Bank of America does offer notary services at many of its branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account there.
Most Bank of America branches have at least one notary public on staff during business hours. A notary public is someone authorized by the state to witness your signature on documents and confirm your identity. Bank of America does not charge for this service if you are a customer with an account at that branch. If you do not have an account, some branches will notarize documents for a fee, though this varies by location.
The catch is that availability is not may provide. Some smaller branches may not have a notary on duty every day, and during busy times you might wait or be asked to come back. Calling ahead to confirm a notary is available takes five minutes and saves a trip.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary services are free for account holders at most branches, but you should call ahead to confirm a notary is available.
- Non-customers may be able to use the service for a fee, but policies vary by branch and location.
- You will need a valid government-issued photo ID and the document you want notarized when you visit.
- If your local branch does not have a notary or the wait is too long, your county clerk's office, local library, or UPS Store are alternatives.
What documents Bank of America will and will not notarize
Bank of America notaries can witness signatures on most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and travel consent forms for minors. They cannot notarize documents that are already signed, documents where you do not appear in person, or documents they believe are fraudulent or illegal.
The notary will also refuse if the document is blank or incomplete, if you cannot prove your identity, or if you appear confused about what you are signing. This is not a refusal to help — it is the notary protecting themselves and you from legal problems later. If a document is rejected, ask the notary why. Often a small change, like filling in a blank field or getting a missing signature, solves the problem.
How to prepare before you visit a Bank of America branch
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check this to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the original document you need notarized, not a copy. The notary must see the actual document and watch you sign it.
Make sure the document is complete before you arrive. Blank spaces, missing signatures from other parties, or unclear language can cause delays or rejection. If you are unsure whether something is missing, contact whoever gave you the document and ask them to review it first.
Call your branch ahead of time. Ask for the notary department or the main line and say you need notary services. Ask what hours the notary works and whether you need an appointment. Some branches take walk-ins; others ask you to schedule. Getting this information first prevents wasted trips.
What happens during the notarization process
When you arrive, tell the staff you need notary services. You will be taken to the notary or given a time to return. The notary will ask you to show your ID, confirm your name matches the document, and ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will then stamp and sign the document themselves, adding the date and their notary number.
The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. The notary may ask you questions about the document — what it is for, whether you understand what you are signing, whether anyone forced you to sign it. Answer honestly. These questions are routine and protect you both.
Once the notary has signed and stamped the document, it is complete. You can use it when ready. Keep the original with the notary's stamp; do not make copies of a notarized document unless the person who needs it tells you to.
When Bank of America notary services are not available
If your branch does not have a notary, does not have one available when you need it, or charges a fee you do not want to pay, other options exist. Your county clerk's office notarizes documents for a small fee, usually between two and ten dollars depending on the state. County clerk offices are open during business hours, and many have longer hours than banks.
Public libraries in many areas offer free or low-cost notary services to residents. UPS Store locations have notaries on staff and charge a fee, typically around fifteen dollars. Some title companies and real estate offices will notarize documents for free if the document is related to a transaction they are handling.
If you need notarization outside business hours, some states allow online notarization through services where you video call a notary and they witness your signature electronically. This is faster but usually costs more than in-person notarization.
Special situations: power of attorney and real estate documents
Bank of America notaries regularly handle powers of attorney and real estate documents because these are common in banking. If you are creating a power of attorney — a document that lets someone else make financial or medical decisions for you — the notary will confirm you understand what you are signing and that no one is pressuring you.
For real estate documents like deeds or mortgage papers, the notary follows the same process. They will not review the legal terms or give information about whether the deal is fair. Their job is only to confirm your identity and witness your signature. If you have questions about what a real estate document means, ask a real estate attorney or your lender before you go to the notary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary service?
No, but non-customers may be charged a fee. Policies vary by branch, so call ahead and ask. Some branches will notarize for non-customers at no charge; others charge between five and twenty dollars. Having an account at that branch guarantees the service is free.
What if I need a document notarized but I cannot get to a branch during business hours?
Your county clerk's office may have evening or weekend hours. Some UPS Store locations are open late and have notaries. A few states allow remote online notarization, where you video call a notary and they witness your signature electronically, though this usually costs more than in-person notarization.
Can Bank of America notarize a document I already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need a blank copy of the document to sign in front of the notary.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization usually takes five to ten minutes. Wait time depends on how busy the branch is. Calling ahead and asking about wait times or scheduling an appointment can help you plan.
What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?
Ask the notary why. Common reasons are a blank field, a missing signature, unclear language, or an inability to confirm your identity. Most of these can be fixed. If the notary believes the document is fraudulent or illegal, they are required by law to refuse, and you should not pursue notarization elsewhere without understanding why.