Many banks offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank and location
Most large national banks — including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank — have notaries on staff at many of their branches. However, not every branch has one, and hours vary. Some banks offer notary services only to account holders, while others will notarize documents for anyone, sometimes for a small fee (often $5 to $15 per signature). A few banks offer it free to customers.
The catch is that you cannot count on it. A branch two blocks from your home might have a notary available Tuesday through Thursday only, or the notary might be on vacation. Before you plan around your bank, call the specific branch where you want to go — not the main customer service line, but the branch directly — and ask whether a notary is available that day and whether you need an appointment.
If your bank does not offer notary services or the timing does not work, you have other options that are often faster and more reliable.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks often have notaries, but availability varies by branch and day, so you must call ahead to confirm.
- Some banks charge a fee for notary services even to account holders, while others offer it free — ask when you call.
- Banks typically notarize only documents you bring in person; they do not notarize by mail or video.
- If your bank cannot help or the timing does not work, credit unions, UPS stores, and FedEx locations often have notaries available with shorter wait times.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID and the document you want notarized when you go in.
What banks actually require before they notarize
When you arrive at your bank with a document to notarize, bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm you are who you say you are. This is the core of what notarization is: a third party witnessing that the person signing the document is real and willing.
You must also bring the actual document you want notarized. Banks will not notarize blank forms or documents you describe over the phone. The notary needs to see what they are witnessing. Some banks will not notarize certain types of documents — for example, some decline to notarize powers of attorney or loan documents because of liability concerns — so if you have an unusual document, mention it when you call.
Be prepared to sign the document in front of the notary. You cannot have someone else sign it beforehand and then bring it in for notarization. The notary must watch you sign it.
Why banks are not always the fastest option
Banks are convenient if you already have an account and a branch nearby, but they are not always the quickest route. Many branches have only one notary, and that person may be busy with other tasks. You might walk in and wait 20 minutes, or you might be told to come back tomorrow.
UPS stores and FedEx locations often have notaries on staff with more flexible hours — many are open evenings and weekends — and shorter wait times because notarization is their primary business, not a side service. Shipping stores typically charge $5 to $15 per signature, similar to banks. Some states also have independent notary publics who work from home offices or small storefronts and can often see you the same day.
If you need something notarized urgently, call a few options in your area — your bank, the nearest UPS store, and a local notary public — and ask who can see you soonest. Do not assume your bank is the fastest choice.
Banks will not notarize documents remotely
If you are hoping to notarize a document by mail or video call, your bank cannot help. Banks require you to appear in person with your ID and the document. This is a legal requirement, not a bank policy — notarization has to happen face-to-face.
Some states have begun allowing remote notarization using video, but this is still uncommon and usually requires a specialized notary service, not your bank. If you need remote notarization, search for "remote notary" or "online notary" in your state, but understand that this is a newer service and may not be available where you live.
What to do if your bank does not offer notary services
If you call your bank and learn they do not have a notary, or the notary is not available when you need them, your next steps are straightforward. UPS stores (the UPS Store, not regular UPS shipping locations) have notaries at most locations. FedEx Office also offers notary services at many locations. Both typically charge $5 to $15 per signature and are often open longer hours than banks.
You can also search for independent notary publics in your area. Many states have a notary directory on the Secretary of State's website, or you can search online for "notary public near me." Independent notaries often have more flexible scheduling and may come to you if you need them to, though that usually costs more.
Before you go anywhere, call and confirm the notary is available. Do not assume they are in the office just because the location is open.
How much banks charge for notary services
There is no standard price. Some banks charge nothing for account holders. Others charge $5 to $15 per signature, regardless of whether you have an account. A few charge account holders less than non-account holders. The only way to know what your bank charges is to call and ask.
When you call, ask three things: Does the branch have a notary? What is the fee? Do you need an appointment, or can you walk in? Write down the answers so you do not have to call back.
Documents you might need notarized and where banks fit in
Common documents that need notarization include powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, and certain legal declarations. Banks will notarize most of these, but some banks decline certain types — particularly loan documents or powers of attorney — because of liability concerns. If you have a document that seems unusual or sensitive, call ahead and describe it to the notary before you come in.
For real estate transactions, your title company or attorney often has a notary on staff and may notarize documents as part of the closing process. For loan documents, your lender may have a notary or may require you to use a specific one. Do not assume your bank is the right place without checking with the party requesting the notarization first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized at my bank if I do not have an account there?
Many banks will notarize for non-account holders, but some restrict the service to customers only. Call the branch directly and ask. If they say no, UPS stores and FedEx locations notarize for anyone.
Do I need an appointment to get something notarized at a bank?
It depends on the branch. Some take walk-ins, others require appointments. Call ahead to ask. If the branch is busy, you may wait a while even with an appointment.
What if I lose the notarized document after the bank notarizes it?
The notary keeps a record of what they notarized, so you can contact the bank and ask them to provide a copy of the notarization record. There may be a small fee for this service.
Can a bank notarize a document if someone else is signing it on my behalf?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in person with a valid ID. The notary witnesses that specific person signing.
How long does it take to get something notarized at a bank?
If the notary is available and not busy, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If they are busy or out, you may wait 20 minutes or be asked to return another day. This is why calling ahead matters.