Most banks notarize for free if you have an account with them

Many banks will notarize documents at no charge for customers who hold a checking or savings account. The notary service is typically offered as a courtesy to account holders, and you can usually schedule an appointment at your local branch. The person notarizing must be a commissioned notary public employed by the bank—not every employee can do this, so you may need to call ahead to confirm availability.

If you do not have an account at the bank, or if the bank does not offer notary services, you will likely face a fee. That fee varies by institution and by location, but typically ranges from $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks charge per document rather than per signature, which matters if a single document has multiple pages that each need notarizing.

The key variable is whether you are a customer. If you are, ask your bank directly—many advertise this service on their website or in branch materials, but some do not mention it unless you ask. If you are not a customer, call first rather than visiting in person, because not all branches offer notary services to non-customers.

Key Takeaways

  • Account holders at most banks can have documents notarized for free at their home branch, though you may need to schedule an appointment.
  • Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature, though some banks do not notarize for non-customers at all.
  • Not every bank branch has a notary on staff, so call ahead to confirm the service is available before you visit.
  • The notary must be a commissioned notary public, which means the bank employee doing the notarizing has passed a state exam and carries a notary seal.
  • Some banks charge per document rather than per signature, so clarify the fee structure when you call.

Where to find a notary if your bank will not do it

If your bank does not offer notary services or charges a fee you want to avoid, other places notarize documents cheaply or free. Title companies, real estate offices, and law offices often notarize as part of their business, sometimes at no charge if the document relates to their work. UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries on staff and charge $10 to $25 per signature, depending on location.

Some employers offer notary services to employees at no cost. If you work for a large company or government agency, check with human resources or your administrative office. Credit unions sometimes notarize for members free or at a lower cost than banks charge non-members.

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a searchable list of commissioned notaries in your area. You can search by county or city and find notaries who work independently—many charge $5 to $10 per signature and may offer evening or weekend hours that banks do not.

What the notary actually does and why it matters

A notary public verifies your identity and confirms that you signed the document willingly and without pressure. The notary checks a government-issued ID, watches you sign, and then adds their own signature, seal, and commission number to the document. This creates an official record that the signature is genuine—which is why many legal and financial transactions require notarization.

The notary does not read the document, does not verify its contents, and does not check whether you understand what you are signing. They are only confirming that the person whose name appears on the document is actually the person who signed it. This distinction matters because it means notarization is not legal review—it is identity verification.

Different documents require different types of notarization. An acknowledgment means the notary watched you sign. A jurat means you swore under oath that the contents are true. Some documents specify which type is needed, so check before you go to the notary, because the notary cannot proceed without knowing which one applies.

Timing and what to bring

Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per document if you have everything the notary needs. Bring the unsigned document, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), and know which type of notarization the document requires. Some notaries ask you to bring two forms of ID, though one photo ID is standard.

If you are notarizing a document for someone else—for example, a power of attorney—that person must be present. The notary must see them sign in person. Remote notarization exists in some states, but it requires specific technology and is not available everywhere, so assume you need to visit in person unless the notary tells you otherwise.

Banks typically require an appointment for notary services, especially if you need it outside normal business hours or if the branch is busy. Call your branch a day or two ahead rather than walking in, because the notary may be unavailable or handling other customers. Some banks allow you to book online through their website.

When banks charge non-customers and when they do not

A bank's decision to charge non-customers depends on its internal policy and sometimes on state law. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically charge non-customers $10 to $15 per signature. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to notarize for free or at a lower cost, though this varies by institution.

Some banks do not notarize for non-customers at all, regardless of fee. They may cite liability concerns or staffing constraints. If you call and are told the bank does not serve non-customers, that is a firm no—do not ask to speak to a manager, because the policy is usually set at the corporate level.

A few banks waive the fee for non-customers if the notarization is related to a transaction with that bank—for example, if you are opening an account and need a document notarized as part of the process. Ask whether this applies to your situation when you call.

The difference between notarization and other document services

Notarization is often confused with other services banks offer, like document certification or apostille. An apostille is a special notarization used for documents that will be used in another country—it includes additional language and a special seal. Not all notaries can issue apostilles, so ask specifically if that is what you need.

A certified copy is different from notarization. The bank makes a photocopy of your document and stamps it as a true copy. This is sometimes free for account holders and sometimes costs $1 to $5 per copy. It is not the same as having a document notarized, and some institutions that notarize will not make certified copies, or vice versa.

If you are unsure which service you need, bring the document or the instructions that came with it to the bank. The notary or bank employee can tell you whether notarization, apostille, or certified copy is what the receiving party actually requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bank notarize a document I signed before I came in?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in person. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it—you will need to get an unsigned copy and sign it in front of the notary. This is a legal requirement, not a bank preference.

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

Most banks require an appointment, especially during busy hours. Call your branch first to ask about availability and whether you can walk in. Some branches keep a notary available for walk-ins, but this is not may provide, so calling ahead saves you a trip.

What if the notary is not available at my branch?

Ask whether another branch nearby has a notary available sooner, or ask for a referral to a notary outside the bank. Many banks will recommend a local title company or UPS store if they cannot help you. You can also search your state's notary database online.

Does the bank charge if I need multiple signatures notarized on the same document?

This depends on the bank's fee structure. Some charge per signature, so two signatures cost twice as much. Others charge per document, so multiple signatures on one page cost the same as one signature. Ask when you call to schedule the appointment.

Can I notarize a document for someone else, or does the person have to be there?

The person whose signature is being notarized must be present with a valid photo ID. The notary cannot notarize a signature if the signer is not in the room. This is a legal requirement that applies everywhere.