Most banks do not notarize for free, but many offer it at no charge to account holders—and the rules vary widely by bank and location
Whether your bank notarizes for free depends on three things: whether you have an account there, what type of document you need notarized, and which specific branch you walk into. Some banks offer free notarization to customers as a service to keep their business. Others charge a flat fee per signature, usually between $5 and $15. A few banks do not notarize at all, regardless of whether you bank there.
The only way to know what your bank does is to call the branch directly and ask. Do not assume based on what happened at another branch of the same bank—policies differ by location and sometimes by individual notary. If your bank charges or does not notarize, you have several other options that cost less than you might expect.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask whether they notarize for account holders; do not rely on the website or a general customer service line.
- If your bank charges or does not notarize, UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and Staples notary services typically charge $5 to $15 per signature.
- Many county courthouses and some public libraries offer notarization at no cost or for a small fee, though hours are often limited to business days.
- Online notarization services exist but are not legal in all states and require the document to be signed electronically; they cost $25 to $50 per signature.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID and know what document you need notarized before you go, because notaries cannot advise you on what needs notarizing.
What banks actually offer and how to find out
The major national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others—do offer notarization to account holders at many branches, but "many" does not mean all. Some branches have a notary on staff; others do not. Some charge account holders nothing; others charge $5 to $10 per signature. A few branches have stopped offering notarization altogether because of staffing or liability concerns.
The only reliable way to know is to call the specific branch where you plan to go. Ask whether they have a notary available, whether there is a fee for account holders, how long the wait typically is, and whether you need an appointment. If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak to a manager or the branch operations team. Do not rely on the bank's website or a national customer service number—those sources are often outdated.
If your bank does notarize for free, bring your government-issued photo ID and the document you need notarized. The notary will watch you sign it and add their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you are not waiting in line.
County courthouses and libraries as free or low-cost alternatives
Many county courthouses have a notary public on staff who will notarize documents for free or for a small fee—often $1 to $5 per signature. This is a real option if you live near a courthouse and can get there during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead to confirm the courthouse has a notary and ask whether you need to make an appointment.
Some public libraries also offer notarization, either free or for a small fee. This varies by library system and by state. Call your local library branch and ask whether they have a notary on staff and what the fee is. Libraries often have more flexible hours than courthouses, including some evening and weekend availability.
Both courthouses and libraries require you to bring a government-issued photo ID and the document you need notarized. You will sign the document in front of the notary. Neither can tell you whether a document needs to be notarized or advise you on what language should be in it—that is not their role.
Retail notary services at UPS, FedEx, and Staples
UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and Staples all offer notarization services. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the location and whether the document is straightforward or complex. Some locations charge more for documents that require research or that are outside the standard format.
These services are available during regular retail hours, which often means evenings and weekends—a real advantage if you cannot get to a courthouse or library during the day. You can call ahead to ask about the fee and whether a notary is available, or just walk in. Bring your government-issued photo ID and the document you need notarized.
The downside is that not every location has a notary, and availability can be spotty. Call before you go, or check the store's website to see whether notary services are listed. Some locations have a notary only on certain days or at certain times.
Online notarization: when it works and when it does not
Online notarization services exist and cost between $25 and $50 per signature. The process happens over video: you upload your document, verify your identity, and sign it electronically while a notary watches on screen. The notary then adds their digital seal.
The catch is that online notarization is not legal in all states, and many documents cannot be notarized online because they require a wet signature—an actual pen-and-ink signature on paper. Check your state's laws before you pay for an online service. If your document is a power of attorney, a deed, or anything related to real estate or family law, it almost certainly cannot be notarized online.
Online notarization works best for affidavits, statutory declarations, and other documents that your state allows to be signed electronically. If you are unsure whether your document qualifies, call the person or organization that asked you to get it notarized and ask whether an online notarization would be acceptable.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm your identity. Bring the original document you need notarized, not a copy. Some notaries will notarize a copy if the original is not available, but this is not standard and varies by state and by notary.
Know what document you need notarized before you go. The notary will not tell you whether something needs to be notarized or what language should be in it. If you are unsure, contact the person or organization that requested the notarization and ask them what they need.
The notary will watch you sign the document in front of them. They will then add their seal, signature, and the date. The whole process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the complexity of the document and how busy the notary is. Some notaries charge extra if the document is unusually long or requires them to research something.
Cost comparison table
| Source | Cost for Account Holders | Cost for Non-Account Holders | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank (if they notarize) | Free to $10 per signature | $5 to $15 per signature | Branch hours, typically 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays |
| County courthouse | Free to $5 per signature | Free to $5 per signature | Business hours, typically 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays |
| Public library | Free to $5 per signature | Free to $5 per signature | Library hours, often including evenings and weekends |
| UPS Store, FedEx Office, Staples | $5 to $15 per signature | $5 to $15 per signature | Retail hours, typically 8 a.m.–9 p.m., including weekends |
| Online notarization service | $25 to $50 per signature | $25 to $50 per signature | 24/7, but not legal for all document types |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document for a family member?
No. A notary cannot notarize a document for someone they have a financial or family relationship with. If you need a document notarized for a spouse, parent, or child, you will need to find a different notary. This rule exists to prevent fraud.
What if I need a document notarized but I do not have a photo ID?
You cannot get a document notarized without a government-issued photo ID. The notary's job is to verify your identity. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you will need to get a state ID card from your local DMV before you can have anything notarized.
Do I need an appointment to get something notarized?
It depends on where you go. Banks and retail locations usually do not require appointments, but you may wait in line. Courthouses and libraries sometimes require appointments, especially if they have only one notary on staff. Call ahead to ask.
Can a notary tell me whether my document is correct or complete?
No. A notary's only job is to verify your identity and watch you sign the document. They cannot advise you on whether the document is correct, complete, or legally valid. If you have questions about the document itself, contact a lawyer or the person who asked you to get it notarized.
How long does a notarized document stay valid?
Once a document is notarized, it does not expire. The notary's seal and signature confirm that you signed it on a specific date in front of a notary. However, the organization that asked you to get it notarized may have its own important date for when you need to submit it.