Most banks do not have notaries on staff, and those that do usually limit the service to account holders

The short answer: no. Many banks have stopped offering notary services altogether, and those that still do typically restrict it to customers with accounts at that branch. Even then, the notary may only work certain hours or days, or may charge a fee. If you need a document notarized, calling ahead to confirm availability is essential — showing up without checking first wastes a trip.

The reason banks stepped back from notary services is straightforward: liability. A notary's job is to verify that the person signing a document is who they claim to be, and that they are signing of their own free will. If something goes wrong later — a forged signature, a disputed signature, a document used fraudulently — the notary can be held responsible. Banks decided the risk was not worth the minimal fee they could charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase offer notary services only to account holders, and availability varies by branch.
  • Credit unions are more likely than banks to offer free or low-cost notary services to members, though you should call your local branch first.
  • If your bank does not have a notary, check your state's Secretary of State website for a list of public notaries in your area, many of whom charge $5 to $15 per signature.
  • UPS Store, FedEx Office, and some Staples locations employ notaries and serve the general public, though hours and availability vary by location.
  • Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost; check with your HR department before paying elsewhere.

Which banks actually have notaries

The major national banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — all have notaries at some branches, but the service is inconsistent. A branch in a downtown office building may have a notary available during business hours, while a suburban branch may not. The only way to know is to call the specific branch where you bank and ask whether a notary is available and whether you need an appointment.

Regional and community banks vary widely. Some small banks still offer notary services as a customer perk; others have eliminated the service entirely. Credit unions tend to be more generous with notary access — many offer it free to members or for a small fee, even if you do not have an account. If you belong to a credit union, that is often your fastest option.

Online banks — those with no physical branches — do not have notaries. If you bank exclusively online, you will need to use a third-party notary service. The trade-off for lower fees and online convenience is that you lose access to in-person services like notarization.

Public notaries and where to find them

Every state maintains a list of commissioned notaries. Your state's Secretary of State office publishes a searchable directory, usually on its website. Search for "notary public" plus your state name to find the official list. These notaries are independent professionals or work for law firms, title companies, and real estate offices. Most charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though fees vary by state and by notary.

The advantage of using a public notary is that they serve anyone, not just account holders. The disadvantage is that you may have to travel to their office during their posted hours, and you cannot always walk in without an appointment. Many public notaries work by appointment only, so plan ahead if you are on a important date.

Retail notary services at UPS, FedEx, and Staples

UPS Store locations and FedEx Office locations employ notaries and serve the general public. You do not need to be a customer or have an account. Fees typically range from $10 to $25 per signature, depending on the location. Hours vary, but most are open evenings and weekends, which makes them convenient if you cannot visit during standard business hours.

Some Staples locations also have notaries on staff, though this service is less common than at UPS and FedEx. Call ahead to confirm that your nearest location has a notary and to ask about hours and fees. Walk-in service is sometimes available, but appointments are safer and may support the notary is available when you arrive.

What to bring when you get a document notarized

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will examine it to confirm you are the person signing the document. Bring the document itself, unsigned. You will sign it in front of the notary. Do not sign it beforehand, as the notary must witness your signature.

Bring any other documents the notary asks for. Some notaries may request proof of address, a second form of ID, or documentation that explains why you need the notary. Ask when you call to schedule whether anything beyond your ID is needed. If you are having multiple documents notarized, each signature typically costs a separate fee, so ask the notary upfront how much the total will be.

When a notary is required and when it is not

Notarization is required for certain legal documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, some real estate deeds, and documents that will be filed with a court or government agency. It is not required for everyday documents like personal letters, contracts between friends, or internal company memos. If you are unsure whether a document needs notarization, ask the person or organization requesting it — they will tell you.

Some documents require notarization in one state but not another. If you are moving or dealing with documents from multiple states, confirm the requirement with the relevant state agency or the attorney handling the matter. This step prevents you from paying for notarization you do not actually need.

Employer notary services

Some large employers keep a notary on staff for employee use. If you work for a government agency, a law firm, a bank, or a large corporation, ask your HR department or your manager whether notary services are available. Many employers offer this service free to employees as a workplace benefit. This is often the fastest and cheapest option if it is available to you.

Even if your employer does not have a full-time notary, they may have an employee who is a commissioned notary and willing to notarize documents during breaks or lunch. It never hurts to ask around before you pay a third party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary notarize a document if I am not physically present?

No. A notary must see you sign the document in person and verify your identity with a photo ID. Remote notarization exists in some states, but it requires specific technology and is not widely available. Ask the person requesting the notarization whether remote notarization is acceptable in your situation.

How much does notarization usually cost?

Fees vary by state and by notary. Bank notaries may charge nothing for account holders or $5 to $10 for non-customers. Public notaries and retail notaries typically charge $5 to $25 per signature. Credit unions often charge nothing or a small fee for members. Call ahead to ask about the cost.

What if the notary refuses to notarize my document?

A notary can refuse if they believe you are not who you claim to be, if the document appears forged or fraudulent, or if notarizing it would violate state law. If a notary refuses, ask why — they should explain. You can then take the document to a different notary or consult an attorney about whether the document is valid.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

It depends on the notary. Bank notaries usually require an appointment or may serve walk-ins during specific hours. Public notaries often work by appointment only. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations may accept walk-ins, but calling ahead is safer. Always call first to confirm hours and whether an appointment is needed.

Can a notary notarize a document written in another language?

Yes, but the notary only verifies your identity and that you signed willingly — they do not translate or verify the content. If the document is in another language, you may want to have it translated by a professional translator before notarization, or ask the person requesting it whether a translation is needed.