Yes, many banks offer notary services, but not all branches do and not all documents may have access to

Most large banks have at least one notary public on staff, usually in the branch during business hours. However, availability varies widely — a small branch may have no notary at all, while a larger one might have several. The fastest way to find out is to call your specific branch and ask whether they have a notary available and whether they notarize documents for non-customers. Some banks limit notary services to account holders only.

A notary public is a person authorized by the state to witness your signature on a document and confirm that you are who you say you are. They do not verify whether the document itself is legal or correct — they only verify your identity and that you signed willingly. The notary then stamps and signs the document, which tells whoever receives it that the signature is genuine.

Banks offer this service because many customers need documents notarized for real estate transactions, power of attorney forms, affidavits, and other legal paperwork. It is a convenience, not a requirement — you can also use a notary at a law office, a UPS Store, a library, or a courthouse, depending on what is available in your area.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your bank branch directly to ask if they have a notary and whether they notarize for non-customers, since policies vary by branch and bank.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) because the notary must verify your identity in person.
  • The notary will watch you sign the document and will not notarize a document you signed before arriving.
  • Banks typically charge a small fee per signature, usually between $5 and $15, though some waive the fee for account holders.
  • If your bank does not have a notary or their hours do not work for you, UPS Stores, FedEx Office, and public libraries often offer notary services without an appointment requirement.

What to bring when you go to get something notarized

Bring the unsigned document and a government-issued photo ID. The notary must see your ID in person and confirm that the photo matches your face. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, some notaries will notarize using other forms of identification, but this varies — call ahead to ask.

Bring the document in its final form, ready to sign. The notary will not notarize a document you have already signed, and they will not notarize a blank document or one with blanks you plan to fill in later. If you are unsure whether the document is complete, ask the person who requested the notarization (your lawyer, your lender, the court, or whoever needs it) to confirm before you go to the bank.

If you need multiple documents notarized, bring them all. The notary charges per signature, not per visit, so you can have several documents notarized in one trip.

How the notarization process works at the bank

When you arrive, tell the teller or the person at the desk that you need a notary. They will either notarize the document themselves (if they are a notary) or direct you to the notary on staff. The notary will ask you to show your ID, confirm your name and address, and ask you to sign the document in front of them. This takes about five minutes per document.

The notary will then stamp the document, sign it, and write down the date and their notary number. Some notaries will also record the transaction in a log book, which is standard practice. Once the notary has finished, the document is notarized and ready to use.

You will receive the original document back with the notary's stamp and signature. Keep this original — photocopies of notarized documents are usually not accepted by whoever requested the notarization.

When banks cannot or will not notarize a document

Banks will not notarize documents where the notary has a conflict of interest. For example, a notary cannot notarize a document that benefits them personally, or a document where they are a witness or a party to the transaction. If you are using your bank's notary and the document involves the bank itself (such as a power of attorney naming the bank as your agent), the bank may decline.

Some banks will not notarize certain types of documents, such as immigration forms, loan documents, or documents related to court cases. This is a business decision, not a legal requirement — the notary is legally able to notarize these documents, but the bank may choose not to. Call ahead to ask if you are unsure.

If your bank declines, you have other options. UPS Stores, FedEx Office locations, and many public libraries have notaries available. Some offer walk-in service; others require an appointment. Prices are similar to banks, usually $5 to $15 per signature.

Cost and timing for bank notarization

Most banks charge between $5 and $15 per signature. Some banks waive the fee for account holders, while others charge everyone the same rate. A few banks offer notary services free to customers as part of their account benefits. Call your branch to ask what they charge.

Notarization is when ready — you sign the document in front of the notary, they stamp it, and you leave with the notarized original. There is no waiting period. However, you may have to wait for the notary to become available if the branch is busy, so arriving early in the day or calling ahead to ask when they are least busy can save time.

Alternatives if your bank does not have a notary

If your bank does not have a notary or their hours do not work for you, several other places offer notary services. UPS Stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries in most areas and often do not require an appointment. Public libraries in many cities offer free or low-cost notary services. Some law offices will notarize documents for a fee even if you are not a client.

Online notary services also exist, though they work differently — you sign the document electronically while on a video call with a notary. These services are faster if you cannot leave your home, but not all documents can be notarized this way. Ask whoever requested the notarization whether an electronic notarization is acceptable before you use this route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I notarize a document I already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it in front of the notary.

Do I need to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?

It depends on the bank and the branch. Some banks notarize for anyone; others limit the service to account holders. Call your branch and ask. If they do not notarize for non-customers, a UPS Store or library may be your fastest option.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Some notaries will notarize using other forms of identification, such as a passport card, a state-issued ID, or even a combination of documents. Call the notary ahead of time to ask what they will accept. If the bank cannot help, try a UPS Store or a library, as their policies may differ.

How long does notarization take?

The actual notarization takes about five minutes per document. However, you may wait for the notary to become available if the branch is busy. Calling ahead or visiting early in the day can reduce wait time.

Can I notarize a document for someone else?

No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in person with a photo ID. The notary is confirming that person's identity, not yours.