Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location

Bank of America provides notary services through its branch network, but the service is not universal across all locations and comes with conditions. Most full-service branches have at least one notary public on staff during business hours. However, availability depends on staffing, and some smaller branches or those in rural areas may not have a notary present every day. The cost is typically free for Bank of America customers with an active account, though some branches charge a small fee—usually $5 to $10 per signature—for non-customers.

The key limitation is that Bank of America notaries will only notarize documents related to banking or financial matters. They cannot notarize general documents like powers of attorney, affidavits, or real estate deeds unless those documents directly relate to a Bank of America account or service. This restriction is common among bank notaries and exists because banks limit their liability to transactions within their business scope.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notary services are free for account holders but may cost $5 to $10 for non-customers, and availability varies by branch.
  • Bank of America notaries will only notarize documents related to banking or financial services, not general legal documents.
  • You must visit the branch in person with a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs notarization.
  • Calling your branch ahead of time to confirm a notary is available that day will save you a wasted trip.
  • If your document falls outside banking matters, you will need to find a notary through your state's notary locator or a third-party service.

How to find a Bank of America notary near you

Start by using the Bank of America branch locator on their website or mobile app. Search for branches near your address, then call the specific branch directly and ask whether a notary is available. Do not assume every branch has one—staffing varies, and some branches may have a notary only on certain days or during certain hours. When you call, ask what documents they can notarize and whether you need an appointment.

If you are not a Bank of America customer, ask about the fee when you call. Some branches waive the fee for non-customers as a courtesy, while others enforce it strictly. Knowing the cost before you visit prevents surprises at the counter.

What documents Bank of America will and will not notarize

Bank of America notaries will notarize documents directly tied to your account or a banking service: loan applications, mortgage documents, account authorization forms, and wire transfer instructions. They may also notarize documents needed to open an account or resolve an account issue.

Bank of America notaries will not notarize general legal documents, even if you are a customer. This includes powers of attorney, wills, affidavits, real estate deeds, rental agreements, divorce decrees, medical directives, or any document unrelated to banking. If your document falls into this category, you will need to find a notary through another source: your state's notary locator, a law office, a title company, or a UPS Store or similar service that employs notaries.

What to bring when you visit a Bank of America branch

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs notarizing; notaries cannot work from copies or digital files. If the document is part of a larger set of papers, bring the entire set so the notary can see the full context.

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, and you will need to obtain a blank copy and start over. Bring any supporting documents the notary might need to understand the transaction—for example, if you are notarizing a loan process, bring the loan agreement itself.

Cost and timing for Bank of America notary services

For Bank of America account holders, notary services are free. For non-customers, the fee is typically $5 to $10 per signature, though some branches may charge differently. Call ahead to confirm the exact fee at your branch.

The notarization itself takes only a few minutes—usually between 5 and 15 minutes depending on how many signatures need notarizing and how busy the branch is. However, you may wait in line, so plan for 20 to 30 minutes total. There is no waiting period after notarization; you can use the notarized document when ready.

When Bank of America notary services are not available

If your document is not banking-related, Bank of America cannot help. If your nearest branch does not have a notary on staff, or if the notary is unavailable when you visit, you will need an alternative. Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a searchable list of notaries public in your area. Many are independent contractors who work from home offices or small storefronts and charge $5 to $25 per signature.

Title companies, law offices, and real estate agencies often have notaries on staff and may notarize documents for free if you are a client. UPS Store locations, FedEx Office, and some pharmacy chains also employ notaries and charge a per-signature fee. If you need the document notarized urgently, calling ahead to confirm availability is essential—notary availability can be unpredictable at retail locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized at Bank of America if I do not have an account there?

Yes, but you will likely pay a fee of $5 to $10 per signature, and the branch must offer notary services. Not all branches do, and some may refuse non-customers. Call your nearest branch first to confirm they will notarize for you and what the cost is.

What if the document I need notarized is not banking-related?

Bank of America cannot notarize it. Search your state's notary locator through the Secretary of State's office, or contact a title company, law office, or retail notary service like UPS Store. Fees vary but typically range from $5 to $25 per signature.

Do I need an appointment for Bank of America notary services?

Most branches do not require appointments, but calling ahead is wise. It confirms a notary is available that day and prevents a wasted trip. Some branches may ask you to schedule if they are understaffed.

Can Bank of America notarize a document I have already signed?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, you will need a blank copy. Bring the unsigned original to the branch.

How long does a notarization take at Bank of America?

The notarization itself takes 5 to 15 minutes, but plan for 20 to 30 minutes total including any wait time. You can use the notarized document when ready after the notary completes it.