Most banks do offer notary services, but not all branches have a notary on staff, and many charge a fee even for customers
If your bank has a notary, they are usually located in the branch where you hold your account. However, availability varies widely. Some large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have notaries at many locations, while smaller regional banks and credit unions may have none. Even within the same bank, one branch might have a notary and another across town might not. The only way to know is to call your specific branch and ask.
Banks typically charge between $5 and $15 per signature for notary services, though some waive the fee for account holders. A few banks offer it free to all customers; others charge everyone. There is no standard pricing, so ask about the cost when you call. If you need multiple documents notarized, the total can add up quickly, which is why comparing options matters.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch directly to confirm they have a notary on staff, because not all branches do even within the same bank.
- Banks typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, though some waive the fee for account holders—ask before you visit.
- You will usually need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the unsigned document, and the notary will witness you sign it in person.
- If your bank has no notary or charges more than you want to pay, other options include credit unions, UPS stores, and county courthouses, which often charge less or nothing.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you have your account. Ask specifically: "Do you have a notary public on staff?" and "Is there a fee?" Write down the answer and the notary's hours, because notaries are often not available all day—they may work only certain hours or days. Some banks require you to make an appointment, while others take walk-ins. Ask which applies to you.
If your branch has no notary, ask if another nearby branch does. Many banks will direct you to the closest location that has one. If no branch near you has a notary, or if the fee is higher than you want to pay, move on to the next section.
What to bring when you visit the bank notary
Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must see your ID to verify you are who you say you are. Bring the unsigned document itself, not a copy. The notary will watch you sign it and then add their seal and signature. If you sign it before the notary sees you, they cannot notarize it.
Bring the original document and any copies you need notarized. Some people bring multiple copies of the same document to be notarized at the same time, which may cost less than notarizing them separately—ask the notary about their pricing for multiple copies. Do not assume the bank will have copies available; bring what you need.
When a bank notary is not your best option
If your bank charges a high fee, has no notary, or their hours do not work for you, other sources often cost less or nothing. Credit unions frequently offer notary services free to members. UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries and are often open longer hours than banks, though they typically charge $10 to $25 per signature. Some county courthouses offer notary services free or for a small fee—call your county clerk's office to ask.
Libraries in many areas have notaries on staff, usually free for patrons. Real estate agents and title companies notarize documents as part of their business, though they may charge if you are not a client. If you need the document notarized urgently and your bank is closed, a UPS store or FedEx location may be your fastest option.
What the notary will and will not do
A notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. They do not read your document, check whether it is correct, or give you legal information about what you are signing. They do not decide whether the document is valid or whether you should sign it. Their job is only to confirm that you are the person in the ID, that you signed the document in front of them, and that you did so willingly.
If you have questions about what the document means or whether you should sign it, ask a lawyer, not the notary. The notary cannot help with that, and it is not their role. They will only notarize the signature itself.
Notary fees and what affects the cost
Most notaries charge per signature, not per document. If a document has two signature lines and you sign both, you may be charged twice. Some notaries charge a flat fee for a document regardless of how many signatures it has—ask which method your notary uses. A few charge a travel fee if you need them to come to you, though most bank notaries do not offer that service.
Pricing does not vary by the type of document or how important it is. A notary charges the same amount to notarize a power of attorney as they do to notarize an affidavit. The fee is purely about the number of signatures and the notary's standard rate. If you are notarizing multiple documents, ask whether the notary will discount the total or charge full price for each one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I am not a customer of the bank?
Most banks will notarize for non-customers, but they may charge a higher fee. Some banks notarize only for account holders. Call ahead and ask—do not assume. If the bank charges too much or refuses, a UPS store, library, or credit union may be a cheaper option.
What if I cannot get to the bank during their notary hours?
UPS stores and FedEx locations often have longer hours than banks and have notaries on staff. Some offer evening and weekend hours. Call ahead to confirm the notary is available, because like banks, not every location has one. A few notaries work independently and will come to your home or office for a travel fee.
Do I have to sign the document in front of the notary, or can I sign it beforehand?
You must sign it in front of the notary. If you sign it before you arrive, the notary cannot notarize it—they have to watch you sign. Bring the document unsigned and your ID, and the notary will guide you through the process.
What if the notary makes a mistake on the seal or signature?
Ask the notary to correct it when ready while you are there. If you discover the error later, go back to the notary and ask them to fix it. Some notaries will correct minor errors for free; others may charge again. It is easier to catch and fix mistakes on the spot.
Is a bank notary more official or trustworthy than a notary at a UPS store?
No. A notary is a notary regardless of where they work. The seal and signature of a bank notary carry the same legal weight as a UPS store notary. What matters is that the notary is licensed in your state and has added their seal and signature to the document.