Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your branch, and whether you have an account there
Many large banks—including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank—have notaries on staff at most branches. However, "most branches" does not mean all branches, and some smaller regional or online-only banks do not offer the service at all. Even when your bank has a notary, the person may be busy, available only during certain hours, or require you to be a customer in good standing.
The fastest way to know is to call your branch directly and ask whether a notary is available today or this week. Do not rely on the bank's website or the main customer service line—branch staff can tell you immediately whether someone is there and whether you need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks usually have notaries at their branches, but smaller banks and online-only banks often do not.
- Calling your specific branch is the only reliable way to confirm a notary is available, since hours and staffing vary by location.
- Many banks require you to be a customer and may charge a small fee, though some waive it for account holders.
- If your bank has no notary or cannot see you in time, credit unions, UPS stores, and FedEx locations often have notaries available without membership requirements.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you bank or where you plan to go. Ask specifically: "Do you have a notary available?" and "Can I come in today or this week?" This takes two minutes and saves you a trip.
If you do not have a branch nearby or prefer not to call, you can search the American Association of Notaries (NAN) directory or your state's notary board website—both list notaries by location and type. Some banks also list notary availability on their branch locator tool, though this information is not always current.
If you are not sure which bank you use or do not have one, you do not need to go to a bank at all. Credit unions, UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacies and shipping centers have notaries available to the public, often without membership or account requirements.
What to bring and what it costs
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The notary will check it to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the document that needs to be notarized—unsigned, unless the notary tells you otherwise.
Bank notaries often charge $5 to $15 per signature, though many banks waive the fee for customers with accounts. Some banks charge nothing at all. Call ahead to ask about the fee so you are not surprised.
The notary will watch you sign the document, check your ID, and then sign and stamp the page themselves. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Some notaries will notarize multiple pages or multiple signatures on the same visit for a single fee.
When your bank cannot help
If your bank has no notary, is closed when you need one, or charges a fee you do not want to pay, other options are usually faster and just as reliable. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries at most locations and are often open evenings and weekends. Credit unions typically offer notary services to members and sometimes to non-members for a small fee.
Some states allow notaries to work independently—you can search your state's notary board website to find a notary near you who works from home or a small office. These notaries often have more flexible hours than banks and may charge less.
If you need the document notarized urgently and it is after hours, some states allow remote notarization through video call. This is not available everywhere and not all documents may have access to, but it is worth checking if you are in a time crunch. Search "[your state] remote notary" to see whether it is an option where you live.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Banks will notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and travel consent forms for minors. However, notaries cannot notarize a document you have already signed—you must sign it in front of the notary. They also cannot notarize documents that are blank or incomplete.
Some banks refuse to notarize certain documents if they conflict with bank policy or if the notary is unsure about the document's purpose. For example, a bank may decline to notarize a document that appears to be part of a legal dispute the bank is involved in. If you are unsure whether your document will be accepted, describe it to the bank when you call and ask.
Preparing for your visit
Before you go to the bank, make sure the document is ready to sign but not yet signed. Bring your photo ID and any other identification the bank asks for. If you are notarizing a document for someone else (as a witness or representative), ask the bank in advance whether they will notarize it—some banks have rules about this.
If you need the notarized document right away, call ahead to confirm the notary is there and ask how long the wait usually is. Bring a pen in case the bank does not have one, though most do. If the document is long or you are notarizing multiple pages, mention that when you call so the notary can plan their time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?
Most banks will notarize for non-customers, though some charge a higher fee or require an appointment. A few banks notarize only for account holders. Call your branch to ask their policy before you go.
Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a new copy to sign in front of the notary.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. However, you may wait longer if the notary is busy with other customers. Calling ahead or going early in the day usually means a shorter wait.
What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?
Most bank branches are closed on weekends and evenings. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations often have notaries available on weekends and some evenings. You can also search for independent notaries in your area, many of whom set their own hours.
Can I notarize a document for someone else?
A notary can notarize a document you are signing on behalf of someone else, but you must sign it yourself in front of the notary. The notary verifies your identity, not the identity of the person the document is for. Ask the bank whether they have any restrictions on this before you come in.