Many banks notarize documents for free, but only if you have an account there
Most large banks offer notary services to their customers at no charge. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all have notaries on staff at many branches. The catch: you almost always need to be a customer of that bank, and the notary must be available during branch hours — which means you may need an appointment or a short wait.
Not every branch has a notary, and availability varies widely. A branch in a small town might have one notary who works part-time. A downtown branch in a major city might have several. Before you go, call the specific branch where you plan to have the document notarized and ask whether a notary is available and whether you need to book a time.
If you are not a customer at any bank, or if your bank does not offer notary services, you have other options — but they cost money and require you to find a notary on your own.
Key Takeaways
- Bank notaries are free for account holders but not available to the general public at most institutions.
- You must call ahead to confirm the notary is working that day and whether an appointment is needed.
- Not every branch location has a notary on staff, even at large banks.
- If your bank does not offer notary services, you can find independent notaries through your state's notary directory or by searching online.
- Independent notaries typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, depending on your state and the notary's location.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you have your account. Ask whether they have a notary on staff and what the process is. Some banks require you to make an appointment; others take walk-ins during certain hours. A few banks offer notary services only to customers with certain account types — for example, a premium checking account or a business account — so confirm that your account qualifies.
If the branch you normally use does not have a notary, ask whether another nearby branch does. Many banks allow you to use any branch in their network, so you may have options even if your home branch cannot help.
You can also check the bank's website. Most large banks list which services are available at each location, though the information is not always current. A phone call is more reliable than the website.
What to bring and what the notary will check
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will verify your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the document that needs to be notarized, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them; they cannot notarize a document you signed before arriving.
The notary will ask you to swear or affirm that the information in the document is true and that you are signing of your own free will. They will then sign and stamp the document, adding their notary seal and the date. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes per document.
Some documents have specific notarization requirements — for example, a power of attorney might need to be notarized in front of two witnesses, or a real estate document might need a particular type of notarial certificate. If you are unsure whether your document has special requirements, ask the notary when you call to schedule. They can tell you what to bring.
What to do if your bank does not have a notary
Check whether other banks in your area offer notary services to non-customers. Some credit unions and smaller banks will notarize documents for anyone, though they may charge a fee. A phone call to a few local branches can tell you quickly.
If no bank near you will help, search for an independent notary. Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a directory of notaries licensed in your state. You can search by county or city. Alternatively, search online for "notary public near me" — most independent notaries have websites or listings on Google Maps.
Independent notaries typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, though prices vary by state and location. Some notaries will come to your home or workplace for an additional travel fee. Ask about the cost before you schedule.
Notary services at other financial institutions
Credit unions often offer notary services to members for free, just as banks do. If you belong to a credit union, call your local branch and ask. The process is the same as at a bank — you need to be a member, bring a photo ID, and have the document unsigned when you arrive.
Some insurance companies, law firms, and real estate offices also have notaries on staff. If your document is related to insurance, a property transaction, or a legal matter, the organization handling that matter might notarize it for you at no extra cost. It is worth asking before you search elsewhere.
When a notary cannot help you
A notary can witness your signature and confirm your identity, but they cannot give legal advice. If you are unsure whether a document needs to be notarized, or whether notarization is the right step for your situation, you may need to talk to a lawyer. Many bar associations offer low-cost or free consultations.
Some documents cannot be notarized at all — for example, blank documents or documents you did not write yourself. A notary will refuse to notarize a document if they believe you are signing under duress or if they suspect fraud. This is a protection for you, not a barrier.
If you need a document notarized urgently and cannot find a notary during business hours, some states allow electronic notarization through video call. Ask whether your state offers this option and whether the document you need notarized is may be able to access. Not all document types can be notarized electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer at the bank to use their notary?
Almost always yes. Most banks offer notary services only to account holders. Some credit unions and smaller banks will notarize for non-members, but you will need to call and ask. If you are not a customer anywhere, an independent notary is your best option.
Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you signed it before arriving, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it during the notarization appointment.
How much does it cost to get a document notarized at a bank?
Free for account holders. Independent notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature, depending on your state and the notary's location. Some charge extra for travel or for notarizing multiple documents at once.
What if I need a document notarized after the bank closes?
Some states offer electronic notarization through video call, available outside normal business hours. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see whether this option exists and whether your document type is may be able to access. Otherwise, you will need to wait until the bank reopens or find an independent notary who works evenings or weekends.
Can a notary tell me if my document is correct or complete?
No. A notary can only verify your identity and witness your signature. They cannot review whether the document is filled out correctly or whether it says what you want it to say. If you have questions about the document itself, ask the person or organization that gave it to you, or talk to a lawyer.