Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability varies by location and you will need to call ahead
Yes, Bank of America does notarize documents. Most branches have at least one notary public on staff during business hours. However, the service is not may provide at every location, hours vary, and some branches may have limited availability. You should call your local branch directly to confirm they offer notary services and to ask about wait times before you visit.
Notarization is a service where an official witness — the notary public — verifies your identity and watches you sign a document. The notary then stamps and signs the paper to confirm they saw you do it. Banks offer this because many financial and legal documents require a notary's signature to be valid.
Key Takeaways
- Most Bank of America branches have notary services, but you must call ahead to confirm your specific branch offers it and to check current hours.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, and the document you want notarized must be present and unsigned when you arrive.
- Bank of America notarizes documents for customers and non-customers alike, though some branches may prioritize account holders.
- The service is usually free or low-cost, but fees and policies vary by state and individual branch.
- If your branch does not offer notary services, you can find notaries through your state bar association, UPS stores, or online notary platforms.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the actual document you need notarized, and it must be unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. If you sign it before the notary sees you do it, the notarization is not valid. Some documents have a specific place marked for the notary's seal and signature — check yours ahead of time so you know what to expect.
How to learn about your branch notarizes
Call your local Bank of America branch directly. Ask whether they have a notary on staff and what their hours are. Some branches are open six days a week, others five. Some have a notary available all day, others only during certain hours. A phone call takes two minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
You can find your branch's phone number on the Bank of America website by entering your zip code. When you call, also ask whether you need an appointment or if you can walk in. Some branches take walk-ins for notary services, others require you to schedule ahead, especially if they are busy.
Cost and who can use the service
Bank of America notarizes documents for both customers and non-customers. Some branches may serve customers first or have shorter wait times for account holders, but you do not need to have a Bank of America account to use the service.
The cost varies by state and branch. Many Bank of America locations notarize one or two pages for free, then charge a small fee per page after that. Some branches charge a flat fee regardless of length. Call ahead to ask what your branch charges so you are not surprised.
What documents Bank of America will and will not notarize
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 not notarize documents that are already signed, documents they believe are fraudulent, or documents where the signer does not appear in person.
Some documents have special rules. For example, a notary cannot notarize a will in most states — that requires a lawyer or a specific legal process. If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, describe it to the notary when you call the branch, and they can tell you whether it is possible.
What happens during the notarization
You will sign the document in front of the notary. They will check your ID, confirm your signature matches the ID, and watch you sign. They will then stamp the document with an official seal, sign it themselves, and write down the date. This process usually takes five to ten minutes per document.
The notary will keep a record of what they notarized — this is required by law. You keep the original notarized document. If you need multiple copies notarized, bring all of them, because the notary must watch you sign each one.
Alternatives if your branch does not notarize
If your Bank of America branch does not offer notary services, you have other options. Many UPS stores, FedEx locations, and Staples have notaries on staff. Your state bar association website lists notaries in your area. Some title companies and real estate offices notarize documents as part of their business.
Online notary services are also available in most states. These use video conferencing so you can be notarized from home. The process is similar — you show your ID on camera, sign the document on camera, and the notary sends you a notarized copy. Online notaries usually cost more than in-person notaries but are faster and more convenient if you cannot visit a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I am not a Bank of America customer?
Yes. Bank of America notarizes documents for anyone, whether or not you have an account. Some branches may have different policies, so call ahead to confirm. You will still need a government-issued photo ID and an unsigned document.
What if I need a document notarized but my branch is closed?
Call other Bank of America branches nearby to see if they are open and offer notary services. If none are available, try a UPS store, FedEx, or Staples location. Many are open evenings and weekends. Online notary services are also available in most states and can notarize documents within hours.
Do I need an appointment to get something notarized at Bank of America?
It depends on the branch. Some take walk-ins, others require appointments. Call your branch to ask. If you need the document notarized urgently, ask whether they can fit you in the same day or if you should come back another time.
What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?
Ask why. Some documents cannot be notarized by law, others have special requirements. If the notary explains the reason, you may be able to fix the document or find a different type of notary who can help. A lawyer can also tell you whether your document can be notarized and what steps you need to take.
How long does notarization take?
The actual notarization usually takes five to ten minutes. However, wait times at the branch depend on how busy they are. Call ahead and ask about typical wait times, or ask whether you should come at a slower time of day.