Many banks offer notary services, but not all branches do and not all customers get them free

Most large banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—have notaries on staff at many locations. However, availability varies by branch, by bank, and by whether you hold an account there. Some banks notarize documents for account holders only, some charge a fee even for customers, and some branches have no notary at all. Before you drive to a bank, call ahead to confirm the specific branch has a notary available and what they charge.

A notary public is a person authorized by the state to witness signatures, verify identity, and stamp documents with an official seal. They do not judge whether a document is legal or wise—they only confirm that the person signing is who they claim to be and that they signed of their own will. The notary then signs and seals the document, which makes it acceptable to courts, government agencies, and other organizations that require proof the signature is genuine.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks have notaries at some branches, but you must call ahead because availability is not may provide at every location.
  • Banks often charge $5 to $15 per notarization, or may do it free for account holders—policies differ by bank and branch.
  • If your bank does not have a notary or charges too much, post offices, UPS stores, and title companies offer notary services for $5 to $25.
  • Some states allow online notarization through remote notary services, which is faster but requires the document to be digital and the notary to be licensed in your state.

Which banks have notaries and what they charge

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all employ notaries at many branches, but the number of branches with notary service has shrunk as banks close locations and consolidate staff. Call your local branch directly—do not rely on the bank's website, which often lists notary service without saying whether your specific branch offers it. Ask whether the notary is available the same day or if you need an appointment.

Fees vary. Some banks notarize documents free for account holders and charge $5 to $10 for non-customers. Others charge everyone $10 to $15 per document, regardless of account status. A few regional banks do not offer notary service at all. If you do not have a bank account or your bank does not have a notary, other options are usually cheaper and more convenient.

Post offices and UPS stores

The U.S. Postal Service does not employ notaries as a standard service, but many individual post offices contract with notaries who work on-site. Call your local post office to ask whether a notary is available and what they charge—usually $5 to $10 per document. Hours may be limited to certain days or times, so confirm before you visit.

UPS stores (The UPS Store franchise locations) have notaries at most locations and typically charge $10 to $15 per document. Unlike post offices, UPS stores are more consistent in offering the service, and many are open evenings and weekends. Search for "notary near me" on the UPS Store website to find a location with a notary and confirm their hours.

Title companies and real estate offices

Title companies, which handle real estate closings, almost always have notaries on staff. If you are buying or selling a home, your title company will notarize documents as part of the closing process at no extra charge. If you need a notary for a non-real-estate document, some title companies will notarize it for $5 to $15, though they may prioritize their own clients.

Real estate agents and brokerages also often have notaries available. Call a local real estate office and ask whether they notarize documents for the public. Some do it free or cheap as a way to build goodwill; others do not offer the service to non-clients.

Online and remote notary services

Several states now allow remote notarization, in which a notary public verifies your identity and witnesses your signature over video. Services like Notarize, NotaryCam, and LegitScan charge $25 to $50 per document and can complete the process in minutes to hours. The document must be digital (a PDF or image file), and the notary must be licensed in your state.

Remote notarization is fastest if you need a notarized document quickly and your state permits it. However, not all organizations accept remotely notarized documents—courts, government agencies, and some financial institutions may require a notary who physically witnessed the signing. Before you use a remote service, confirm that the recipient will accept the notarization.

What to bring to a notary appointment

Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The notary will check your identity against the ID before notarizing anything. Bring the original document you need notarized—notaries work with originals, not copies. If the document is not yet signed, the notary will watch you sign it. If it is already signed, the notary will verify your signature and add their seal.

Do not sign the document before you arrive at the notary. The notary must witness the signing. If you sign it beforehand, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will have wasted the trip. Some documents require the notary to ask you questions about what you are signing—answer honestly. The notary is not a lawyer and cannot advise you on whether the document is a good idea, only confirm that you are signing it willingly.

Finding a notary if your bank does not have one

Start with a phone call to your bank's main customer service line and ask which branches near you have a notary. If none do, call a UPS Store location—they are more likely to have a notary than a post office, and their hours are usually longer. If you need the document notarized urgently and your state allows it, search for "remote notary" plus your state name to find online services.

Some employers offer notary services to employees through their HR department—ask if yours does. Libraries in some cities also have notaries on staff or can refer you to one. If you are in a rural area with few options, a remote notary service may be your fastest choice, provided the recipient accepts remote notarizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they believe you are being coerced, if you do not have proper ID, if the document appears fraudulent, or if notarizing it would violate state law. Notaries are not required to notarize every document presented to them. If a notary refuses, ask why—they may spot a problem that saves you trouble later.

How long does a notarization take?

Usually five to ten minutes. The notary checks your ID, watches you sign (or verifies your existing signature), asks a few questions, and stamps the document. If the notary is busy or if you need multiple documents notarized, it may take longer. Remote notarizations can be faster—sometimes just a few minutes—but require a video call and digital documents.

Do I need a notary for a will or power of attorney?

It depends on your state and the document type. Some states require notarization for wills; others do not. Powers of attorney often require notarization. Check your state's requirements or ask an attorney before you have a document notarized, because notarizing the wrong way can make the document invalid.

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

UPS stores are often open on weekends and some evenings—check their hours online. Remote notary services operate around the clock in states that allow them. Some banks have Saturday hours at certain branches. Post offices typically close by 5 p.m. and do not open on weekends, so they are usually not an option for evening or weekend notarization.

Can a notary notarize a document they wrote or have a financial interest in?

No. A notary cannot notarize a document if they are a party to it, if they wrote it, or if they stand to gain or lose money based on its contents. This rule prevents conflicts of interest. If your notary has a connection to the document, ask them to refer you to another notary.