Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your account status and the specific branch
Many banks provide notary services to their customers at no charge or for a small fee. The catch: you usually need to be an account holder, and the notary must be present during business hours. Not every branch has a notary on staff, so calling ahead is essential. Some banks limit notarizations to documents related to your accounts with them—mortgages, account transfers, power of attorney—while others will notarize any document.
The largest banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—all offer notary services, but the rules vary by location and branch. A Chase branch in one city might have a notary available daily, while another Chase branch thirty miles away might have one only on Tuesdays. Regional and community banks often have more consistent policies, since they operate fewer branches and can enforce them uniformly.
If you are not a bank customer, you have other options: credit unions, law offices, UPS stores, and dedicated notary services. But if you already bank somewhere, it is worth asking first—free is better than the $5 to $15 you will pay elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks offer notary services free or for a small fee, but only to account holders during business hours.
- You must call your specific branch in advance because not all branches have a notary on staff, and availability varies by location.
- Some banks will notarize only documents related to accounts you hold with them, while others notarize any document.
- If your bank does not offer the service or you are not an account holder, credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notaries are alternatives.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you hold your account. Ask specifically: "Do you have a notary available?" and "What are the hours?" Do not ask whether they offer notary services in general—that is too vague. You need to know whether that branch has someone on staff right now.
If the person who answers does not know, ask to speak to a manager or the branch operations person. Tellers often do not have this information. When you reach someone who does, ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in, and whether there are any restrictions on what documents they will notarize.
Many banks list notary availability on their website under "Services" or "Customer Support," but the information is often outdated or vague. A phone call takes five minutes and gives you a definitive answer. If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether a nearby branch does.
What documents banks will and will not notarize
Large banks typically notarize any document, as long as you are an account holder and the person signing appears in person with a valid ID. This includes powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, and travel consent forms.
Some banks—particularly smaller ones—limit notarizations to documents directly related to accounts they hold. If you are opening a mortgage with them, they will notarize the mortgage paperwork. If you need a power of attorney notarized for an unrelated matter, they may decline.
Banks will not notarize documents where the signer is not present, where the signer cannot produce a valid ID, or where the document is blank or incomplete. They also will not notarize their own documents—a bank cannot notarize a document it drafted or has a financial interest in, because that creates a conflict of interest.
Fees and what to bring
Most banks charge nothing to notarize documents for account holders. Some charge $5 to $10 per signature. A few charge per page. Call ahead to confirm the fee, if any.
Bring the unsigned document, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), and your account information or debit card. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them, verify your identity, and then sign and stamp the document themselves. The whole process takes five to ten minutes.
If you are having someone else sign the document, they must be present and bring their own ID. The notary cannot notarize a signature that was already made—they must watch the person sign.
When your bank cannot help
If your bank does not have a notary, or if you are not an account holder, you have several alternatives. Credit unions often offer notary services to members at no cost. UPS stores, FedEx Office, and similar shipping centers have notaries on staff and charge $10 to $25 per signature. Independent notaries advertise online and through local directories and typically charge $5 to $15.
Law offices sometimes provide notary services, though they may charge a consultation fee. Some courthouses have notaries available to the public, usually for a small fee. If you need the document notarized urgently and it is after business hours, some states license mobile notaries who will come to your home or office.
The fastest route if your bank is closed or does not have a notary is to search "notary near me" online. Google Maps and Yelp both show notaries in your area, their hours, and their fees. Call first to confirm they are available and can notarize your specific document.
What happens if you notarize a document incorrectly
If a notary makes a mistake—notarizes a blank document, fails to verify ID, or signs without watching the person sign—the document may be rejected by the institution that needs it. A bank, court, or government office can refuse to accept a notarized document if the notarization is improper.
If this happens, you will need to have the document notarized again, correctly. The original notary may be liable for damages if their error causes you financial loss, but pursuing that claim is expensive and slow. The better approach is to verify the notarization is correct before you leave the notary's office: check that the notary's signature and stamp are present, that the date is correct, and that the notary's commission number is legible.
Notarization for remote or online documents
Some states now allow remote notarization—a notary verifies your identity via video call and notarizes the document electronically. Banks are slowly adopting this, particularly for mortgage and account-related documents. Ask your bank whether they offer remote notarization; if they do, you can complete the process without visiting a branch.
Remote notarization is faster and more convenient, but not all documents are may be able to access. Real estate deeds, wills, and some financial documents still require in-person notarization in most states. Check your state's notary laws or ask the institution that needs the document whether remote notarization is acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I am not a bank customer?
No, most banks limit notary services to account holders. However, credit unions, UPS stores, FedEx Office, and independent notaries will notarize documents for anyone with a valid ID. Fees range from $5 to $25 per signature depending on the provider.
Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at my bank?
It depends on the branch. Some accept walk-ins during business hours; others require an appointment. Call your branch in advance to find out. If they require an appointment and you cannot get one soon, an independent notary or UPS store is usually faster.
What if the person signing the document cannot come to the bank in person?
The signer must be present in person with a valid ID. If they cannot travel, ask your bank whether they offer remote notarization via video. If not, you will need to find a mobile notary who can travel to the signer's location, or the signer will need to come to the bank themselves.
Can a bank notarize a document that is already signed?
No. A notary must watch the person sign the document. If it is already signed, the notarization is invalid. The document must be unsigned when you bring it to the notary.
How long does a notarization take?
The actual notarization takes five to ten minutes. However, if the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Calling ahead to ask about wait times or scheduling an appointment can help you avoid a long visit.