Most banks offer notary services to customers, but availability and cost vary widely by branch and institution
Many banks do have notaries on staff, but not all branches of the same bank will have one available. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank typically offer notary services to their customers at no charge or for a small fee—often $5 to $15 per signature. Smaller regional banks and credit unions may or may not have a notary, and some require you to be a customer to use the service.
The catch is that availability depends on your specific branch location and the time you visit. A notary might work only certain hours, take a lunch break, or be unavailable on the day you need them. Calling ahead is essential—do not assume your branch has a notary just because the bank's website says the bank offers notary services.
If your bank does not have a notary or you are not a customer, you have other options: UPS stores, FedEx locations, some pharmacies, title companies, and independent notaries. Many of these charge $5 to $25 per signature and do not require you to be a customer of anything.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks usually have notaries on staff, but not every branch location will have one available.
- Bank notary services are often free or low-cost for customers, but you must call your specific branch to confirm they have a notary present that day.
- Availability is limited to business hours and may be restricted to certain days or times, so plan ahead rather than showing up without notice.
- If your bank does not offer notary services, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notaries are widely available alternatives.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling your branch directly—not the bank's general customer service line. Ask to speak with someone at the branch and confirm whether a notary is available, what hours they work, and whether there is a fee. Write down the notary's name and extension if possible, so you can ask for them when you arrive.
If you cannot reach the branch by phone, visit in person during business hours and ask at the customer service desk. Some banks list notary availability on their website under "services" or "branch services," but the information is often outdated, so a phone call is more reliable.
Be prepared to tell the notary what documents you need notarized. Some banks will not notarize certain documents—for example, many refuse to notarize wills, powers of attorney, or documents related to real estate transactions because of liability concerns. Ask about restrictions before you make the trip.
What to bring when you visit a bank notary
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing any document. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized, not a copy. Most notaries will not notarize photocopies or digital printouts.
Bring all copies of the document you need notarized, even if only one signature is required. The notary will stamp and sign each copy you present. If you are unsure how many copies you need, contact the person or organization requesting the notarized document and ask them to specify.
Do not sign the document before you meet with 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 blank copy.
Cost and fees at different banks
Most national banks charge nothing for notary services if you are a customer. Some charge $5 to $10 per signature. A few banks charge per document rather than per signature—so if a document has two places that need notarizing, you might pay once or twice depending on the bank's policy.
Non-customers may face higher fees or be turned away entirely. Some banks will notarize for non-customers but charge $10 to $25 per signature. Others have a strict policy of serving customers only.
Credit unions often offer notary services to members at no charge. If you belong to a credit union, call your branch first—you may find a faster, cheaper option than a bank.
When banks will not notarize a document
Banks often refuse to notarize wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and real estate documents. The reason is liability: if something goes wrong with these documents later, the bank could be sued. Some banks also will not notarize documents they believe are fraudulent or that involve money transfers or financial accounts.
If your bank refuses, ask why. Some banks have a blanket policy; others refuse on a case-by-case basis. If the refusal is based on the type of document, an independent notary or a title company may be willing to notarize it instead. For wills and powers of attorney, an attorney's office sometimes has a notary on staff and may notarize these documents as part of their service.
Alternatives to bank notaries
UPS stores (The UPS Store) have notaries at most locations and are open longer hours than banks—often until 7 or 8 p.m. and on weekends. Fees are typically $5 to $15 per signature. FedEx Office locations also offer notary services at similar rates and hours.
Independent notaries advertise online and through local directories. Many work from home or a small office and can meet you at a time that suits you. Fees range from $5 to $25 per signature depending on location and whether they travel to you.
Title companies, which handle real estate closings, have notaries on staff and will notarize documents for a fee, even if the document is not related to a real estate transaction. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have notaries at some locations, though availability is spotty—call ahead to confirm.
How to prepare before visiting a notary
Know exactly what needs to be notarized. Read the document carefully and identify every place where a signature or initials are required. If the document says "notarize in the presence of a notary," that means the notary must watch you sign it. If it says "have notarized," the same rule applies.
Confirm the number of copies you need. Some organizations require a notarized original plus one or more certified copies. Ask the person or organization requesting the notarized document whether they need originals, copies, or both, and how many of each.
Bring your ID and arrive a few minutes early. If you are notarizing a document for someone else, that person must be present with their own ID. The notary cannot notarize a signature on behalf of someone who is not there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary notarize a document if I am not present?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in person. They cannot notarize a signature that was made before you arrived or by someone else on your behalf. If you cannot be present, you will need to arrange for the notary to meet you at a different time or location.
Do I need to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?
Most large banks offer notary services to customers at no charge or low cost. Non-customers may be turned away or charged a higher fee. Call your bank's branch to ask their policy. If you are not a customer, a UPS store or independent notary is usually a faster option.
What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
Ask the notary why. If they believe the document is fraudulent or you cannot prove your identity, they are required by law to refuse. If the refusal is based on the type of document, try a different notary—policies vary. An attorney or title company may be willing to notarize documents that banks refuse.
How long does notarization take?
Most notarizations take 5 to 10 minutes if you have all the required documents and ID ready. If the notary needs to verify information or you are unsure about the document, it may take longer. Arrive early and be prepared to answer questions about the document and your reason for needing it notarized.
Can I notarize a document online or by mail?
Some states allow remote notarization using video conferencing, but this is not yet available everywhere. Most notarizations still require you to be present in person with your ID. Check your state's notary laws or ask the organization requesting the notarized document whether they accept remote notarization.