Most banks offer notary service to customers for free, but availability and hours vary by branch and institution
Many banks do provide notary service, but the specifics depend on which bank you use, which branch you visit, and whether you have an account there. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank typically have notaries on staff at most branches during business hours. Credit unions often do the same. However, not every branch has a notary present every day, and some smaller regional banks may not offer the service at all.
If your bank does offer notary service, you usually get it free as a customer benefit. Non-customers may be charged a fee, typically between $5 and $15 per signature, though some banks refuse to notarize for non-customers entirely. The notary can only witness your signature on the document itself—they cannot advise you on what to sign or whether a document is appropriate for your situation.
Before you go to your bank, call ahead. A notary may be out to lunch, on vacation, or simply not scheduled that day. Many banks require an appointment, especially if you have multiple documents or need service outside standard hours. Some branches have walk-in notary windows, but confirming availability saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- Most large national banks and credit unions offer free notary service to account holders during business hours, but you should call your branch first to confirm a notary is available.
- Non-customers may be charged $5 to $15 per signature, and some banks will not notarize for anyone without an account.
- You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, and the notary will watch you sign the document in front of them—they cannot notarize a signature that was already on the page.
- If your bank does not offer notary service or the notary is unavailable, you can find one through your state's notary directory, a local title company, or a UPS Store or similar service center.
How to check if your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you have your account or the branch nearest you. Ask to speak with someone in customer service or the branch manager, and ask directly: "Do you have a notary available, and can I schedule an appointment?" If the person who answers does not know, ask them to transfer you to someone who does.
You can also check your bank's website. Most large banks list notary availability on their branch locator tool—search for your branch and look for a notary icon or a line that says "notary services available." If the website does not mention it, call rather than assume the service is not there.
If you do not have a bank account or your bank does not offer notary service, you have other options. Your state maintains a directory of commissioned notaries, usually through the Secretary of State's office. You can search by zip code to find notaries near you, see their hours, and call to ask about fees and whether they can notarize your specific document.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized at your bank
Bring the unsigned document itself. The notary must watch you sign it in front of them—they cannot notarize a signature that is already on the page. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity and that you are signing of your own free will.
If the document requires notarization on multiple pages or multiple signatures, bring all copies. Some documents ask for a notary seal and signature on a separate page called a jurat or acknowledgment—the notary will tell you where to sign and will complete the notary language for you. Do not fill in the notary section yourself; the notary must do it.
Bring any other documents the notary asks for. If you are notarizing a power of attorney, a deed, or a financial document, the notary may ask for additional proof of your identity or relationship to the transaction. Call ahead and describe the document so the notary can tell you what to bring.
When a bank notary cannot help you
A notary can only witness your signature and confirm your identity. They cannot notarize a document that was already signed, cannot notarize a blank document, and cannot notarize a signature made by someone else on your behalf. If your document is already signed, you will need to get a new copy and sign it again in front of the notary.
Some documents require a certified copy of an official record—a birth certificate, marriage license, or court document. A bank notary cannot provide this. You must request a certified copy from the government office that issued the original: the vital records office for birth or marriage certificates, the court clerk for court documents, or the state agency that holds the record.
If you need a document notarized outside your bank's business hours, or if your bank does not offer notary service, you can use a mobile notary who comes to you, a title company, a UPS Store or FedEx Office location, or a notary public listed in your state's directory. Fees and availability vary, so call ahead.
Notary fees and what they cover
If you have an account at the bank, notary service is almost always free. Some banks limit free notarizations to a certain number per year or per account, so ask when you call. If you are a non-customer, expect to pay $5 to $15 per signature, though some banks charge more or refuse to notarize for non-customers at all.
The fee covers the notary's time to watch you sign, verify your identity, and apply their seal and signature to the document. It does not cover legal advice, document preparation, or review. If you are unsure whether a document is correct or whether you should sign it, consult an attorney before you go to the notary.
Some states set a maximum notary fee by law. If your state does, the notary must follow that limit. If you are charged more than the legal maximum, you can report it to your state's Secretary of State office or the agency that oversees notaries in your state.
Alternatives if your bank does not offer notary service
Search your state's notary directory through the Secretary of State's website. Most states allow you to search by zip code or city. Call the notaries listed and ask about their hours, fees, and whether they can notarize your specific document type. Many notaries work from home or a small office and may have limited hours, so confirm availability before you go.
Title companies, which handle real estate transactions, almost always have notaries on staff. If you are notarizing a deed, mortgage, or other real estate document, a title company may be faster than a bank. UPS Store locations and FedEx Office locations often have notaries available; call ahead to confirm and ask about fees.
If you need a notary outside business hours, search for "mobile notary" in your area. Mobile notaries come to your home or office and charge a travel fee plus a per-signature fee. This costs more than a bank notary but can be worth it if you have multiple documents or cannot get to a branch during the day.
What happens after the notary seals your document
Once the notary has witnessed your signature and applied their seal, the document is notarized. You can then submit it to whoever requested the notarization—a court, a government agency, a financial institution, or a business. The notary's seal and signature confirm that you signed the document in front of a may have access to witness on a specific date.
Keep a copy of the notarized document for your records. If the document is lost or questioned later, you will have proof that it was notarized. Some documents require notarization to be recorded with a county clerk or state agency; the notary or the person who requested the notarization will tell you if that step is necessary.
The notary keeps a record of the notarization in their journal, which is a log of all documents they notarize. If there is ever a question about whether a document was notarized, the notary's journal can be used as proof. You do not need to do anything to maintain this record—the notary handles it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document online or by video?
Some states allow remote notarization by video, but not all. If your state permits it, you will need to use a notary who is licensed for remote notarization and have a valid ID that can be verified on camera. Ask your bank or the person requesting the notarization whether remote notarization is acceptable for your document.
What if I do not have a photo ID?
A notary requires a valid government-issued photo ID to notarize your signature. If you do not have one, you will need to get one before you can have a document notarized. A state ID card or passport can be obtained from your state's DMV or the State Department.
Can a notary notarize a document in a language other than English?
A notary can notarize a document in any language, but they must understand enough of the document to confirm that you are signing it knowingly. If the document is in a language the notary does not speak, they may ask you to bring a translator or may decline to notarize it. Call ahead and describe the document.
How long does a notarization last?
A notarization does not expire. Once a document is notarized, it remains notarized. However, the person or organization that requested the notarization may have a deadline for when the notarized document must be submitted to them. Check the instructions you received with the document.
What if the notary makes a mistake on the seal or signature?
If the notary makes a mistake, ask them to correct it. They can cross out the error, initial it, and apply a new seal if necessary. Do not try to correct a notary error yourself—the document must be corrected by the notary or notarized again on a new copy.