Bank of America offers notarization at most branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account there

Many Bank of America branches have a 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 notarization 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 small fee, though this varies by location.

The catch is that not every Bank of America branch has a notary available. Smaller branches or those in rural areas may not have one on site. Your best move is to call the specific branch where you plan to go and ask whether a notary is available and what their hours are. Many branches have notaries present during standard business hours but not on weekends or evenings.

You will need to bring the unsigned document you want notarized, a valid photo ID, and any other person whose signature also needs to be witnessed. The notary will watch you sign the document in front of them and then add their official seal and signature. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notarization is free for account holders and available at most but not all branches during business hours.
  • Call your local branch before you go to confirm a notary is on site, since smaller locations may not have one.
  • Bring an unsigned document, a valid photo ID, and any co-signers who need to be present.
  • If your branch does not have a notary, you can find one through your state's notary directory or at UPS stores and FedEx locations.

What documents Bank of America notaries will and will not handle

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and travel consent forms for minors. They will witness your signature and confirm your identity, which is what notarization means.

Some documents fall outside what a notary can do. A notary cannot notarize a document you have already signed — the signature must happen in front of them. They also cannot notarize documents related to their own transactions or documents where they have a financial interest. If you are unsure whether a specific document can be notarized, describe it to the notary when you call the branch.

How to find the nearest Bank of America branch with notary services

Start by using the Bank of America branch locator on their website. Enter your zip code or address, and the results will show nearby branches. However, the locator does not always indicate which branches have a notary on staff.

After you find a branch near you, call it directly. Ask whether a notary is available, what hours they work, and whether you need an account to use the service. Some branches may ask you to schedule an appointment, especially if the notary is busy, so it is worth asking about that too. If the nearest branch does not have a notary, ask the staff to direct you to one that does.

What to bring when you go for notarization

Bring your unsigned document in its final form — do not sign it before you arrive. Bring a valid photo ID issued by a government agency: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The notary needs to see your ID to confirm you are who you say you are.

If someone else also needs to sign the document, they must be present and bring their own photo ID. The notary will watch both of you sign. If the document requires a witness who is not a party to it, that person should come too, though the rules vary by state and document type.

Do not bring a filled-out document with blank signature lines — bring one that is completely ready to sign except for the signatures themselves. If the document has errors or unclear language, point them out to the notary before signing, because you cannot change it afterward.

Notarization fees at Bank of America

Bank of America does not charge account holders for notarization. If you do not have an account, the fee varies by branch and state. Some branches charge $5 to $15 per signature, while others may decline to notarize for non-customers. Call ahead to find out what your branch charges.

Compare this to other options: UPS stores and FedEx locations typically charge $5 to $25 per signature, and independent notaries charge similar amounts. If you need multiple documents notarized, the cost can add up, so it may be worth opening a Bank of America account if you plan to use notarization services regularly.

What happens if your local Bank of America branch does not have a notary

If the nearest branch with a notary is too far away, you have other options. Many states maintain an online notary directory where you can search by zip code. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS also offer notarization, though availability varies by location.

Some states allow remote notarization, where a notary witnesses your signature over a video call. This is faster if you cannot leave home, though not all documents may have access to and not all states offer it. Ask your document's issuer whether remote notarization is acceptable for your specific paperwork.

If you need notarization regularly — for a business, for instance — you might consider becoming a notary yourself. Requirements vary by state but usually involve passing an exam and paying a small fee. This is only practical if you will use it often enough to justify the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized at Bank of America on the weekend?

Most Bank of America branches are closed on Sundays and have limited Saturday hours. Notaries typically work during standard business hours, so weekend notarization is unlikely. Call your branch to ask about Saturday availability, or use a UPS store or independent notary if you need weekend service.

Do I need an appointment for notarization at Bank of America?

Some branches will notarize documents on a walk-in basis, while others prefer appointments. Call ahead to ask. If you need notarization during a busy time, an appointment ensures the notary is available when you arrive.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

A notary must see a valid government-issued photo ID to notarize your signature. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV. Without any photo ID, the notary cannot proceed.

Can Bank of America notarize documents for a business I own?

Yes, Bank of America notaries can notarize business documents like powers of attorney, loan papers, and affidavits. Bring your personal photo ID and the unsigned business document. The notary is witnessing your personal signature, not the business itself.

Is notarization at Bank of America the same as getting a document certified?

No. Notarization means a notary watched you sign and confirmed your identity. Certification means an official copy of an existing document is made and stamped as authentic. Bank of America notaries do notarization, not certification. For certified copies, contact the organization that issued the original document.