Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location

Bank of America provides notary services through its branch network, but the service is not uniform across all locations. Most full-service branches have at least one notary public on staff during business hours. However, some smaller branches or limited-service locations may not offer notarization, and availability depends on staffing and whether a notary is present that day.

The cost is typically free or low-cost for Bank of America customers, though some branches charge a small fee per signature (usually $5 to $10) for non-customers. You should call your local branch directly to confirm they have a notary available and ask about their current fee structure, since policies can differ between branches.

Bank of America does not offer remote or mobile notary services through its standard branch network. If you need notarization outside branch hours or cannot visit in person, you will need to use a third-party notary service or explore other options.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bank of America branches have a notary public on staff during business hours, but you should call ahead to confirm availability at your specific location.
  • The service is typically free for Bank of America customers and may cost $5 to $10 per signature for non-customers, though fees vary by branch.
  • You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs to be notarized.
  • Bank of America does not offer notary services online, by mail, or outside of branch locations.

What documents Bank of America notaries can and cannot handle

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents, including powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, and general legal paperwork. They verify your identity, confirm you are signing of your own free will, and affix their seal and signature to the document.

Some documents fall outside what a notary can handle. Bank of America notaries cannot notarize documents that require a certified copy (a copy bearing the notary's seal and certification that it matches the original), and they cannot notarize documents they themselves prepared or have a financial interest in. If you are unsure whether your specific document can be notarized, bring it to the branch or describe it over the phone when you call to schedule.

How to find a Bank of America branch with notary services

Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or mobile app. Search for your nearest branch and look for the notary services icon or label. Not all branches will display this information online, so calling ahead is the most reliable method.

When you call, ask specifically whether a notary is available on the day and time you plan to visit. Some branches have only one notary, and they may be unavailable due to other duties or time off. Calling 15 minutes to an hour before you arrive helps ensure someone is available to notarize your document.

What to bring when you visit for notarization

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized; notaries work with originals, not copies.

If the document requires multiple signatures or has multiple pages, bring all pages and be prepared to sign in front of the notary. Some documents require the notary to ask you questions about what you are signing, so be ready to answer briefly about the purpose of the document.

Cost and wait times at Bank of America branches

For Bank of America customers, notarization is usually free. For non-customers, expect to pay $5 to $10 per signature, though some branches may charge differently. A few branches may waive the fee for non-customers, so it is worth asking when you call.

Wait times are typically short—usually 5 to 15 minutes if you arrive during normal business hours and the notary is available. During busy times (lunch hours, end of business day), you may wait longer. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits.

Alternatives if your local Bank of America branch cannot help

If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary or their hours do not work for you, several other options exist. Many UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples branches have notaries on staff. Credit unions often provide notary services to members. Some law offices and title companies also notarize documents for a fee.

If you need notarization outside business hours or cannot visit a physical location, online notary services are available in most states. These services use video conferencing to verify your identity and notarize documents electronically. Costs typically range from $25 to $50 per document, depending on the service and your state.

What happens if Bank of America notarizes your document incorrectly

If a notary makes an error—such as misspelling your name, dating the document incorrectly, or failing to affix the seal properly—the document may be rejected by the organization requesting it. In that case, you will need to have the document notarized again, either by the same notary (who may correct it) or by a different notary.

Bank of America notaries are trained to follow state notary laws, and errors are uncommon. If you believe an error occurred, contact the branch manager and explain the problem. Most branches will re-notarize the document at no additional charge to correct a genuine mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment for Bank of America notary services?

Most Bank of America branches do not require appointments for notarization, but calling ahead to confirm a notary is available is strongly recommended. Some branches may ask you to schedule if they are particularly busy, so check with your local branch when you call.

Can Bank of America notarize documents for someone else if I have power of attorney?

No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in person with a valid photo ID. A notary verifies the identity of the person signing, so power of attorney does not allow someone else to sign on another person's behalf during notarization.

Will Bank of America notarize a document I downloaded from the internet?

Yes, as long as it is a legitimate document and you are the one signing it. Bring the printed or original version to the branch. The notary will verify your identity and notarize your signature on the document.

What if I need a certified copy of a document, not just a notarized signature?

Bank of America notaries do not provide certified copies. You will need to contact your county clerk's office, a law office, or a certified document service. Certified copies require a different process than notarization and are typically obtained from the organization that issued the original document.

Can I get a document notarized at any Bank of America branch, or only my home branch?

You can visit any Bank of America branch that has a notary available. You do not need to use your home branch. However, calling ahead to confirm the specific branch has a notary on staff that day is still the best approach.