Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location

Many Bank of America branches have a notary public on staff, and they will notarize documents for customers and non-customers alike. However, not every branch offers this service — smaller locations or those in rural areas may not have a notary available. The best way to find out is to call your local branch directly and ask whether they notarize, what hours the notary works, and whether you need an appointment.

When you do find a notary at Bank of America, the process is straightforward. You bring the unsigned document, show a government-issued ID, and the notary watches you sign it. They then add their seal and signature to confirm they witnessed the signing. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Cost varies by branch. Some Bank of America locations notarize for free if you have an account with them, while others charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 per signature — regardless of whether you bank there. A few branches charge customers nothing but charge non-customers a fee. Call ahead to confirm what your branch charges before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Not every Bank of America branch has a notary, so call your local branch first to confirm they offer the service and ask about their hours.
  • Bank of America notaries will serve both customers and non-customers, but fees and free-service policies differ by location.
  • You will need an unsigned document and a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card).
  • The notary watches you sign the document in front of them — you cannot sign it beforehand and bring it in.
  • Fees typically range from free to $15 per signature, depending on your branch and whether you hold an account there.

What documents Bank of America notaries will and will not notarize

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and permission letters for minors traveling. They will also notarize copies of documents you already own, confirming that the copy matches the original.

There are limits. Notaries cannot notarize a document if you do not appear in person — they must see your face and watch you sign. They also cannot notarize a document you have already signed, because the notary's job is to witness the signing itself, not to verify a signature that happened earlier. If you signed something weeks ago and now need it notarized, you will need to find a different solution, such as having a lawyer or another notary public create an affidavit stating that you did sign it.

Some documents require a specific type of notarization — for example, a real estate deed may need an acknowledgment rather than a jurat. Bank of America notaries are trained in these distinctions, so tell them what the document is for and they will notarize it correctly.

How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch

The fastest way is to call your branch directly. Look up the number on Bank of America's website, call the main line, and ask to speak with someone who can tell you whether the branch has a notary and when they are available. Many branches have notaries during regular business hours, but some have limited hours — for example, a notary might work only on weekday mornings.

If you do not have a nearby Bank of America branch or theirs does not notarize, you have other options. Many UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and Staples have notaries on staff. Some county courthouses offer notary services for free or a small fee. You can also search online for "notary public near me" to find independent notaries in your area — they typically charge $5 to $25 per signature and often work evenings and weekends.

What to bring when you go to get a document notarized

Bring your unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity, so bring the original — a photocopy will not work.

Bring the document unsigned. The notary must watch you sign it in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need to start over with a fresh copy.

If you are unsure whether your document needs notarization or what type of notarization it requires, bring any instructions that came with it — a loan document, court filing, or legal letter often specifies what kind of notarization is needed. The notary can read these instructions and notarize accordingly.

The difference between notarization and other services

Notarization is not the same as witnessing a signature, and it is not the same as legal information. A notary public is a neutral third party who confirms that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document willingly. They do not check whether the document is correct, whether you understand what you are signing, or whether it is a good idea for you to sign it. That is your responsibility.

Some people confuse notarization with certification. When you certify a copy of a document, a notary compares the copy to the original and stamps it to say the copy is accurate. Notarization of a signature is different — the notary is confirming that you signed the document in front of them, not that the document itself is correct or complete.

When Bank of America notaries cannot help

If your document requires a notary who is not related to you or who has no financial interest in the outcome, Bank of America notaries can still help — they are independent and unbiased. However, if the document specifies that it must be notarized by a lawyer, a court clerk, or someone with a specific credential, you will need to find that person instead.

Some documents, such as certain real estate transactions in some states, require a notary to perform additional steps beyond watching you sign — for example, they may need to record the notarization with the county. Bank of America notaries do standard notarizations, so ask your branch whether they can handle the specific requirements your document has. If they cannot, they can usually point you toward someone who can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized at Bank of America if I do not have an account there?

Yes. Bank of America notaries serve both customers and non-customers. Some branches charge non-customers a fee while others do not, so call ahead to ask about the cost at your specific location.

What if I already signed the document before bringing it to the notary?

The notary cannot notarize it. A notary must watch you sign in front of them. You will need a fresh, unsigned copy of the document and will have to sign it again in the notary's presence.

How long does notarization take?

Usually 5 to 10 minutes. The notary checks your ID, watches you sign, and adds their seal and signature. Bring your unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID, and you are done.

What if my local Bank of America branch does not have a notary?

Call other branches in your area — some may have one. You can also check UPS stores, FedEx Office, Staples, or search online for independent notaries near you. Many are available evenings and weekends if daytime does not work for you.

Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized?

Most Bank of America branches do not require an appointment, but it is worth calling ahead to ask. Some locations may ask you to schedule if their notary is busy, and knowing the notary's hours before you go saves a wasted trip.