Many banks do offer notary services, but not all of them, and availability depends on your bank and location
Some banks provide notary services to customers at no charge or for a small fee, while others do not offer this service at all. The banks most likely to have a notary on staff are larger national banks and regional banks with multiple branches. However, even within the same bank, one branch may have a notary available while another does not. Your best approach is to call your specific branch and ask whether they have a notary present and whether they notarize documents for customers.
If your bank does offer notary services, there are usually limits on what they will notarize. Most banks will notarize documents related to financial accounts, property transfers, and legal paperwork, but some decline to notarize certain types of documents. A few banks will only notarize documents for account holders, while others will notarize for anyone who walks in. Calling ahead saves you a trip if your bank cannot help.
Key Takeaways
- Large national and regional banks are more likely to have notaries on staff than small community banks or credit unions.
- Availability varies by branch location, so you need to contact your specific branch rather than relying on the bank's main website.
- Most banks that offer notary services do so at no cost to customers or for a fee between $5 and $15 per signature.
- Banks often require you to bring a valid government-issued ID and may decline to notarize certain document types.
- If your bank does not have a notary, your local courthouse, library, or title company can usually provide the service.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you hold your account. Ask to speak with someone who can tell you whether a notary is available and what the process is. Have your document type ready to describe — for example, "I need a signature notarized on a power of attorney" — because some banks will tell you on the phone whether they can handle that specific document.
If you do not have an account at the bank, call and ask whether they notarize for non-customers. Some banks will, and some will not. If the branch you call cannot help, ask whether another branch in your area has a notary. Larger branches in downtown areas or shopping centers are more likely to have someone on staff than smaller suburban branches.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity before notarizing your signature. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized, not a copy. The notary will watch you sign the document in front of them, then add their seal and signature to confirm they witnessed your signature.
The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Some banks require you to make an appointment, while others handle notarizations on a walk-in basis during business hours. If you are notarizing multiple documents or need notarization for several people, call ahead to ask how long it will take and whether you should schedule a time.
Cost and fees
Many banks notarize documents for free if you are a customer. Some charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 per signature — whether you are a customer or not. A few banks charge customers nothing but charge non-customers a fee. Ask about the cost when you call, so you know what to expect and can bring cash or a card if needed.
The fee structure varies widely, so do not assume that because one bank charges a fee, all banks do. Some credit unions also offer notary services, often at no cost to members, so if you belong to a credit union, check there first.
When a bank cannot or will not notarize your document
Banks decline to notarize certain documents for legal or liability reasons. Most will not notarize documents where they are a party to the transaction — for example, a bank will not notarize a mortgage document for a loan they are issuing. Some banks will not notarize powers of attorney, wills, or other legal documents because they want to avoid involvement in disputes later.
If your bank cannot help, you have other options. Your county courthouse usually has notaries available during business hours, often at no cost or for a small fee. Many public libraries offer notary services to patrons. Title companies, real estate offices, and law offices also provide notarization. Some pharmacies and shipping stores like UPS or FedEx have notaries on staff. You can search online for "notary near me" to find locations in your area.
Documents banks typically will and will not notarize
| Usually Notarized | Often Declined |
|---|---|
| Affidavits and sworn statements | Wills and testamentary documents |
| Powers of attorney | Documents where the bank is a party |
| Property deeds and transfers | Divorce decrees or custody orders |
| Loan documents (for other lenders) | Immigration or passport documents |
| Signature verification on general paperwork | Documents in languages other than English |
This list is not absolute — policies differ by bank and sometimes by individual notary. Always describe your specific document when you call, rather than assuming based on the category.
What to do if you cannot find a notary at a bank
Start with your county courthouse. Call the clerk's office and ask where notary services are available. Many courthouses have notaries on staff or can direct you to one nearby. The service is usually free or costs just a few dollars.
Your local public library often has a notary available during regular hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to make an appointment. If you need notarization for a real estate transaction, contact a title company — they have notaries and can often notarize documents the same day you call.
If you need the document notarized urgently, search online for "mobile notary" in your area. Mobile notaries travel to your home or office and notarize documents on the spot, though they charge a higher fee than stationary notaries — usually $25 to $50 or more depending on location and time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a bank account?
Some banks will notarize for non-customers, but many will not. Your best option is to call your local courthouse, library, or a title company. These places almost always notarize for anyone, regardless of whether you are a customer or member.
What if I need a document notarized after the bank closes?
Call your bank during business hours and ask whether they have evening or weekend hours at any branch. If not, search for a mobile notary in your area — they work outside regular business hours, though they charge more. Some UPS stores and pharmacies also have notaries available during extended hours.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get a document notarized at a bank?
No. A notary confirms your identity and witnesses your signature; they do not check citizenship. Bring a valid government-issued ID with a photo, such as a passport or state ID card, and you can be notarized regardless of citizenship status.
Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?
Yes. A notary can decline if they believe the document is fraudulent, if you do not have proper ID, if you appear confused about what you are signing, or if the document type is outside their comfort level. This is a legal protection for both you and the notary.
How long does a notarized document stay valid?
A notarized signature does not expire. However, the document itself may have its own important date — for example, a power of attorney might be valid only for a certain time period. Check the document's terms or ask the person requesting the notarization whether there is a important date for when it must be notarized.