Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account there
Bank of America provides notary public services at many of its branches. The service is typically free for account holders and available to non-account holders for a fee, though the exact cost and availability vary by branch. Not every location offers notary services, and hours may be limited, so calling ahead is necessary before you visit.
The notary service is straightforward: a notary public verifies your identity, watches you sign a document, and stamps it with an official seal. This is useful for documents like power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan applications, and real estate paperwork. Bank of America notaries cannot notarize every type of document — some require a notary licensed in a specific state, and others have restrictions on who can perform the service.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary services are free for account holders at most branches, but you must call ahead to confirm your branch offers the service.
- Non-account holders can use the service for a fee that varies by location, typically between $5 and $15 per signature.
- You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the unsigned document you need notarized.
- Not all documents can be notarized by a Bank of America notary — some require a notary licensed in your specific state or have legal restrictions.
- Hours for notary services are often limited and may not match regular branch hours, so confirm availability before visiting.
How to find a Bank of America branch that offers notary services
Start by calling your local Bank of America branch directly. The main branch locator on the Bank of America website shows locations, but it does not indicate which branches have notaries on staff. A phone call takes two minutes and saves you a trip — ask whether a notary is available and what the hours are.
If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether another nearby location does. Some branches in smaller towns or rural areas may not staff a notary, but a branch in a larger city nearby often will. The staff can tell you which locations in your area have the service and whether you need an appointment.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before witnessing your signature. Bring the original, unsigned document. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them and then explore the official seal and signature.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must see you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a new copy. Bring all copies of the document if you need multiple notarized versions.
Cost and account requirements
Bank of America account holders receive notary services at no charge at most branches. Non-account holders pay a fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $15 per signature, though some branches may charge differently. Call ahead to confirm the exact fee at your branch.
You do not need to be a Bank of America customer to use the service, but you will pay for it. If you are a frequent user of notary services, opening a checking account at Bank of America might make sense — many accounts have no monthly fee, and you would then receive free notarizations.
Documents Bank of America notaries cannot notarize
Bank of America notaries cannot notarize certain documents by law. They cannot notarize documents where they have a financial interest — for example, a loan document where Bank of America is the lender. They also cannot notarize documents that require a notary licensed in a specific state if the notary is not licensed there.
Some documents require a certified or commissioned notary rather than a standard notary public. If your document has specific notary requirements, check the fine print or ask the organization requesting the notarization. If Bank of America cannot help, a local notary public office, law firm, or title company can often provide the service.
Timing and appointment policies
Most Bank of America branches offer notary services during regular business hours, but some have limited windows — for example, only during lunch hours or on certain days. Hours vary by location. Walk-ins are often accepted, but calling ahead to confirm a notary is available prevents a wasted trip, especially during busy times.
Some branches may ask you to schedule an appointment, particularly if you have a complex document or need multiple notarizations. Ask when you call whether an appointment is necessary or whether walk-ins are welcome. If you need the service urgently, ask about same-day availability.
Alternatives if your Bank of America branch cannot help
If your branch does not offer notary services or the hours do not work for you, other options exist. Many law firms, title companies, and real estate offices have notaries on staff. UPS stores and FedEx locations often have notaries available. Some states have independent notary public offices that serve the public.
Online notary services have become common in recent years. These services connect you with a notary via video call, and the notary witnesses your signature remotely. The document is then returned to you electronically or by mail. This option works for many documents, though some states and document types do not yet allow remote notarization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized at Bank of America if I do not have an account?
Yes. Non-account holders can use the notary service at most Bank of America branches for a fee, typically between $5 and $15 per signature. Call your local branch to confirm they offer the service and ask about the cost.
What if I already signed the document before bringing it to Bank of America?
The notary cannot notarize a document you have already signed. You will need an unsigned copy. The notary must witness your signature in person for the notarization to be valid.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at Bank of America?
Most branches accept walk-ins, but availability varies. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available and ask whether an appointment is required. This is especially important if you need the service during a specific time window.
Can Bank of America notarize a loan document if Bank of America is the lender?
No. Bank of America notaries cannot notarize documents where Bank of America has a financial interest. You will need to use a notary outside the bank for those documents.
What if my state requires a notary licensed in that specific state?
Bank of America notaries are licensed in the state where the branch is located. If your document requires a notary licensed in a different state, you will need to find a notary in that state. Call the organization requesting the notarization to confirm the requirement.