typically $5 to $15 per signature.
The fastest way to find out is to call your branch directly and ask whether they notarize and whether you need an appointment. Do not assume all branches of the same bank offer the service; staffing varies. If your bank does not notarize or your branch does not have availability, you have other options: UPS stores, FedEx Office, Staples, and some pharmacies notarize for a fee, usually $5 to $25 per signature depending on location.
Key Takeaways
- Call your branch before you go—not all branches notarize even if the bank does, and you may need an appointment.
- Account holders at major banks usually get notarization free; non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document; the notary will watch you sign and add their seal.
- If your bank does not notarize, UPS stores, FedEx Office, and Staples offer the service for a fee and do not require you to be a customer.
- Some documents—like powers of attorney or real estate deeds—may have specific notarization rules; check with the entity requesting the notarization first.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized
Bring your valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID and confirm it matches the name on the document you are signing. Bring the unsigned document itself; the notary will not notarize a copy or a document you have already signed. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it in front of them. If you have already signed it, most notaries will refuse to notarize it, and you may have to get a new copy and start over. If the document requires multiple signatures (yours and a witness, for example), check the notarization requirements first—some documents need the notary to watch all signers, which means coordinating schedules.
How the notarization process works at a bank
You arrive at your branch with your ID and unsigned document. The notary (usually a bank employee trained and bonded for this role) will ask you to confirm your identity and verify that you are signing the document of your own free will—not under pressure or duress. They will watch you sign the document in front of them. They will then add their official seal or stamp, sign the document themselves, and record the date and their notary number.
The whole process takes 5 to 10 minutes. The notary keeps a record of the notarization in a journal; this is a legal requirement and protects both you and the notary. Once the notary has sealed and signed the document, it is considered notarized and can be submitted to whoever requested it—a court, a government agency, a title company, or a lender.
When banks charge for notarization and when it is free
Account holders at most major banks get one or two notarizations free per year; additional notarizations may cost $5 to $10 each. Non-customers are usually charged $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks have a flat fee per document rather than per signature, so if a document has three places to sign, you might pay once or three times depending on the bank's policy—ask when you call.
Credit unions often notarize free for members and charge non-members a small fee. Online banks and banks without physical branches cannot notarize because they have no staff on site. If you use an online bank, you will need to go to a third-party notary.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Banks notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and travel consent forms for minors. They will not notarize documents they suspect are fraudulent, documents you did not write yourself (like a form someone else filled out for you), or documents that appear to violate the law.
Some documents have specific notarization rules. For example, real estate deeds in some states require a notary and a witness, or they require the notary to be a certain type of notary (like a commissioned notary public rather than a bank notary). Before you go to the bank, check with the entity requesting the notarization—the court, the title company, the government agency—to confirm what type of notarization they need and whether the bank can provide it.
Alternatives if your bank does not notarize
UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and Staples offer notarization at most of their locations for $5 to $25 per signature, depending on where you live. You do not need to be a customer. Call ahead to confirm the location has a notary on staff and to ask about wait times; some locations require appointments, especially during busy hours.
Some pharmacies (CVS and Walgreens in particular) notarize at select locations, usually free or for a small fee for customers. County courthouses often have notaries on staff who notarize for free or a small fee. If you need notarization urgently and your bank is closed, a UPS store or FedEx Office is usually your fastest option.
What happens if a notary refuses to notarize your document
A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they suspect fraud, if you cannot produce a valid ID, if you have already signed the document, or if the document appears to violate the law. They can also refuse if they have a conflict of interest—for example, if they are related to you or stand to gain from the document.
If a notary refuses, ask why. If the reason is fixable (you forgot your ID, you signed too early), you can address it and try again. If the reason is not fixable (the document is already signed, the notary suspects fraud), you may need to get a new copy of the document or consult a lawyer about whether the document is valid as written. Do not pressure a notary to notarize something they are uncomfortable with; they are legally liable if they notarize fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I am not a customer of the bank?
Yes, but you will pay a fee—usually $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks charge non-customers more than account holders. Call your branch first to confirm they notarize for non-customers and what the fee is.
What if I cannot get to my bank during business hours?
UPS stores, FedEx Office, and Staples notarize outside of bank hours, often including evenings and weekends. Some locations are open on Saturdays. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether they have a notary on staff that day.
Do I need to make an appointment to get a document notarized at my bank?
It depends on the branch. Some branches notarize walk-ins; others require an appointment, especially during busy times. Call ahead to ask. If you need it done quickly, ask whether they have availability the same day.
Can a notary notarize a document I signed before I came in?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary will refuse. You will need to get a new unsigned copy and return with it unsigned.
What if the document I need notarized has special requirements?
Check with the entity requesting the notarization—the court, title company, or government agency—before you go to the notary. Some documents need a witness in addition to a notary, or they need a specific type of notary. Confirming this first saves you a trip.