Most banks do have notaries on staff, but availability depends on the branch and whether you have an account there

Many banks employ notaries, but not all branches have one available every day. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically have at least one notary at their main branches, often in the loan or customer service department. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely — some have notaries, others do not. Even when a bank has a notary, they may only be available during specific hours or on certain days, and some banks limit notary services to account holders only.

Before you go to your bank, call ahead and ask whether a notary is available, whether you need an account to use the service, and what documents they can notarize. Some banks charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15 per signature) while others offer the service free to customers. A few banks will not notarize certain documents, such as powers of attorney or real estate deeds, so confirm what you need done before you make the trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Large banks usually have notaries available, but you should call your specific branch first to confirm hours and whether they serve non-account holders.
  • Some banks charge a fee for notary services while others offer it free to customers, so ask about cost when you call.
  • Post offices, UPS stores, and title companies are reliable alternatives if your bank does not have a notary or their hours do not work for you.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID and the document you want notarized when you visit, and the notary will watch you sign it in person.
  • Online notarization is now legal in most states and can be faster than visiting in person, though not all documents may have access to.

What banks actually do and do not notarize

A notary's job is to watch you sign a document and confirm your identity, then stamp and sign the document themselves as proof they witnessed it. Banks can notarize most common documents: affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, travel consent forms for minors, and signature verification. However, some banks will not notarize real estate deeds, wills, or documents related to court cases, because those carry higher liability.

The document you bring must be blank or nearly blank when you arrive — the notary cannot help you fill it out or advise you on what it means. You sign it in front of the notary, they watch you do it, and then they add their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes per signature.

When banks will not work for you

If your bank does not have a notary, is closed when you need one, or will not notarize your specific document, you have several other options. Post offices in many areas offer notary services — call your local branch to ask, as not all do. UPS stores (The UPS Store locations, not shipping counters in other stores) have notaries at most branches and are often open longer hours than banks. Title companies notarize documents regularly and are used to handling real estate and legal paperwork. Courthouses sometimes have notaries available to the public, usually for a small fee.

You can also search for independent notaries in your area through the National Notary Association website or by searching "[your city] notary public" online. Many are available evenings and weekends, which can be more convenient than bank hours.

Online notarization as an alternative

Remote notarization — where you sign a document on a video call with a notary — is now legal in most states. Services like Notarize, LegitScan, and NotaryCam let you complete the process from home in 15 to 30 minutes, and the cost is usually $25 to $50 per signature. The notary watches you on camera, confirms your identity using your driver's license, and you sign the document digitally or on paper while they watch.

Not all documents can be notarized remotely — some states and certain document types still require in-person notarization. Real estate deeds, for example, often must be notarized in person in the state where the property is located. Check your state's notary laws or ask the service whether your specific document qualifies before you pay.

What to bring when you visit a notary

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will not notarize you without one. Bring the document itself, unsigned. Do not sign it before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign it. If the document requires multiple signatures, bring it unsigned for all of them.

If you are unsure whether you have the right document or whether it needs notarization at all, ask the person or organization requesting it to confirm. They can tell you exactly what document they need, whether it must be notarized, and sometimes even provide a template.

How much notary services cost

Costs vary by location and provider. Banks often charge nothing for account holders and $5 to $15 for non-customers. Post offices typically charge $1 to $5 per signature. UPS stores usually charge $10 to $25. Independent notaries and title companies range from $5 to $25 per signature depending on the document type and your area. Online notarization services charge $25 to $50 per signature.

Some nonprofits and legal aid organizations offer free notary services, so call your local legal aid office if cost is a barrier. Many communities also have public libraries that provide notary services at no charge or for a small donation, so that is worth checking before you pay a commercial provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a notary help me fill out the document?

No. A notary can only watch you sign and verify your identity. They cannot give legal information, help you complete the form, or explain what the document means. If you are unsure what to write, contact the person or organization that requested the document.

What if I cannot get to a bank during business hours?

UPS stores are often open evenings and weekends and have notaries at most locations. Online notarization is also available 24/7 in most states. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available before you go.

Do I need an account at the bank to use their notary?

It depends on the bank. Many offer notary services free to account holders but charge non-customers a fee. Call your branch and ask. If they do not serve non-customers, a UPS store or post office is usually nearby.

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

No. The notary must watch you sign it in front of them. If you have already signed it, most notaries will not notarize it. Bring it unsigned.

What states allow online notarization?

Most states now allow remote notarization, but rules vary on which documents may have access to and whether both parties must be in the same state. Check your state's secretary of state website or ask the online notary service whether your specific document can be notarized remotely.