Bank of America does not notarize documents for free

Bank of America branches offer notary services, but you will pay a fee. The cost is typically $10 per signature, though some branches charge $15. This is not a free service for customers or non-customers — the fee applies either way. If you need a notarization and want to avoid the charge, you have other options that may cost nothing.

Not every Bank of America branch has a notary on staff. Availability depends on the location and staffing. Before you go to a branch, call ahead to confirm a notary is available and ask about their current fee, since pricing can vary slightly by region.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges $10 to $15 per signature for notary services at most branches, regardless of whether you are a customer.
  • You must call your local branch first to confirm a notary is available, because not all locations have one on staff.
  • Many employers, libraries, and credit unions offer notary services at no cost, so comparing your options can save you money.
  • If you need the notarization urgently, mobile notaries can come to you but typically charge $50 to $150 for the visit.

How to find a notary at Bank of America

Call the branch where you want to get the notarization done. Ask whether a notary is available and what the fee is. Do not assume every branch has one — smaller locations or those in rural areas may not. If your nearest branch does not have a notary, ask if they can refer you to another branch or suggest alternatives.

Bring your government-issued photo ID and the document that needs to be notarized. The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and explore their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if there is no wait.

Free or low-cost notary alternatives

Many places offer notary services at no cost. Your employer may have a notary on staff — ask your HR or administrative department. Public libraries in most states have notaries available to the public for free or for a small donation. Credit unions often notarize for members at no charge. Some law offices will notarize a single document for free as a courtesy, though this is not may provide.

If you are notarizing a real estate document, the title company or escrow agent handling the transaction will usually notarize it as part of the closing process at no extra cost. For financial documents, your bank may notarize for customers for free — call and ask before you go to Bank of America.

When you need a notary fast

If you need the notarization the same day and your branch is closed or does not have a notary, a mobile notary can come to your home or office. These are independent notaries who travel to you. Expect to pay $50 to $150 for the visit, depending on your location and how far they have to travel. Search online for "mobile notary near me" or check apps like Notarize or Notary Rotary, which connect you with available notaries in your area.

Some of these services are online — you can upload your document, verify your identity through video, and receive a notarized copy by email within hours. Costs for online notarization range from $25 to $75 per document. Not all document types are may be able to access for online notarization, so check the service's rules first.

What documents Bank of America notaries can and cannot notarize

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, and general acknowledgments. They cannot notarize documents they have a financial interest in — for example, a Bank of America notary cannot notarize a mortgage note that Bank of America holds. They also cannot notarize documents for themselves or when ready family members.

Some states have additional restrictions. For example, a few states do not allow notaries to notarize documents related to real estate transactions. Call your branch and describe the document you need notarized — the notary can tell you whether they can do it before you make the trip.

Preparing your document for notarization

Bring the original, unsigned document. The notary must watch you sign it — they cannot notarize a document you have already signed. Bring your government-issued photo ID; the notary will not proceed without it. If the document requires multiple signatures, all signers must be present, or you will need separate notarizations for each person.

Some documents specify what type of notarization is needed — an acknowledgment, a jurat, or a certification of a copy. If you are unsure, bring the document and ask the notary. They can tell you what is required and whether the document is set up correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to get a notarization there?

No. Bank of America notarizes for anyone, whether you have an account or not. The fee is the same either way — typically $10 to $15 per signature. You still need to call ahead to confirm a notary is available at your branch.

Can I notarize a document that I already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notarization is not valid. You will need an unsigned copy of the document to bring to the notary.

What if the notary at my branch says they cannot notarize my document?

Some documents fall outside what a notary can do — usually because of state law or a conflict of interest. Ask the notary why they cannot do it. If it is a state restriction, a notary in another state may not be able to help either. If it is a conflict, try another branch or a mobile notary.

How long does a notarization take?

The actual notarization takes 5 to 10 minutes. The wait time depends on how busy the branch is. Call ahead to ask about wait times, or go during off-peak hours like mid-morning on a weekday to avoid a line.

Can I notarize a document for someone else if they cannot come in person?

No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present with a valid photo ID. The notary verifies their identity and watches them sign. Remote notarization through video is an option for some documents, but the person must still be present on the video call.