Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your account status, and whether you have an appointment
Many large banks — including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — have notaries on staff at most branches. However, the service is often free only if you have an account with that bank, and some banks limit notary work to documents related to your accounts with them. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely: some have notaries available, others do not. The only way to know what your bank offers is to call your local branch directly and ask whether they have a notary available, whether you need an appointment, and whether there are any restrictions on what documents they will notarize.
Even if your bank has a notary, you may wait weeks for an appointment during busy seasons, or find that the notary is only available during hours when you cannot visit. If your bank does not offer the service or cannot see you in time, you have other options: UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and Staples often have notaries on-site, and many charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some states also license independent notaries who work from home offices or mobile services that come to you.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks usually have notaries at their branches, but the service is often free only for account holders and may be restricted to bank-related documents.
- You must call your specific branch to confirm a notary is available, because staffing varies by location and availability can be limited.
- Appointments are often required and can take weeks to schedule during peak times, so plan ahead if you have a deadline.
- If your bank cannot help, UPS stores, FedEx Office, and Staples typically have notaries available for a small fee and often without an appointment.
- Independent notaries and mobile notary services are another option if you need flexibility or cannot visit a physical location.
How to check whether your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you hold your account. Ask whether they have a notary on staff, what hours the notary works, and whether you need to make an appointment. If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak with a branch manager or the person who handles notary requests.
When you call, also ask whether there are any restrictions on what the notary will sign. Some banks will notarize only documents related to your accounts — such as loan paperwork or account authorization forms — and will refuse to notarize a power of attorney, deed, or other personal document. If your bank has that restriction and you need a general notary, you will need to go elsewhere.
If your bank does not have a notary or cannot see you in time, ask whether they can refer you to a notary in the area. Many branches keep a list of local notaries or can point you toward the nearest UPS store or FedEx Office that offers the service.
What to bring and what to expect at a bank notary appointment
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity before notarizing any document. Bring the original document you need notarized, not a copy. The notary must see the original and watch you sign it.
If the document requires multiple signatures or notarizations, bring all copies you need signed. Some notaries will notarize multiple copies of the same document in one visit, though you may pay a fee for each signature. Ask when you make your appointment whether the notary charges per document or per signature, because the cost can add up if you have many pages.
The notary will not read or interpret the document for you, and they cannot give you legal advice about what you are signing. Their job is only to confirm that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly. If you have questions about what a document means or whether you should sign it, speak with a lawyer before you go to the notary.
When banks refuse to notarize and what to do instead
A notary can refuse to notarize a document if they have a conflict of interest — for example, if they know you personally or have a financial stake in the document. A notary can also refuse if they believe you are signing under duress or if you do not appear to understand what you are signing. These refusals are rare but do happen, and there is no appeal: you simply need to find another notary.
If your bank's notary refuses your document, try a different bank branch, a UPS store, or an independent notary. Each notary makes their own judgment about what they will and will not sign, so a refusal from one does not mean all notaries will refuse. If multiple notaries refuse the same document, that is a sign you should speak with a lawyer about whether the document is legitimate or whether something about it raises a red flag.
Bank notary fees and whether you can get the service free
Most large banks offer notary services free to account holders, though some charge a small fee — usually $5 to $15 per signature. If you do not have an account at the bank, you may be charged a fee even if the bank has a notary available. Some banks will not notarize documents for non-account holders at all.
Credit unions often offer free notary services to members and may charge non-members a fee. Regional banks vary: some offer the service free to all customers, others charge everyone, and some do not offer it at all. Always ask about the cost when you call to schedule an appointment, so you are not surprised when you arrive.
If cost is a concern, UPS stores and FedEx Office locations typically charge $5 to $15 per signature and do not require you to be a customer. Some Staples locations also offer notary services at similar prices. These services usually do not require an appointment, so you can often walk in and have a document notarized the same day.
Alternatives to bank notaries when you need faster service
If your bank cannot see you quickly or does not offer notary services, UPS stores and FedEx Office are usually your fastest option. Most locations have a notary on staff during business hours, and you can often walk in without an appointment. Call ahead to confirm the notary is available that day, because staffing can vary.
Independent notaries and mobile notary services are another option. Mobile notaries come to your home or office, which saves you a trip and can be faster if you have a tight deadline. You can find independent notaries through your state's notary directory — most states maintain a list on the Secretary of State's website — or through online services like Notary Rotary or the National Notary Association. Fees for mobile notaries are usually higher than bank or UPS store notaries, often $25 to $75 or more depending on how far they have to travel.
Some states also allow notarization by video for certain documents. This option is still uncommon and is not available everywhere, but if you cannot leave your home or office, it is worth asking whether your state allows remote notarization and whether a notary in your area offers it.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Banks will notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, account authorization forms, and personal checks. However, some banks have a policy against notarizing certain types of documents, such as wills, deeds, or documents related to real estate transactions. This is not a legal restriction — notaries are allowed to notarize these documents — but rather a business decision by the bank.
If your bank refuses to notarize a document, the reason is usually one of these: the bank has a blanket policy against that type of document, the notary has a conflict of interest, or the notary believes something about the document or your situation is suspicious. Ask the bank whether the refusal is based on policy or on the notary's judgment. If it is policy, you will need to go elsewhere. If it is the notary's judgment, you can try a different notary.
A notary cannot notarize a document they signed themselves, and they cannot notarize a blank document or a document with blank spaces that you fill in after notarization. The document must be complete and ready to sign when you bring it to the notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at a bank?
Most banks require an appointment, especially during busy times. Call your branch to ask. If you cannot get an appointment quickly, UPS stores and FedEx Office locations often do not require appointments and can notarize documents the same day.
Can a bank notary notarize a document if I am not a customer?
Some banks will notarize for non-customers, but many charge a fee or refuse entirely. Call ahead to ask. UPS stores and FedEx Office do not require you to be a customer and charge a flat fee per signature.
What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?
A notary can refuse if they have a conflict of interest or believe you are signing under duress. If one notary refuses, try another — each notary makes their own judgment. If multiple notaries refuse, speak with a lawyer about whether the document is legitimate.
How much does bank notary service cost?
Most banks offer notary services free to account holders. Non-customers may be charged $5 to $15 per signature, or the bank may refuse to notarize for them. UPS stores and FedEx Office charge $5 to $15 per signature regardless of whether you are a customer.
Can I get a document notarized without going to a bank?
Yes. UPS stores, FedEx Office, and Staples locations have notaries available. You can also hire an independent notary or a mobile notary service that comes to you. Some states allow remote notarization by video for certain documents.