Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your account status, and whether you have an appointment
Many banks employ notaries on staff or contract with them, and they often provide the service free or at low cost to account holders. However, not every branch has a notary available every day, and some banks charge non-account holders a fee. The fastest way to find out is to call your specific branch and ask whether they have a notary present and what hours they work. Do not assume that because your bank offers notaries somewhere, your local branch does.
Bank notaries typically handle straightforward documents: power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, and real estate paperwork. They cannot notarize documents that require the notary to have personal knowledge of you, and they will not notarize anything they believe is fraudulent or that you do not understand. If your document is unusual or involves a significant transaction, ask the bank whether their notary can handle it before you make the trip.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch directly to confirm whether a notary is available, what hours they work, and whether there is a fee for non-account holders.
- Bank notaries are usually free for account holders but may charge $5 to $15 for customers of other banks or non-customers.
- You will need to bring a government-issued photo ID and the document you want notarized, and you must be present in person.
- If your bank branch does not have a notary or their hours do not work for you, credit unions, UPS stores, and courthouse offices are common alternatives.
How to confirm your bank has a notary available
Call the branch where you want to go notarized, not the bank's main customer service line. The main line often does not know which branches have notaries on any given day. Ask specifically: "Do you have a notary available today?" and "What are their hours?" Some branches have a notary only on certain days or only during certain hours, and some notaries work by appointment only.
If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak with a manager or the branch manager directly. They will have the most current information. If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether a nearby branch does, or ask for the name and phone number of the closest branch that does.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your ID to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the original document you need notarized, not a copy. The notary must see the original and watch you sign it (or confirm your signature if you have already signed it).
The notary will ask you to swear or affirm that the information in the document is true and that you are signing it of your own free will. They will then stamp the document with their official seal and sign it. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per document. If you need multiple documents notarized, bring them all at once.
Fees and account holder discounts
Most banks do not charge account holders to have documents notarized. Some charge a small fee—usually $5 to $10—for non-account holders. A few banks charge all customers a flat fee of $10 to $15 per document, regardless of account status. Call ahead to ask what your bank charges.
If your bank charges a fee you think is too high, or if they do not have a notary available, you have other options. Credit unions often notarize for members free or at low cost. UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacies employ notaries and typically charge $10 to $25 per document. County courthouses and some public libraries also offer notary services, often free or for a small donation.
When a bank notary cannot help
Bank notaries will not notarize a document if you do not understand it, if you appear to be under duress, or if they suspect fraud. They also cannot notarize a document if they have a personal or financial interest in the outcome—for example, a notary cannot notarize a power of attorney that names them as the agent.
Some documents require a certified copy rather than a notarization. A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that a notary or court official has stamped and signed to confirm it matches the original. Banks do not usually provide certified copies; you will need to go to the courthouse or the agency that issued the original document.
Alternatives if your bank does not work for you
If your bank does not have a notary, does not have hours that work for you, or charges a fee you want to avoid, credit unions are often the next fastest option. Many credit unions notarize for members at no cost and for non-members for $5 to $10. You do not need to be a member to ask; call ahead and ask their policy.
UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries in most locations, though not all. Call first to confirm. County courthouses always have notaries available, usually free or for a small fee ($1 to $5), and they are open during business hours. Some public libraries also offer notary services. Search "[your county] notary public" or "[your city] notary services" to find options near you.
What to do if you cannot find a notary nearby
If you live in a rural area or have mobility issues, some notaries work by appointment and will travel to you for a fee. Search "mobile notary" or "traveling notary" in your area. Prices vary widely, but expect to pay $25 to $75 for a notary to come to your home or office, depending on distance.
Some states also allow remote notarization for certain documents, which means a notary can notarize your document over video call. This is not yet available everywhere and not for all document types, but it is growing. Ask your bank or the organization requesting the notarization whether remote notarization is an option for your specific document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I am not a customer of the bank?
Yes, but most banks charge non-customers a fee of $5 to $15 per document. Some banks do not notarize for non-customers at all. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy and whether they have a notary available.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at a bank?
Some banks require appointments, especially if the notary works only certain hours or days. Others take walk-ins. Call your branch to ask. If they are busy, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes even with an appointment.
What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?
Ask why. If the notary has a conflict of interest or suspects fraud, they are required by law to refuse. If the document is simply unusual, ask whether another notary at a different location can help, or contact the organization that requested the notarization to ask whether they can clarify what is needed.
Can a bank notary notarize a power of attorney?
Yes, in most cases. A bank notary can notarize a power of attorney as long as they do not have a personal or financial interest in the document and you are signing it of your own free will. Some states have specific requirements for power of attorney notarizations, so confirm with the bank that they can handle yours.
How long does a notarization take?
The notarization itself takes 5 to 10 minutes per document. The wait time depends on how busy the branch is. Call ahead to ask how long the wait usually is at that time of day, or make an appointment if the bank offers them.