Not all banks have a notary on staff, and the ones that do often limit the service to account holders
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have notaries at many branches, but availability varies by location and they typically notarize only for customers with an account. Regional and smaller banks may have no notary at all, or only at their main office. Credit unions sometimes offer the service, sometimes don't. The only way to know what your bank has is to call the specific branch where you bank — the main customer service line won't tell you accurately because policies differ branch to branch.
If your bank does have a notary, you'll usually need to make an appointment, bring a valid photo ID, and bring the document that needs notarizing. Some banks charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15 per signature), though many waive it for account holders. A few banks offer it free to all customers, but this is not standard.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks often have notaries, but only at some branches and usually only for account holders.
- You must call your specific branch directly to learn about they have a notary available — don't rely on the main customer service number.
- If your bank doesn't have a notary, you can find one through your state notary public directory, a UPS Store, or a local law office.
- Bring a valid photo ID and the unsigned document when you go to get something notarized, and expect to wait or book an appointment.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Call the branch where you have your account and ask directly: "Do you have a notary public available?" Don't ask if the bank offers notary services — ask if that specific branch has one. Many banks have the service at their main office but not at smaller branches.
If the person who answers doesn't know, ask to speak with a branch manager or the customer service desk. Write down the name of the person who tells you, in case you need to follow up. If they say yes, ask whether you need an appointment, whether there's a fee, and what hours the notary is available.
If your bank says no, don't assume they're wrong — some banks genuinely don't employ notaries. Move on to the next option.
Banks that commonly have notaries
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank have notaries at many locations, but not all. TD Bank, PNC, and U.S. Bank vary by region. Credit unions like Navy Federal and Alliant sometimes have notaries, but you usually have to be a member.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime do not have physical branches and cannot notarize documents. If you bank with an online-only institution, you'll need to find a notary elsewhere.
Local and regional banks are a mixed bag. Some small community banks have a notary; others don't. Again, the only reliable way to know is to call.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm your identity. Bring the document that needs notarizing, unsigned. Do not sign it before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign it.
If the document requires multiple signatures or multiple pages, bring all of them. If you're not sure which pages need a notary's seal, bring the whole document and let the notary tell you.
Most banks require an appointment, especially if the notary is part-time. Some allow walk-ins during certain hours. Ask when you call. Expect to wait 10 to 30 minutes even with an appointment, depending on how busy the branch is.
Fees and whether they apply to you
Banks that charge typically ask $5 to $15 per signature. Many waive the fee for account holders but charge non-customers. Some banks don't charge at all. Ask the fee when you call to confirm they have a notary.
If your bank charges and you want to avoid the fee, you can find a notary elsewhere for free or cheap. UPS Stores charge $10 to $15 per signature. Some law offices notarize for free if you're a client; others charge $5 to $10. Your state bar association or secretary of state's office can point you to a public notary directory where you can search by zip code and see who charges what.
When your bank doesn't have a notary
UPS Stores are the most common alternative — they're in most towns and cities, open on weekends, and don't require you to be a customer. Bring your ID and unsigned document. Fees run $10 to $15 per signature. Some locations are busier than others; call ahead to ask about wait times.
Your state's secretary of state office maintains a directory of notary publics. Search online for "[your state] notary public directory" and you'll find a searchable database. You can filter by location and see who's near you. Many independent notaries work from home or small offices and charge $5 to $10 per signature.
Law offices often have notaries on staff. If you're already working with a lawyer, ask if they can notarize for you — many do it free for clients. If not, call a few local firms and ask their fee.
What notarizing actually does
A notary's job is to watch you sign the document and confirm that you are who you say you are. They then stamp and sign the document to prove they witnessed your signature. This is required for certain legal documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, and some real estate papers.
The notary does not check whether the document is correct, whether you understand what you're signing, or whether the deal is fair. They only confirm your identity and that you signed it willingly. If you have questions about what the document means or whether you should sign it, ask a lawyer, not the notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get something notarized at any branch of my bank, or only the one where I opened my account?
It depends on the bank. Some large banks allow you to use any branch; others only notarize at the branch where your account is held. Call ahead to ask. If your bank won't notarize at your local branch, a UPS Store or independent notary is usually faster than traveling to a different branch.
What if I need something notarized after the bank closes?
UPS Stores are open evenings and weekends at many locations. Search online for "UPS Store near me" and call to confirm they have a notary and their hours. Some independent notaries also work evenings and weekends — check your state's notary directory.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get something notarized?
No. A notary only needs to see a valid photo ID. A passport from any country counts. If you have a state ID or driver's license, that works too. The notary doesn't care where you're from, only that they can confirm you are who you say you are.
Can a notary refuse to notarize something?
Yes. A notary can refuse if they suspect fraud, if you don't have proper ID, or if the document is blank or incomplete. They can also refuse if they have a personal interest in the document — for example, if they're named in the will being notarized. If a notary refuses, it's usually for a good reason. Ask them why and consider whether you need a lawyer's advice before trying elsewhere.
What's the difference between a notary and a lawyer?
A notary watches you sign and confirms your identity. A lawyer advises you on what documents mean and whether you should sign them. You need a notary for the signature to be official. You need a lawyer if you're unsure about the document itself. Some people are both, but most notaries are not lawyers.