Most banks offer notary services to their customers, but availability and cost vary widely by bank and location
Many banks do have notaries on staff, but the service is not may provide at every branch or for every customer. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank typically offer notary services at most locations, though some branches may have limited hours or require an appointment. Credit unions often provide the service as well, sometimes at no cost to members. However, smaller regional banks and online-only banks may not have notaries available.
The catch is that many banks limit notary services to their own customers, and some charge a fee even for account holders. A few banks offer it free to customers but charge non-customers $5 to $15 per signature. Others charge everyone. You cannot assume a bank will notarize a document just because you have an account there — you need to call ahead and ask about their specific policy.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks usually have notaries available, but you must call your specific branch to confirm hours and whether they charge a fee.
- Many banks limit notary services to their own customers or require an appointment, so do not show up without checking first.
- Credit unions often offer notary services free or at low cost to members, making them worth calling if your bank does not have one available.
- If your bank cannot notarize your document, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and county clerk offices are reliable alternatives that do not require membership.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you have your account. Ask whether they have a notary on staff, what hours the notary is available, whether you need an appointment, and whether there is a fee. Write down the answers — policies differ between branches of the same bank, and the person who answers may not know all the details.
If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether another branch nearby does. Some banks route notary work to a central location or to branches with higher traffic. If no branch can help you, ask the bank representative for the name and phone number of a notary they recommend, or move to your next option.
What to bring when you visit the bank's notary
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check this to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized, not a copy. Bring all copies of the document you need notarized as well, since the notary will notarize each one separately and you will be charged per signature.
If you are not sure whether the document you have is the right one, bring it anyway and ask the notary. They cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you whether the document is in a form they can notarize. Some documents — like powers of attorney or affidavits — have specific language requirements that a notary will recognize.
Banks that commonly offer notary services
| Bank | Typical Availability | Cost for Customers |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | Most branches during business hours | Free for customers |
| Wells Fargo | Most branches; appointment recommended | Free for customers |
| Chase | Most branches; varies by location | Free for customers |
| Citibank | Select branches; call ahead | Free for customers |
| Credit unions | Varies; many have notaries | Free or $1–$5 for members |
This table reflects common policies, but individual branches may differ. Always call your specific branch to confirm. Some banks have reduced notary hours or require appointments during busy seasons.
When a bank notary is not available or not an option
If your bank does not have a notary or charges more than you want to pay, you have other reliable options. UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries in most areas and do not require membership. They typically charge $5 to $15 per signature and can usually see you without an appointment, though wait times vary.
Your county clerk's office or courthouse also has notaries available to the public, usually at a low cost or free. Call ahead to find out hours and whether you need an appointment. Some courthouses have a dedicated notary window; others route you through the clerk's office. This option is often the cheapest but may require a trip during business hours.
What notaries can and cannot do
A notary confirms your identity and witnesses your signature. They do not check whether the document is legal, whether you understand what you are signing, or whether the transaction is legitimate. They do not give legal advice. If you are unsure whether a document is right for your situation, talk to a lawyer before you go to the notary.
A notary can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and travel consent forms. They cannot notarize a document you did not sign in front of them, and they cannot notarize a blank document. Some documents have specific notary language requirements — the notary will tell you if your document does not meet those requirements.
Fees and what to expect to pay
Fees vary. Bank customers often get notary services free. Non-customers at banks typically pay $5 to $15 per signature. UPS stores and FedEx locations usually charge $5 to $15 per signature as well. County clerk offices may charge $1 to $5 per signature or offer the service free, depending on your state and county.
Some notaries charge per document rather than per signature. If a document has multiple pages but only one signature, you pay once. If you need the same document notarized twice — for example, one copy for you and one for a lender — you pay twice. Ask the notary about their fee structure before they start work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I am not a customer of the bank?
Many banks will notarize for non-customers, but they usually charge a fee of $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks refuse to notarize for non-customers entirely. Call the branch first to ask their policy before you go in.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at a bank?
It depends on the bank and branch. Some notaries take walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead to ask. During busy times, even banks that take walk-ins may have long waits.
What if the bank notary says my document cannot be notarized?
The notary may refuse if the document is blank, if you did not sign it in front of them, or if it lacks required notary language. Ask the notary why they cannot notarize it. If you think they made a mistake, you can take the document to another notary for a second opinion.
Can a notary at a bank notarize a document for someone else if I bring it in?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present with a valid photo ID. The notary must watch them sign the document. You cannot have someone else sign on their behalf.
Is a bank notary the same as a mobile notary?
No. A bank notary works at a branch location during business hours. A mobile notary comes to you — your home, office, or another location — and charges a travel fee on top of the notary fee. Mobile notaries are useful if you cannot get to a bank during their hours.