Most banks offer notary services free to account holders, but the rules vary by bank and by what you need notarized

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can usually get a document notarized for free at that bank's branch. The notary is an employee or contractor the bank keeps on staff, and the service is part of what they offer to customers. However, "free" comes with conditions: you typically must be an account holder, the notary must be available during branch hours, and some banks limit how many documents they will notarize per visit.

If you do not have an account at the bank, or if the bank does not have a notary on staff, you will pay a fee. That fee ranges from $5 to $25 per signature, depending on the notary and your location. Some banks charge account holders a small fee anyway—usually $2 to $5 per document—even though the service is technically free. Always call your branch ahead of time to confirm whether they have a notary available and what they charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Account holders at most major banks can get one or two documents notarized for free during regular branch hours.
  • Non-account holders typically pay $5 to $25 per signature at a bank notary, or you can use an independent notary for similar fees.
  • Some banks have no notary on staff or limit notarizations to account holders only, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
  • Credit unions often offer free notary services to members, sometimes with fewer restrictions than banks.
  • If you need multiple documents notarized or have an unusual request, an independent notary may be faster and cheaper than waiting for bank availability.

What banks charge account holders

Most major banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others—offer free notary services to customers with an active account. You walk in with your document, show your ID and account information, and a notary signs and stamps the paper. The whole process takes 5 to 15 minutes. No fee appears on your statement.

The catch is that banks usually limit this service. Many will notarize only one or two documents per visit, and some require you to make an appointment rather than walk in. A few banks charge a small fee even to account holders—$2 to $5 per document—which they justify as a processing cost. Call your branch directly to find out their specific policy; the bank's website often does not spell out the details.

Regional and smaller banks vary widely. Some offer the same free service as the big chains. Others have no notary on staff at all and will refer you to an independent notary or a UPS Store. If you bank at a small local bank or credit union, ask at your branch whether they have a notary and whether the service is free.

What non-account holders pay

If you do not have an account at the bank, most will still notarize your document—but you will pay. The fee is typically $5 to $15 per signature, though some banks charge up to $25. This is the bank's standard rate for walk-in customers who have no account relationship. You still need to show a valid ID, and the notary still needs to witness you sign the document in person.

Some banks refuse to notarize for non-account holders at all. They may direct you to an independent notary, a UPS Store, or a FedEx Office, all of which offer notary services to anyone for a fee. Independent notaries typically charge $5 to $20 per signature and often have more flexible hours than banks—some work evenings and weekends. You can find one through an online search or by calling your county clerk's office, which usually maintains a list of notaries in your area.

Credit unions and other financial institutions

Credit unions often have more generous notary policies than banks. Many offer free notarizations to members with no limit on the number of documents, and some will notarize for non-members at a lower fee than banks charge. If you are a credit union member, ask whether notary services are included in your membership. If you are not, it may be worth checking whether a credit union in your area offers free or low-cost notary services to the public.

Some employers and professional organizations also offer notary services to members or employees, sometimes for free. If you belong to a union, professional association, or large employer, ask whether they have a notary on staff or can refer you to one at a discount.

When to use an independent notary instead

An independent notary makes sense if your bank has no notary on staff, if you need multiple documents notarized quickly, or if you cannot get to a bank during business hours. Independent notaries work from home offices, storefronts, or mobile services and typically charge $5 to $20 per signature. Some will come to you for an additional travel fee, which is useful if you are housebound or need notarization at an unusual time.

You can find independent notaries through your county clerk's office, the National Notary Association website, or a simple online search for "notary near me." Always confirm the notary is commissioned in your state and ask about their fee before you book. Some notaries charge a flat rate per document rather than per signature, which can save money if you have multiple signatures on one page.

What you need to bring

Whether you use a bank notary or an independent one, bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary needs to see your face and confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized, not a copy. The notary will not notarize a photocopy.

You must sign the document in front of the notary. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. If the document requires multiple signatures and some are already there, ask the notary whether they can still proceed; most will, but some have strict rules about this. Bring any supporting documents the notary might need—a lease, deed, or power of attorney form, for example—if the notary asks for proof of what you are signing.

What happens if the notary is not available

If you call your bank and learn they have no notary on staff or the notary is booked for weeks, you have several options. UPS Store locations and FedEx Office locations in most cities offer notary services to the public for $5 to $15 per signature. Walmart and some grocery stores also have notaries on staff. These are often faster to reach than banks because they have longer hours and do not require an appointment.

If you need the document notarized urgently, an independent mobile notary can sometimes come to your home or office the same day. Search online for "mobile notary near me" and call a few to compare rates and availability. Mobile notaries typically charge $15 to $50 depending on how far they have to travel and how many signatures you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a bank account?

Yes. You can pay a bank notary, use an independent notary, or go to a UPS Store or FedEx Office. Fees range from $5 to $25 per signature. You will need a valid government-issued ID and must sign the document in front of the notary.

Do I have to use my own bank's notary?

No. You can use any notary—your bank, an independent notary, a UPS Store, or another financial institution. The notary's job is the same regardless of where they work. Choose based on convenience, cost, and availability.

What if I need a document notarized after bank hours?

UPS Store, FedEx Office, and independent mobile notaries often work evenings and weekends. Search online for "notary near me" or call your county clerk for a list of notaries in your area. Mobile notaries can sometimes come to your home the same day for an additional fee.

Can a notary notarize a document I have already signed?

No. You must sign the document in front of the notary. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. Some notaries will proceed if only some signatures are already there, but ask first.

How much should I expect to pay for notary services?

Bank account holders usually pay nothing. Non-account holders typically pay $5 to $25 per signature at a bank or independent notary. UPS Store and FedEx Office charge $5 to $15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge more, usually $15 to $50, depending on travel distance.