Most banks do offer notary services, but not all branches have a notary on staff, and many charge a fee even for account holders
If your bank has a notary, it is usually free or low-cost for customers with an account there. The catch: you have to find out which branch near you actually has one. A notary working at a bank is an employee or contractor the bank hired to handle document signings — they are not a bank service in the way a teller is. Some branches have a dedicated notary. Others share one across multiple locations. Some have none at all.
The fastest way to know is to call your branch directly and ask if they have a notary available, and whether there is a fee. Do not assume based on bank size or location. A large downtown branch might have one; a smaller suburban one might not. If your branch does not have a notary, ask whether another branch in your area does, or whether they can refer you to one.
Key Takeaways
- Not every bank branch has a notary, even within the same bank, so you need to call your specific branch to find out.
- Banks that do offer notary services often charge a fee per signature, which ranges from free for account holders to $5 to $15 depending on the bank and document.
- You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs notarizing; some banks also require you to have an account there.
- If your bank does not have a notary, they can often refer you to one nearby, or you can find independent notaries through your state's notary directory or a title company.
What banks typically charge for notary services
Fees vary widely. Some banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge non-customers $5 to $10 per signature. Others charge everyone the same flat rate, usually $5 to $15 per document. A few large banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America have notaries at many locations but charge a fee even for customers — typically $5 to $10 per signature.
The fee structure also depends on what you are notarizing. A straightforward one-page document with one signature costs less than a multi-page deed or power of attorney with multiple signatures. Ask the bank for their exact fee before you go in, because it can vary by branch.
What you need to bring to get a document notarized at a bank
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check it to confirm you are who you say you are. Bring the document itself, unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them; they cannot notarize a document you signed before you arrived.
Some banks require you to have an account there before they will notarize anything. Others will notarize for anyone with a valid ID. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy and whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
How to find a notary at your bank
Call the branch where you have your account or the one closest to you. Ask to speak with someone in customer service or the branch manager. Say: "Do you have a notary available? What is the fee, and do I need an appointment?" They will tell you whether a notary is there, what they charge, and how to schedule.
If the branch does not have a notary, ask whether another branch nearby does. Many banks have notaries at their main or downtown locations but not at smaller branches. If no branch in your area has one, ask whether they can refer you to an independent notary or a local title company.
When a bank notary is not available or charges too much
If your bank does not have a notary or the fee is higher than you want to pay, you have other options. Independent notaries — people who work for themselves, not for a bank — often charge $5 to $15 per signature and may come to your home or office. You can find them through your state's notary directory, which is usually on your Secretary of State's website.
Title companies also offer notary services, usually for a similar fee. Some UPS stores and FedEx locations have notaries on staff. Libraries sometimes offer free or low-cost notary services to the public. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees before you go.
What happens during a bank notary appointment
You will sit with the notary, show your ID, and sign the document in front of them. They will watch you sign, then add their own signature, stamp, and seal to the document. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Some banks can do it while you wait; others may ask you to come back after a few days if the notary is busy.
The notary is confirming that you are the person named in the document and that you signed it willingly. They are not reading the document or checking whether the content is correct — that is your responsibility. If the document has errors, the notary will still notarize it as long as you signed it in front of them.
Banks that commonly have notaries on staff
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank have notaries at many locations, though not every branch. Credit unions often have notaries available to members. Local and regional banks vary — some have them at most branches, others at only a few. The only way to know for certain is to call your specific branch.
If you are choosing a bank partly for convenience, notary availability is worth asking about when you open an account. Some banks advertise notary services as a perk for account holders. Others do not mention it, but still have notaries available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized at a bank if I do not have an account there?
It depends on the bank. Some will notarize for anyone with a valid ID; others require you to be an account holder. Call the branch first to ask. If they will not do it, an independent notary or title company will notarize for you regardless of whether you bank there.
Do I have to sign the document before I go to the bank, or does the notary watch me sign?
The notary must watch you sign. Bring the document unsigned. If you sign it before the notary sees you do it, they cannot notarize it — the whole point is that they confirm you signed it yourself, in front of them.
How long does a bank notary appointment take?
Usually 5 to 10 minutes. Some banks can do it while you wait; others may have a short wait if the notary is busy. Call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
What if the bank charges a fee and I think it is too high?
You can shop around. Independent notaries, title companies, and some libraries offer notary services for $5 to $15 per signature. Call a few places in your area to compare fees before you decide.
Can a notary fix errors in my document?
No. A notary only confirms that you signed the document in front of them. They do not edit, correct, or advise on the content. If the document has errors, you need to fix them before you go to the notary, or have a new version prepared.