Most banks notarize documents for free if you have an account with them
Many banks offer notary services to their customers at no charge. The service is usually available during business hours at any branch, though you may need to make an appointment or wait for the notary officer on duty. Not every bank offers this — some smaller institutions or credit unions do not — so call your branch first to confirm they have a notary available.
If your bank does not notarize or you do not have an account there, you have other options. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer notary services for a fee, typically between $5 and $15 per signature. Some state governments run notary locator tools online where you can search by zip code.
The notary's job is to verify your identity and confirm that you signed the document willingly — not to check whether the document itself is correct or legal. Bring a government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document. The notary will watch you sign, add their seal and signature, and record the transaction in a journal.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks notarize documents free for account holders during regular business hours, but you should call ahead to confirm availability and make an appointment if required.
- If your bank does not offer notary services, UPS stores, FedEx, CVS, and Walgreens typically charge $5 to $15 per signature.
- A notary verifies your identity and confirms you signed willingly — they do not check whether the document is legal or correct.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document; the notary will watch you sign and add their official seal.
Which major banks offer free notary services
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and most regional banks notarize documents for their customers at no cost. The service is usually available at any branch location, though availability can vary by branch size and staffing. Some branches have a dedicated notary officer; others rotate the duty among staff members.
Credit unions vary widely. Some credit unions offer notary services to members for free, while others charge a small fee or do not offer it at all. Call your credit union directly to ask. If you are a member of a large credit union network, you may be able to use any branch in the network.
Online-only banks and some smaller regional banks do not have physical branches, so they cannot offer in-person notary services. If you bank online, you will need to visit a UPS store, pharmacy, or other third-party notary.
What to bring and how the notary process works
Bring your government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will examine it to confirm your identity. Bring the document you need notarized, unsigned. Do not sign it before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign.
The notary will ask you to confirm that you are signing the document of your own free will and that the information in it is true to the best of your knowledge. They will then watch you sign, add their official seal or stamp, sign and date the document themselves, and record the transaction in their notary journal. This entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Some documents require notarization on multiple pages or multiple signatures. Ask the notary in advance if your document is complex. A few states require the notary to know you personally or have known you for a set period; if you are notarizing something in another state, check that state's rules first.
Third-party notary services and their costs
UPS stores, FedEx locations, and pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer notary services to the general public. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, though some locations charge per document rather than per signature. Call ahead to confirm the notary is available; some locations have limited hours or require an appointment.
Online notary services exist but are not yet legal in all states. Some states allow remote notarization, where you sign via video call with a notary who verifies your identity electronically. This is faster than traveling to a branch or store, but check your state's rules first — not all states recognize remote notarization, and some documents (like real estate deeds) may not be notarizable remotely even in states that allow it.
If you need notarization urgently, call ahead rather than showing up. Many third-party notaries are walk-in only, but during busy times you may wait an hour or more. Scheduling an appointment guarantees your spot and usually takes 15 minutes or less.
When a bank notary cannot help
A notary cannot notarize a document they have a financial interest in. For example, if you are notarizing a loan document and the bank is the lender, that bank's notary cannot notarize it. You will need to find a notary outside that bank.
A notary also cannot notarize a document if they are a party to it — for instance, if they are a witness or beneficiary. Some states have additional restrictions on who can notarize what; check your state's notary rules if you are unsure.
If the document is very old, damaged, or written in a language other than English, some notaries may refuse to notarize it. Ask the notary whether they can handle your specific document before you arrive.
How to find a notary in your area
Start by calling your bank's branch directly. Ask whether they have a notary available, what hours they work, and whether you need an appointment. If your bank does not notarize, ask for a referral — many banks know local notaries or can point you to a nearby UPS store or pharmacy.
Search online for "notary public near me" or "notary services [your city]" to find third-party options. The National Notary Association maintains a searchable directory on their website. Some states also run their own notary locator tools through the Secretary of State's office.
If you need notarization for a legal document like a will or power of attorney, ask the attorney or organization requesting the notarization whether they have a preferred notary or can recommend one. Some law offices have notaries on staff and may notarize for free if you are a client.
Cost comparison: banks versus third-party notaries
| Notary Source | Cost for Account Holders | Cost for Non-Customers | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (major chains) | Free | Usually $5–$10 or not available | Business hours, varies by branch |
| Credit union | Free or $5–$10 | Usually not available | Business hours, varies by location |
| UPS store | $5–$15 per signature | $5–$15 per signature | Extended hours, some open weekends |
| Pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens) | $5–$15 per signature | $5–$15 per signature | Extended hours, some open weekends |
| Online notary (where legal) | $25–$50 per document | $25–$50 per document | 24/7 availability |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot add their seal. You will need an unsigned copy. Some states allow a notary to notarize a signature that was made in front of a different notary if that notary's journal entry confirms it, but this is uncommon and requires proof.
Do I need to be a customer at a bank to use their notary?
Most banks notarize for free only if you have an account with them. Some banks will notarize for non-customers for a small fee ($5–$10), but this varies by branch and bank. Call ahead to ask. If you do not have an account, a UPS store or pharmacy is usually faster and costs about the same.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization process takes 5 to 10 minutes. Wait times depend on how busy the location is. At a bank branch, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during lunch or after work hours. At a UPS store or pharmacy, wait times can be longer during peak hours, so calling ahead or scheduling an appointment is wise.
What if I need a document notarized but cannot leave my home?
Some states allow remote notarization via video call. Search "remote notary [your state]" to see if it is legal where you are. Online notary services charge $25–$50 per document and verify your identity electronically. However, not all documents can be notarized remotely, and some states do not recognize remote notarization at all.
Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they have a conflict of interest, if the document is unclear or damaged, if they believe you are signing under duress, or if your state has specific rules about what can be notarized. If a notary refuses, ask why — they may direct you to someone who can help, or you may need to fix the document first.