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 or contract with notaries on-site, and they typically offer the service to customers at no charge or for a small fee. However, not every branch has a notary available, and some banks limit notary services to account holders only. The fastest way to find out is to call your specific branch and ask whether a notary is available, what days and hours they work, and whether you need an appointment.

If your bank does not have a notary or the wait is too long, you have other options: credit unions, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notary services. Some of these charge $5 to $15 per signature, while others charge by the document. The cost and speed vary widely depending on where you live and how busy the location is.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your bank branch directly to ask if a notary is on staff, what hours they work, and whether you need an appointment.
  • Many banks offer notary services free to account holders but may charge non-customers a small fee.
  • Not all branches of the same bank have a notary, so availability varies by location.
  • If your bank cannot help, credit unions, UPS stores, and FedEx locations often have notaries available with shorter wait times.
  • Some states allow online notarization for certain documents, which may be faster than visiting a physical location.

How to check if your bank has a notary

Start by calling the branch where you have your account. Ask specifically whether a notary is available, what hours they work, and whether you need to schedule an appointment. Many banks require appointments, especially if the notary is part-time or shared across multiple branches.

If the branch does not have a notary, ask whether another nearby branch does. Some banks maintain a notary at a main office or downtown location but not at smaller branches. You can also check your bank's website — some list which branches have notary services — but a phone call is more reliable because staffing changes.

Bring your document and a valid photo ID when you go. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and add their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes if you do not have to wait.

What banks typically charge for notary services

Most banks offer notary services free to customers with an active account. Some charge $5 to $10 per signature even for account holders, depending on the bank's policy. Non-customers usually pay $10 to $20 per signature, though this varies by location and bank.

A few banks have stopped offering notary services altogether, especially smaller regional banks. Others offer it only during certain hours or at certain branches. Call ahead rather than showing up and finding out the service is not available that day.

When your bank cannot help

Credit unions often have notaries on staff and may offer the service free to members. Call your credit union's main branch to ask.

UPS stores employ notaries at most locations. You can search for a nearby UPS store on their website and call to confirm a notary is available. Wait times are often shorter than at banks, and they are open on weekends at many locations. Cost is typically $10 to $15 per signature.

FedEx Office locations also have notaries at many stores. Search their website for a nearby location and call to confirm availability. Pricing is similar to UPS stores.

Independent notary services operate in most cities and can come to your home or office. Search online for "notary public near me" to find local options. Prices vary but often run $15 to $25 per signature, plus travel fees if they come to you.

Online notarization as an alternative

Some states now allow remote online notarization for certain documents. You sign the document electronically, meet with a notary via video call, and the notary adds their digital seal. This can be faster than visiting a physical location, especially if you live far from a notary.

Not all documents may have access to for online notarization — real estate deeds, wills, and powers of attorney often still require an in-person notary. Check your state's notary laws or ask the person requesting the notarization whether remote notarization is acceptable for your specific document.

Services like Notarize and NotaryCam offer online notarization in many states. Costs typically run $25 to $50 per document, which is higher than in-person but may save you time and travel.

What to bring when you visit a notary

Bring the unsigned document, a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and any other documents the notary requests. Some notaries ask for a second form of ID if your primary ID is expired or if you are unfamiliar to them.

Do not sign the document before you see the notary. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed, the notary cannot notarize it and you will need a new copy.

If the document requires multiple signatures or notarizations, bring all copies and ask the notary how much the total cost will be. Some charge per signature, others per 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 $10 to $20 per signature, while account holders often get it free or for $5. Call ahead to confirm the bank will notarize for non-customers and ask about their fee.

Do I need an appointment for a bank notary?

Many banks require appointments, especially if the notary works part-time or is shared across branches. Call your branch to ask. Walk-ins are sometimes possible during slow hours, but you may wait 30 minutes or longer.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or evening?

Banks are usually closed on weekends and evenings. UPS stores and FedEx locations are open on weekends at many locations. Independent notary services and online notarization services may also have evening or weekend availability.

Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, you need a new unsigned copy and must sign it again in front of the notary.

How long does notarization take?

The actual notarization process takes 5 to 15 minutes. The wait time depends on how busy the location is. Banks may have longer waits during lunch hours or at the end of the month.