Bank of America offers notary services to account holders at most branches, but it is not free

Bank of America does provide notary services, but you will pay a fee. The cost is typically $5 to $10 per document, though the exact amount varies by location and the complexity of what needs notarizing. If you are a Bank of America customer with an account, you can request notary services at your local branch during business hours — no appointment is usually required, but calling ahead is wise because not every branch has a notary on staff at all times.

The key limitation: Bank of America notarizes documents only for account holders. If you do not have a checking or savings account with them, they will turn you away. Even if you do have an account, the notary will only witness your signature on documents related to your account or financial matters — they will not notarize unrelated documents like powers of attorney or real estate deeds.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America charges $5 to $10 per document for notary services, and the fee varies by branch location.
  • You must be a Bank of America account holder to use their notary service; non-customers are not served.
  • Not every branch has a notary available at all times, so call ahead to confirm before you visit.
  • Bank of America notaries typically only notarize documents related to your account or financial matters, not general documents like real estate or legal paperwork.
  • Free notary services are often available through your employer, credit union, or local government office if you want to avoid the fee.

What documents Bank of America will and will not notarize

Bank of America notaries have strict rules about what they can witness. They will notarize documents directly tied to your account — things like signature cards, loan documents, or account authorization forms. They will also notarize some general financial documents if you are a customer.

What they will not touch: real estate deeds, powers of attorney, affidavits unrelated to banking, medical directives, or any legal document outside the financial realm. If you need a real estate deed notarized, a power of attorney witnessed, or any document that is not banking-related, you will need to go elsewhere. This is a common point of confusion — people assume a notary is a notary, but banks restrict their notaries to protect themselves from liability.

How to find a Bank of America notary near you

Start by calling your local Bank of America branch directly. Ask whether they have a notary on staff and what their hours are. Some branches have a notary available during all business hours; others have one only on certain days or during limited windows. The phone number for your branch is on your debit card or on the Bank of America website.

When you call, mention what document you need notarized so the branch can tell you upfront whether it falls within their scope. If your branch does not have a notary or cannot handle your document type, ask whether a nearby branch can. Bank of America branches in the same area sometimes share notary coverage.

What to bring when you visit for notary services

Bring your Bank of America debit card or account information to prove you are a customer. Bring the original document that needs notarizing — the notary must see the actual document, not a copy. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The notary will verify your identity before witnessing your signature.

Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it — you will need a blank copy or a new version of the document.

Free notary alternatives if you want to avoid the fee

Several places offer free notary services and do not require you to be a customer. Many credit unions notarize documents for members at no cost — if you belong to one, call and ask. Some employers offer notary services to staff through their HR or legal department. Libraries in some cities provide free notary services to the public; call your local library to ask whether yours does.

UPS stores and other shipping centers offer notary services for a fee (usually $5 to $15), but they serve the public regardless of whether you are a customer. If you need a notary for a non-banking document that Bank of America will not touch, a UPS store or independent notary public is often faster than hunting for a free option. Search "notary public near me" online to find independent notaries in your area — many charge $5 to $10 per signature and will notarize any document that is legal.

Timing and what to expect during the appointment

The notary process itself takes five to ten minutes. The notary will ask you to state your name, verify your ID, confirm that you are signing the document of your own free will, and then watch you sign it. They will then add their seal and signature to the document. You walk out with a notarized copy.

The wait time depends on how busy the branch is. During lunch hours or on Fridays, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. Early morning or mid-week afternoons are usually quieter. If you call ahead, the branch may be able to tell you when their notary is least busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Bank of America notary to notarize a real estate deed?

No. Bank of America notaries only handle documents related to banking and financial accounts. For a real estate deed, you will need to visit an independent notary public, a UPS store, or check whether your local library offers free notary services.

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

Yes. Bank of America notary services are only for account holders. If you do not have a checking or savings account with them, you will need to find a notary elsewhere.

What if my Bank of America branch does not have a notary?

Call another branch in your area — some branches share notary coverage. If no nearby branch has one, search for an independent notary public online or visit a UPS store. Many charge $5 to $10 and serve the public without requiring you to be a customer.

Can I bring a copy of the document instead of the original?

No. The notary must see and witness the original document. If you have already signed a copy, you will need a blank copy or a fresh version of the document to bring in.

How much does Bank of America charge for notary services?

The fee is typically $5 to $10 per document, but it varies by branch location. Call your branch to ask for their exact fee before you visit.