Most banks do not notarize for free, but some offer it to account holders at no charge

Whether your bank notarizes for free depends on two things: whether they offer notarization at all, and whether you hold an account with them. Many large banks—including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—have notaries on staff, but they typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, even for customers. A smaller number of banks waive the fee for account holders only. Some credit unions and regional banks do notarize free for members, but this varies widely by institution.

The only way to know what your specific bank charges is to call the branch directly and ask. Do not assume based on the bank's name or size. A Chase branch in one state may charge differently than another, and policies can change. When you call, ask three things: whether they have a notary available, whether they charge account holders, and how far in advance you need to book an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Large national banks usually charge $5 to $15 per notarized signature, even for account holders, though some waive the fee for customers.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to notarize free for members, but you must call your specific branch to confirm.
  • Notaries at banks typically work by appointment only and may require you to bring the document in advance so they can review it.
  • If your bank charges or does not have a notary, you can find free or low-cost notarization through your state bar association, courthouse, or public library.

Which banks are most likely to notarize for free

Credit unions notarize free for members more often than banks do. Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, notarizes at no charge for members. Many local and regional credit unions do the same. If you belong to a credit union, call your branch and ask directly—this is one of the clearest yes-or-no answers you will get.

Among traditional banks, some regional institutions and smaller community banks waive notarization fees for account holders. However, this is not the rule. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most other national banks charge a fee. The fee is usually per signature, not per document, so if your document has three signatures that need notarizing, you may pay three times.

Some banks offer free notarization only to customers with premium or high-balance accounts. If you hold a wealth management account or maintain a high minimum balance, ask whether that status includes free notarization. Otherwise, assume you will pay.

How to find out what your bank charges

Call your branch directly and ask to speak with someone who handles notarization. Do not rely on the website or the main customer service line—those channels often do not have accurate information about notary services. When you call, have your account number ready and ask whether you are a customer of that specific branch (some banks have different policies by location).

Ask three specific questions: (1) Do you have a notary available? (2) What is the fee per signature? (3) Do you waive the fee for account holders? If the person on the phone is unsure, ask to be transferred to the notary or the person who handles notarization requests.

If your bank does not have a notary or charges a fee you do not want to pay, ask whether they can refer you to a notary nearby. Many branches know local notaries and can point you in the right direction.

Free and low-cost notarization outside your bank

If your bank charges or does not offer notarization, several other sources notarize for free or very little. Your state bar association often maintains a list of notaries and may offer free notarization for certain documents. Call your state bar's main office and ask whether they have a notary referral service.

County courthouses frequently have notaries on staff who notarize for free or for a small fee (usually $1 to $5 per signature). Call the clerk's office at your county courthouse and ask about notary services. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and you usually do not need an appointment.

Public libraries in many states notarize for free for patrons with a library card. This is one of the easiest and most reliable free options. Call your local library and ask whether they have a notary. If they do, ask what documents they will and will not notarize—some libraries have restrictions on certain types of documents.

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations have notaries and charge roughly $10 to $15 per signature. This is not free, but it is often faster than waiting for a bank appointment and does not require you to be a customer.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring the original document that needs notarization, not a copy. The notary must see the original and watch you sign it (or confirm your signature if you have already signed). Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity.

If you are notarizing a document for someone else, that person must be present with their own ID. The notary cannot notarize a signature they did not witness. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs a signature.

Some banks and notaries ask you to bring the document a day or two in advance so they can review it and make sure it is notarizable. This is common practice. If you are in a hurry, ask when you call whether you can bring it the same day or whether advance notice is required.

Documents banks typically will and will not notarize

Banks notarize most common documents: power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, real estate deeds, and signature verification letters. They will notarize documents you bring from outside sources, not just the bank's own forms.

Banks usually will not notarize documents that are already signed (unless they are just adding a notary seal to confirm a signature they witness). They will not notarize blank documents. Some banks refuse to notarize certain legal documents like wills or documents related to court cases, though this varies. If you are unsure whether your document is notarizable, describe it to the bank when you call and ask.

What happens if you cannot get to your bank during business hours

Most banks only offer notarization during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you work during those hours, you have limited options. Some banks offer Saturday hours at certain locations—call ahead to ask. A few banks have started offering notarization by video appointment for remote notarization, though this is not yet standard and varies by state and institution.

If your bank's hours do not work for you, the courthouse is often your best option because many courthouses stay open until 5 p.m. and some offer Saturday hours. Public libraries also sometimes have evening or weekend hours. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations typically stay open later than banks and are open on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I am not a customer of the bank?

Yes, but you will pay a fee. Most banks notarize for non-customers at the same rate they charge customers—usually $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks refuse to notarize for non-customers at all. Call your nearest branch and ask their policy before you go in.

What if the notary is not available when I arrive?

Banks notarize by appointment only at most locations. If you show up without calling ahead, you may be turned away or asked to wait. Always call first to schedule an appointment, even if the bank says they have a notary on staff.

Can a notary notarize a document if I have already signed it?

Yes, but only if the notary witnesses your signature or can confirm that you signed it in front of them. The notary cannot notarize a signature they did not see. If you signed the document before meeting the notary, tell them when you arrive—they will let you know whether they can proceed.

Do I need to notarize a document if it is just for my own records?

No. Notarization is only required when a third party—a government agency, court, lender, or other organization—demands it. If you are creating a document for your own use, you do not need a notary. Check the instructions for wherever you are submitting the document to see whether notarization is actually required.

What is the difference between a notary and a lawyer?

A notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. A lawyer provides legal information and can draft documents. Notaries cannot give legal information. If you need help understanding what a document means or whether you should sign it, you need a lawyer, not a notary.