Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account there

Many Bank of America branches have notaries on staff during business hours. The service is typically free or low-cost for account holders, though some branches charge a small fee. However, not every branch offers notary services — smaller locations or those in rural areas may not have a notary available. The best way to know what your nearest branch offers is to call ahead or check their website before you visit.

Bank of America does not advertise notary availability online in a searchable database, so you will need to contact your specific branch directly. When you call, ask whether they have a notary on staff, what hours they work, and whether there is a fee. Some branches require you to make an appointment, while others handle notarizations on a walk-in basis.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notary services are free or low-cost for account holders at most branches, but not all locations offer this service.
  • You must call your local branch directly to confirm they have a notary available, since availability is not listed online.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarizing when you visit.
  • If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary, you can find alternatives through your state bar association, local libraries, or UPS stores.

What to bring when you visit

Bring the original document that needs to be notarized — photocopies cannot be notarized. You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will verify your identity before witnessing your signature.

If the document requires multiple signatures or notarizations, bring it in its final form. Do not sign it before you arrive — the notary must watch you sign it. If you are unsure whether your document needs notarization or what type (acknowledgment, jurat, or something else), bring it anyway and the notary can tell you what is required.

Cost and account requirements

Bank of America typically does not charge account holders for notary services, though some branches may charge a small fee per signature — usually between $5 and $15. Non-account holders may pay more or may not be served at all, depending on the branch. Call ahead to ask about the cost and whether you need to be a customer to use the service.

Some branches offer notary services only during specific hours or on certain days of the week. A few locations may require an appointment, especially if the notary is part-time or shared with another branch. Calling first saves you a trip.

When Bank of America is not an option

If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary or their hours do not work for you, several other places offer notary services. Many public libraries have notaries on staff at no charge or for a small fee. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacy chains also employ notaries and are often open longer hours than banks.

Your state bar association website can direct you to independent notaries in your area. Some title companies and real estate offices offer notary services to the public, sometimes for free if the document is real estate related. If you need the notarization urgently, calling a few options in your area will tell you who can see you soonest.

How the notarization process works

When you arrive, tell the notary what type of notarization you need. Most documents require an acknowledgment, which means the notary watches you sign and confirms your identity. Some documents require a jurat, which means the notary watches you sign and you swear under oath that the contents are true.

The notary will check your ID, watch you sign the document, and then add their seal and signature. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. The notary keeps a record of the transaction in their journal, which is a legal requirement. Once the notary has sealed and signed the document, it is complete and ready to use.

What notaries cannot do

A notary cannot give legal information about whether your document is correct or complete. They cannot tell you whether you are signing the right form or whether notarization is the right step for your situation. If you are unsure about the legal requirements for your document, speak with an attorney before you visit the notary.

Notaries also cannot notarize a document if you do not appear in person or if they cannot verify your identity. They cannot notarize a blank document or one that has already been signed by you before the appointment. If your document does not meet these basic requirements, the notary will explain what is wrong and send you away without completing the notarization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary?

Most branches will notarize for non-customers, but some may refuse or charge a higher fee. Call your local branch to ask their policy. If they do not serve non-customers, a library or UPS store is usually a faster alternative.

Can I notarize a document online with Bank of America?

Bank of America does not offer remote notary services. You must visit a branch in person with your original document and photo ID. Some states now allow remote notarization through other providers, but Bank of America is not one of them.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or evening?

Most Bank of America branches close by 6 p.m. and do not open on Sundays. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and some pharmacies stay open later and on weekends. Check their websites or call to confirm they have a notary on duty before you visit.

How long does notarization take?

The actual notarization usually takes five to ten minutes. However, if the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Calling ahead to ask about wait times or making an appointment can help you plan your visit.

What if the notary says my document cannot be notarized?

The notary may refuse if the document is blank, already signed, or if they cannot verify your identity. Ask them to explain what is wrong. If you believe they made a mistake, you can contact another notary for a second opinion, but most will follow the same rules.