Most banks offer notary services to customers for free, but availability and hours vary by branch and by bank
Many large banks—including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank—have notaries on staff at most branches. The service is typically free for customers with an account at that bank. However, not every branch has a notary present every day, and some smaller branches or rural locations may not have one at all. You will need to call ahead to confirm a notary is available before you go in.
Banks that do not have in-house notaries sometimes refer customers to a local notary public or offer a referral list. Some credit unions also provide notary services, though this varies by institution. The fastest way to find out what your bank offers is to call your branch directly or check their website for a notary locator tool.
Key Takeaways
- Most large national banks offer free notary services to account holders, but you must call your branch first to confirm a notary is available that day.
- Smaller branches, rural locations, and some regional banks may not have notaries on staff, so do not assume your branch has one.
- If your bank does not offer notary services, they can often refer you to an independent notary public in your area.
- You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs notarizing, and the notary may ask what the document is for.
How to check if your bank offers notary services
Start by calling the branch where you have your account. Ask specifically whether a notary is available and whether the service is free for customers. If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak with a manager or the branch operations staff—they will have the answer.
Many banks also list notary availability on their website. Search "[Your Bank Name] notary services" or look in the customer service or branch services section. Some banks have an online branch locator that shows which locations have a notary and their hours. If your bank does not have this information online, a phone call is the most reliable way to confirm.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will verify your identity before notarizing anything. You will also need the original document that requires notarization. The notary cannot notarize a copy or a digital file; they must see and work with the physical document.
The notary may ask you what the document is for and whether you are signing it of your own free will. This is standard practice. The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Some banks charge a small fee for non-customers, but account holders are almost always notarized for free.
Banks that commonly offer notary services
| Bank | Free for customers? | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | Yes | Most branches; call ahead |
| Wells Fargo | Yes | Most branches; call ahead |
| Chase | Yes | Most branches; call ahead |
| Citibank | Yes | Most branches; call ahead |
| PNC Bank | Yes | Most branches; call ahead |
| U.S. Bank | Yes | Most branches; call ahead |
| Local and regional banks | Varies | Call to confirm |
Availability differs by location. A large urban branch is more likely to have a notary on staff than a small rural one. Even if your bank offers notary services, the notary may not be present every day or during all business hours. Calling ahead prevents a wasted trip.
What to do if your bank does not have a notary
If your bank does not offer notary services or the notary is not available when you need one, ask the bank staff for a referral. Many banks keep a list of independent notaries in the area. You can also search online for "notary public near me" to find independent notaries in your city or town.
Independent notaries typically charge a fee per signature—usually between $5 and $25 depending on your location and the complexity of the document. Some charge a flat fee for the entire document. Call ahead to ask about their fee and their hours, since independent notaries often work by appointment only.
Notary services at credit unions
Many credit unions offer notary services to members, though not all do. Availability is similar to banks: some branches have notaries on staff, others do not. Call your credit union's branch to ask whether they offer the service and whether it is free for members.
If your credit union does not have a notary, they can usually refer you to a local notary public or to another credit union branch that does. Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks that allow you to visit other credit union branches for services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer to get a notary at a bank?
Most banks notarize for free only if you have an account with them. Non-customers may be charged a fee, typically $5 to $15 per signature. Call ahead to ask about the bank's policy for non-customers.
Can a bank notary notarize a power of attorney or will?
Yes, bank notaries can notarize powers of attorney, wills, and most other common documents. However, they cannot notarize documents they themselves are a party to—for example, a bank cannot notarize a mortgage or loan document that the bank is issuing. In that case, you will need an independent notary.
How long does a bank notary appointment take?
Most notarizations take 5 to 15 minutes. However, you may wait in line depending on how busy the branch is. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment, if the bank offers that option, can reduce your wait time.
What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?
Most bank notaries work during regular business hours only. For weekend or evening notarization, search for an independent notary public in your area—some work extended hours or by appointment. Online notary services are also available in some states, though they have specific requirements and limitations.
Can a bank notarize a document that is already signed?
Yes. A notary can notarize a document that you have already signed, as long as you sign it in front of the notary or acknowledge that you signed it. The notary will add their seal and signature to confirm they witnessed your signature or your acknowledgment.