Most banks will notarize documents for their customers, but not all, and the rules vary by branch and state
Whether your bank notarizes depends on three things: whether they offer the service at all, whether you have an account there, and whether the document fits what they will notarize. Many large banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank—notarize for account holders at most branches, usually for free. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks do it too. But not every branch offers it, not every document qualifies, and a few banks have stopped the service entirely.
The notary is checking three things when you show up: that you are who you say you are, that you understand what you are signing, and that you are signing willingly. The notary does not check whether the document is correct, whether the other party agrees to it, or whether it is a good idea. That is your job.
If your bank does notarize, you will usually need to bring a photo ID, the unsigned document, and sometimes proof of account ownership. The notary will watch you sign, sign and stamp the document themselves, and charge you a fee—usually $5 to $15 per signature, though some banks waive it for account holders. The whole thing takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask whether they notarize and what documents they will notarize, because policies vary by location and institution.
- You will need a photo ID and the unsigned document, and you must sign it in front of the notary—they cannot notarize a document you signed beforehand.
- Banks notarize to verify your identity and that you are signing willingly, not to confirm the document is correct or that both parties agree.
- If your bank does not notarize or does not have the service at your branch, credit unions, law offices, and UPS stores offer notarization for a fee.
Which banks notarize and which do not
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank, and Citibank all notarize for account holders at most locations. However, "most locations" does not mean all—a branch in a rural area or a small town may not have a notary on staff. Call ahead rather than showing up and finding out the service is not available that day.
Credit unions often notarize for members, sometimes for free. Call your credit union to confirm. Smaller regional banks are less consistent; some offer it, some do not. If you bank with a smaller institution, ask your branch manager directly.
A few banks have stopped notarizing altogether, citing liability concerns or staffing changes. If you have not used the service in a while, call first. Do not assume your bank still offers it.
What you need to bring and how the process works
Bring a photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the unsigned document itself. The notary must watch you sign it; they cannot notarize a document you signed before you arrived.
Tell the notary what the document is for and why you are signing it. They are not checking whether the document is legitimate or whether the other party agrees to it—they are confirming that you understand what you are signing and that you are doing it of your own will, not under pressure. Answer honestly if they ask.
The notary will then sign and stamp the document, usually on the same page as your signature or on a separate notarization page attached to the document. Some documents have a specific notarization format; if yours does, bring it that way. The notary will tell you if something is wrong.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Banks notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, property deeds, and permission letters. They will notarize a document even if it involves the bank itself, as long as the notary is not a party to the transaction.
Banks usually will not notarize documents that require a certified copy—a copy of an original document that has been certified as a true copy by an official. Certified copies require access to the original and a different process; you need a court clerk, a government office, or a certified document service for that. Ask the notary whether your document needs a certified copy or just a notarization.
Banks also will not notarize documents where the notary has a conflict of interest—for example, if the notary is a party to the transaction or stands to gain from it. If the notary is related to you or has a financial stake in the outcome, they cannot notarize it.
Fees and whether account holders get a discount
Most banks charge $5 to $15 per signature notarized. Some waive the fee for account holders; others charge everyone the same amount. A few banks notarize for free for all customers. Call your branch to ask what they charge.
If you need multiple documents notarized, ask whether the bank charges per document or per signature. A document with two signatures costs twice as much as one with one signature. Some banks have a flat fee for multiple documents; others charge per signature.
What to do if your bank does not notarize
If your bank does not offer notarization or does not have a notary at your branch, you have other options. Credit unions often notarize for members. Law offices notarize for a fee, usually $10 to $25 per signature. UPS stores, FedEx Office, and some pharmacy chains (like Walgreens) have notaries on staff and charge $5 to $15 per signature.
Online notarization is available in most states through services like Notarize.com and LegitScript. You upload the document, verify your identity through video, and the notary signs and stamps it electronically. This costs $25 to $50 and takes 10 to 30 minutes. Check whether the document you need can be notarized online—some legal documents and government forms cannot.
If you need the notarization urgently, call ahead to confirm the notary is available. Walk-in notarization is common, but during busy times you may wait or be turned away.
How notarization differs from other document services
A notarization is not the same as a certified copy, a signature may provide, or a legal review. A notary confirms your identity and that you signed willingly. A certified copy confirms that a copy matches the original. A signature may provide (offered by banks and brokerages) confirms your identity and signature for financial transactions and carries more liability than a notarization. A legal review checks whether the document is correct and whether you should sign it—that is a lawyer's job, not a notary's.
If you are not sure what service you need, ask the person or organization requesting the notarization. They will tell you whether a notarization is enough or whether you need something else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document I signed before I came to the bank?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you signed it beforehand, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the unsigned document and sign it in front of the notary.
Do I need to be a customer of the bank to get a document notarized there?
Most banks notarize only for account holders, though some will notarize for non-customers for a higher fee. Call your bank to ask. If you are not a customer, a UPS store, law office, or credit union may be faster.
What if I need a notarization but the bank is closed?
UPS stores, FedEx Office, and some pharmacy chains have notaries and longer hours than banks. Online notarization is available 24/7 in most states, though it costs more and some documents cannot be notarized online.
Can a notary tell me if my document is legal or correct?
No. A notary confirms your identity and that you are signing willingly. They do not check whether the document is correct, whether both parties agree, or whether it is a good idea. If you need legal information, consult a lawyer.
How long does a notarization last?
A notarization does not expire. Once a document is notarized, it stays notarized. However, the person or organization requesting the notarization may have a important date for when it must be done—for example, a loan process may require a notarization dated within 30 days. Ask what important date applies to your document.