Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your account status, and whether you have an appointment

Many national and regional banks have notaries on staff during business hours. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all provide notary services at most branches, though policies vary by location. Credit unions often do the same. The catch: banks typically notarize documents only for account holders, and many require an appointment rather than walk-in service. Some branches have a notary available every day; others have one person who works certain hours or days. A few banks charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15 per document), while others offer it free to customers.

The fastest way to learn about your bank offers notary services is to call your local branch directly and ask whether they have a notary available, whether you need an appointment, and whether there is a fee. Do not assume all branches of the same bank operate the same way — a Wells Fargo in one town may have a notary every day, while another 20 miles away may have one only on Thursdays. If your bank does not offer notary services or the wait is too long, you have other options that may be faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Most large banks have notaries on staff, but you usually must be an account holder and may need to make an appointment in advance.
  • Availability varies by branch location and day of the week, so calling ahead is the only reliable way to know if a notary will be there when you need one.
  • Some banks charge $5 to $15 per document, while others offer notary services free to customers.
  • If your bank does not have a notary or the wait is long, title companies, UPS stores, and some pharmacies offer notary services to the public without requiring an account.

How to check if your bank has a notary

Start by calling the branch where you hold your account. Ask specifically whether they have a notary on staff, what days and hours the notary works, whether appointments are required, and whether there is a fee. Write down the name of the person you speak to and the date you called — if you show up and are told something different, you have a record of what you were told.

If your bank's website has a branch locator, you can sometimes find notary information there, but it is often incomplete or outdated. A phone call takes five minutes and gives you current information. If the branch does not have a notary, ask whether another nearby branch does, or whether they can refer you to a notary in the area.

Banks that commonly offer notary services

The largest national banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — have notaries at most of their branches. Regional banks like PNC, U.S. Bank, and SunTrust also typically offer notary services. Credit unions, including Navy Federal, Alliant, and most local credit unions, usually have notaries available as well.

However, "most branches" does not mean all branches. A small branch in a rural area may not have a notary, or may have one only part-time. Online banks and some smaller regional banks do not offer notary services at all. The only way to know for certain is to contact your specific branch.

Fees and appointment requirements

Most banks charge nothing for notary services if you are an account holder, though a few charge $5 to $15 per document. Some banks waive the fee if you are a premium customer or have a certain account type. A few banks notarize only a limited number of documents per visit (often one or two) or only certain types of documents.

Many banks now require an appointment rather than accepting walk-ins. This protects the notary's time and ensures someone is available when you arrive. If you need a notary urgently and your bank requires an appointment, ask whether they can fit you in the same day or the next morning. If not, you may be faster going to a UPS store, FedEx Office, or title company, which often have notaries available without appointments.

When a bank notary may refuse your document

A bank notary can refuse to notarize a document if they believe something is wrong. Common reasons include: the signer does not have valid photo ID, the signer appears confused or under pressure, the document is unclear or appears altered, or the notary does not understand what the document is for. A notary cannot notarize a document they themselves are signing, and they cannot notarize a signature they did not personally witness.

If a bank notary refuses your document, ask why. If it is a fixable problem — like a missing middle initial or a signature that needs to be redone — you can correct it and return. If the notary has concerns about the document itself, you may need to speak with the person or organization that prepared it.

Alternatives if your bank does not have a notary

UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff and are open to the public without requiring an account or appointment at most locations. Availability varies, so call ahead. Many charge $5 to $15 per document, similar to banks. Some pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS, offer notary services at select locations, though availability is spotty.

Title companies, which handle real estate transactions, often have notaries available and may notarize documents for the public for a small fee. Some county courthouses have notaries available, usually free or for a very small fee, though wait times can be long. If you need a notary for a legal document, an attorney's office can also notarize, though they may charge a consultation fee.

What to bring when you visit a bank notary

Bring the unsigned document you need notarized and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will then add their seal and signature, and record the transaction in their notary journal. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.

Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must witness your signature. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it and you will need to get a new copy. Bring the original document, not a photocopy, unless the document itself is a photocopy that you need certified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?

Most banks notarize only for account holders. Some will notarize for non-customers for a higher fee, but this is uncommon. If you do not have an account at a bank with a notary, a UPS store or FedEx Office is usually your fastest option.

Can a bank notary notarize a power of attorney or will?

Yes, bank notaries can notarize powers of attorney, wills, and most other legal documents. However, they cannot notarize a will if they are named as a beneficiary or executor in that will. If you are unsure whether a notary can handle your specific document, describe it when you call the bank.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?

Banks are closed on weekends and evenings, so a bank notary will not be available. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations often have extended hours and some are open on Saturdays. Some areas have mobile notaries who will come to your home or office, though they typically charge more than a bank or store location.

Can a notary make copies of my document?

A notary's job is to witness a signature and certify it, not to make copies. You will need to bring a copy machine or ask the bank whether they can copy the document for you before the notary sees it. Some banks offer copying services to customers.

What if the bank notary makes a mistake on the notarization?

If the notary made an error — wrong date, misspelled name, or missing information — go back to the bank and ask them to correct it. Most notaries will redo the notarization at no extra charge if the error was theirs. Keep the original document in case you need to show the correction to whoever is receiving it.