Chase offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location

Chase Bank does offer notary services at many of its branches, but the service is not available everywhere and comes with restrictions. Most Chase branches will notarize documents for customers at no charge, though some branches charge a small fee. The catch: you typically need to be a Chase customer, the notary must be available when you visit, and some branches have limited or no notary staff.

Before you go to a Chase branch expecting notary service, call ahead. Branch notary availability depends on staffing, and some locations have no notary on duty at all. Chase does not may provide notary service at every branch, and wait times can be long during busy periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase notarizes documents for customers at most branches, usually for free, but you must call your branch first to confirm a notary is available.
  • You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the unsigned document you want notarized; the notary will not notarize documents you have already signed.
  • Some Chase branches do not have notary staff or have limited hours, so calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.
  • If your branch cannot help you, Chase customer service can direct you to the nearest branch with notary services, or you can use an independent notary instead.

What you need to bring to a Chase branch for notarization

Bring your unsigned document and a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize a document you have already signed. If the document has signature lines but no signatures yet, you are in the right position.

Bring the original document, not a copy. Notaries must work from the original. If you need multiple copies notarized, bring all of them unsigned, and the notary will notarize each one.

How to find a Chase branch with notary services

Start by calling your local Chase branch directly. Ask whether a notary is available and what the hours are. Some branches have a notary only certain days of the week or during specific hours. If your branch has no notary, ask the staff which nearby branch does.

You can also use Chase's branch locator on their website or mobile app, though it does not always show which branches have notary services. A phone call is faster and more reliable. If you do not have a Chase account, ask whether the branch will notarize for non-customers—policies vary by location.

Cost and whether you need to be a Chase customer

Most Chase branches notarize documents for free if you are a customer. Some branches charge a small fee, usually between $5 and $15, though this is less common. Non-customers may be turned away or charged a higher fee; policies differ by branch.

If you are not a Chase customer and your branch will not help, you have other options: credit unions often notarize for members, some employers offer notary services, and independent notaries are available in most towns. Many notaries work by appointment and charge $5 to $25 per signature.

What happens during the notarization process

The notary will ask to see your ID and verify that it matches the name on the document. They will watch you sign the document in front of them—you cannot sign it beforehand. The notary will then stamp and sign the document, adding their seal and the date.

The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if the notary is not busy. During peak times at busy branches, you may wait 20 minutes or longer. The notary will keep a record of the notarization in their journal, which is standard practice.

When Chase notary services will not work for you

Chase will not notarize documents that are already signed. If you have already put your signature on the page, you will need to get a new blank copy and start over. Notaries also cannot notarize documents they cannot read or understand, and they will refuse if they suspect fraud or coercion.

Some documents require a certified copy—a notarized photocopy of an original document—rather than a notarized signature. Chase notaries typically do not provide certified copies. For those, you will need to contact the issuing agency (a court, school, or government office) or use a specialized document service.

Alternatives if your Chase branch cannot help

If Chase cannot notarize your document, try your bank's credit union, your employer's HR department, or your insurance agent—many offer notary services to members or employees. UPS stores and FedEx locations often have notaries on staff, though they charge a fee. Some public libraries also offer notary services, sometimes for free.

Online notary services are another option if you need the document notarized quickly and your state allows remote notarization. These services connect you with a licensed notary by video call, and the notary can notarize your document electronically. Costs range from $25 to $100 depending on the service and your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Chase customer to use their notary service?

Most Chase branches notarize for customers for free, but policies on non-customers vary by location. Some branches will notarize for anyone, while others refuse non-customers. Call your branch to ask before you visit.

Can Chase notarize a document I already signed?

No. Notaries must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, you will need an unsigned copy. The notary will not notarize a pre-signed document.

How long does Chase notarization take?

The notarization itself takes 5 to 10 minutes, but wait times depend on how busy the branch is. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, especially during lunch hours or late afternoon.

What if my Chase branch does not have a notary?

Ask the staff which nearby Chase branch has notary services. If no Chase branch is convenient, try your credit union, a UPS store, a FedEx location, or an independent notary. Many charge $5 to $25 per signature.

Can Chase notarize copies of documents instead of originals?

Chase notaries work with original documents, not copies. If you need a certified copy of an original document, contact the issuing agency directly—courts, schools, and government offices provide certified copies for a small fee.