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 uniform across all locations. Some branches offer it free to account holders, some charge a fee regardless of account status, and some branches do not offer it at all. Before you visit a branch, you need to call ahead or check online to confirm whether that specific location has a notary available and what they charge.

The inconsistency exists because Bank of America allows individual branches to set their own policies on notary services. A branch in one city may offer free notarization to customers while a branch 20 miles away charges $5 to $10 per signature. This means your experience depends entirely on which branch you walk into.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America notary availability is branch-specific, so you must contact your local branch directly to confirm they offer the service.
  • Account holders may receive free notarization at some branches, while other branches charge a flat fee per signature regardless of account status.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID and the document that requires notarization when you visit.
  • If your branch does not offer notary services, you can find alternatives through your state's notary locator, UPS stores, or local banks.

How to learn about your Bank of America branch offers notary services

Call your local Bank of America branch directly and ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free or costs money. The phone number for your branch appears on the Bank of America website when you search for locations near you. Ask specifically whether they require an appointment or accept walk-ins, because some branches schedule notary services only at certain times.

You can also visit the branch in person and ask at the customer service desk. If the branch does not have a notary available that day, staff can tell you when one will be present or refer you to a nearby branch that offers the service. Some branches post their notary availability on their website or in the lobby, but this is not standard across all locations.

What you need to bring to get a document notarized

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will verify your identity before notarizing any document. Bring the original document that needs notarization; notaries cannot notarize copies or documents you have not signed yet.

If you are unsure whether a document requires notarization or what type of notarization it needs (acknowledgment, jurat, or something else), bring any paperwork that came with the document or contact the person or organization requesting the notarization. They can tell you exactly what the notary needs to do. Arriving with this information saves time and prevents the notary from turning you away because the document was not prepared correctly.

Cost and account holder discounts

Bank of America does not have a company-wide policy on notary fees. Some branches offer free notarization to checking and savings account holders and charge non-customers $5 to $10 per signature. Other branches charge all customers the same fee, typically $5 to $15 per signature. A small number of branches do not offer notary services at all.

The only way to know what your branch charges is to ask when you call. Do not assume that being a customer will get you a discount; confirm the cost before you visit. If the fee is higher than you expected, you have other options—UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and independent notaries often charge less and may have more flexible hours.

When Bank of America notary services are not available

If your local Bank of America branch does not offer notary services or their hours do not work for you, several alternatives exist. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff at most locations and typically charge $5 to $15 per signature. Many independent notaries work from home or small offices and advertise through online directories; search your state's notary locator or check Google Maps for "notary public near me."

Credit unions and other banks often offer notary services to their members or customers at no cost or low cost. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask whether they have a notary available. Some employers also provide notary services to employees through their HR department, so check with your workplace before paying for a service elsewhere.

What happens during the notarization process

The notary will ask to see your government-issued ID and will verify that you are the person signing the document. They will watch you sign the document in front of them—you cannot sign it beforehand. The notary will then sign and stamp the document, adding their notary seal and the date. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes per signature.

The notary does not review the content of the document or advise you on whether you should sign it. Their job is only to verify your identity and witness your signature. If you have questions about what the document means or whether you should sign it, you need to ask a lawyer, not the notary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized without a Bank of America account?

Yes, but some branches charge non-customers a fee while others offer free notarization to everyone. Call your local branch to ask their policy. If they charge too much or do not offer the service, UPS stores and independent notaries are usually cheaper and do not require an account anywhere.

Do I need an appointment to get a document notarized at Bank of America?

It depends on the branch. Some accept walk-ins during business hours, while others schedule notary services only at specific times or by appointment. Call ahead to confirm how your branch handles notarizations and whether you need to book a time slot.

Can Bank of America notarize a document I signed before I came in?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to get a blank copy and sign it in the notary's presence.

What if I need a notarization after Bank of America closes?

UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some independent notaries have evening and weekend hours. Search online for "notary public near me" and filter by hours to find someone available when you need them. Some notaries work by appointment only, so call before you visit.

How much does Bank of America charge for notary services?

The cost varies by branch. Some charge nothing for account holders and $5 to $10 for non-customers. Others charge everyone the same fee, typically $5 to $15 per signature. Call your local branch to find out what they charge before you visit.