Most banks will notarize documents for customers, but not all, and the rules vary by branch and account type

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 falls within what they will notarize. Many large banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—offer notarization to account holders at most branches, often for free or a small fee. Credit unions frequently do the same. But smaller regional banks, online-only banks, and some community banks do not offer it, or offer it only to certain account types.

The fastest way to know is to call your branch directly and ask: "Do you notarize documents for account holders?" If they say yes, ask what documents they will notarize, whether you need an appointment, and what the fee is. Do not assume all branches of the same bank work the same way—policies can differ by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Large national banks usually notarize for account holders at no charge or for a small fee, but you must call your specific branch to confirm they offer it.
  • Online banks and some regional banks do not notarize at all, so you will need to use a separate notary service if your bank does not.
  • You typically need to bring a valid government ID and the document itself, and the notary will watch you sign it in front of them.
  • Appointment availability varies by branch; some take walk-ins during business hours while others require you to book ahead.
  • If your bank does not notarize, notary publics at UPS stores, FedEx locations, and title companies are usually available the same day.

What documents banks will and will not notarize

Banks notarize documents where someone needs to swear that they signed something in front of a witness. Common examples: power of attorney forms, affidavits, loan documents, property deeds, and certain legal declarations. The notary watches you sign, checks your ID to confirm you are who you say you are, and stamps and signs the document to prove it happened.

Banks usually will not notarize documents they have a financial stake in—for example, a mortgage or loan agreement with that bank itself. They also will not notarize blank documents, documents already signed, or documents where the signer is not present. Some banks refuse documents they consider too specialized, like immigration forms or certain court filings, because they want to avoid liability if something goes wrong.

Ask your bank in advance what they will notarize. If they say no to your document, they can usually tell you why, and that tells you whether you need a different kind of notary or a lawyer instead.

How to prepare before you go to the bank

Bring the unsigned document and a valid government ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary needs to see your ID to confirm your identity. Do not sign the document before you arrive; the notary must watch you sign it. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs a signature.

If you are unsure whether the bank will notarize your specific document, call ahead. Describe what the document is for and ask whether they can do it. This saves you a trip if the answer is no. Some banks also ask you to bring the original document rather than a copy, so confirm that too.

Fees and whether account holders pay

Many large banks notarize for free if you have an account with them. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically charge nothing for account holders. Some banks charge a small fee—usually between $5 and $15 per signature—even for account holders. A few banks charge account holders nothing but charge non-customers a higher fee.

Call your branch to ask the fee before you go. If the fee seems high or if your bank does not notarize, a notary public at a UPS store or FedEx location usually costs $5 to $15 and does not require you to be a customer. Title companies also notarize, sometimes for free if you are using them for a real estate transaction.

Appointment timing and walk-in availability

Some bank branches take notarization walk-ins during regular business hours and will do it while you wait—usually in 10 to 15 minutes. Others require an appointment, especially if the branch is busy or if notarization is not a service they advertise heavily. Call ahead to ask whether you can walk in or need to book a time.

Availability can be tight on weekday afternoons and Fridays. If you need it done quickly, call first thing in the morning or ask whether the branch has a notary available that day. If your bank cannot fit you in, a UPS store or FedEx location with a notary public can often do it the same day without an appointment.

What happens if your bank does not notarize

If your bank does not offer notarization or will not notarize your specific document, you have other options. UPS stores and FedEx locations employ notary publics and are open longer hours than most banks—often until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays. The cost is usually $5 to $15 per signature. You can find a notary near you by searching "notary public near me" or by checking the UPS or FedEx website.

Title companies notarize for free if you are buying or selling property through them. If you need notarization for a legal document, a lawyer can also notarize it, though that usually costs more. For documents related to real estate, a title company is often the cheapest option.

Banks that do not notarize and why

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover do not notarize because they have no physical branches. If you bank with an online-only institution, you will need to use a notary public elsewhere. Some smaller regional banks and credit unions also do not offer notarization because they lack staff trained to do it or because they want to keep operations straightforward.

If you are not sure whether your bank notarizes, the fastest way to find out is to call the branch directly. Do not rely on the bank's website—policies change and are not always listed online. A 30-second phone call tells you whether to go to the bank or look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have 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 and they will not do it, a UPS store or FedEx location with a notary public will notarize for anyone.

Can the bank notarize a document I already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notarization is not valid. Bring the unsigned document to the bank.

How long does notarization take at a bank?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes if you walk in and the notary is available. If you need an appointment, wait times depend on how busy the branch is. Call ahead to ask how long it typically takes at your location.

What if I need a document notarized but my bank is closed?

UPS stores and FedEx locations with notary publics are often open evenings and weekends. Search "notary public near me" to find one in your area. Title companies also notarize and may have longer hours than banks.

Can a bank notarize a power of attorney or legal document?

Yes, most banks notarize power of attorney forms and affidavits. Call your branch to confirm they will notarize the specific document you need. If it is a complex legal document, a lawyer can also notarize it.