Most banks offer notary services, but not all branches do and not always for free
Many banks do have notaries on staff or available by appointment, but availability depends on your bank, your branch location, and sometimes whether you have an account there. Some banks offer notary services free to account holders and charge a small fee to non-customers. Others don't offer the service at all, or only at certain larger branches. The only way to know what your bank offers is to call the branch directly — don't assume based on the bank's name or size.
If your bank does have a notary available, the process is usually straightforward: you bring the document that needs notarizing, a valid photo ID, and sometimes a second form of ID depending on what you're signing. The notary will watch you sign the document, verify your identity, and add their official stamp and signature. The whole thing typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch directly to ask if they have a notary available — don't assume based on bank size or location.
- Banks often provide notary services free to account holders but may charge non-customers a fee that varies by branch.
- You'll need a valid photo ID and the document you want notarized; some notaries ask for a second form of ID as well.
- If your bank doesn't have a notary, your county clerk's office, local library, or UPS Store are common alternatives.
- Some documents (like powers of attorney or real estate deeds) may require a notary with specific training — ask before you go.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you have your account or the branch closest to you. Ask specifically: "Do you have a notary public available?" and "Is there a fee?" If the person who answers doesn't know, ask to speak with a manager or the branch operations person — they'll have the answer.
If your branch doesn't have a notary, ask if another branch in your area does. Some banks concentrate notary services at larger locations. If no branch near you offers it, the bank's website may list which branches do, or you can call the main customer service number and ask them to check the system.
Don't rely on the bank's website alone — it often doesn't list notary availability clearly. A phone call takes five minutes and saves you a trip.
What to bring when you go
Bring your document and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some notaries also ask for a second form of ID, which can be a credit card, utility bill, or employee badge. Call ahead and ask what the notary needs so you don't make an extra trip.
Bring the document unsigned. The notary must watch you sign it in front of them — if you sign it before you arrive, they can't notarize it. If the document has multiple pages, bring all of them, even if only one page needs a signature.
If you're not sure whether your document needs notarizing or what type of notarization it requires, bring any paperwork that came with it — a loan document, court order, or instructions from whoever asked you to get it notarized. The notary can tell you what's needed.
When banks charge fees and when they don't
Most banks notarize documents free for customers who have a checking or savings account with them. Non-customers usually pay a fee, though the amount varies widely — anywhere from $5 to $15 per signature, depending on the bank and the branch. Some banks charge the same fee to everyone.
A few banks don't charge at all, and a few charge account holders a small fee. The only way to know your bank's policy is to ask when you call. If the fee seems high, you can compare it to other options in your area — many public libraries, county clerk offices, and UPS Store locations offer notary services for less.
What happens if your bank doesn't have a notary
If your bank can't help, your county clerk's office almost always has notaries available, usually free or for a very small fee. Call your county clerk's office or search "[your county] clerk notary" online to find the address and hours. Many clerk offices are open during business hours and don't require an appointment.
Your local public library may also have a notary on staff or can refer you to one nearby. UPS Store locations in many areas offer notary services for a fee — usually $10 to $15 per signature. Some offer appointments online, which can be faster than walking in.
If you need the notarization quickly and it's after hours, some banks and UPS locations have extended hours. A few online notary services exist, but they work differently — the notary verifies your identity through video — and not all documents can be notarized this way. Ask whoever requested the notarization whether an online notary is acceptable for your specific document.
Documents that may need special notary training
Most notaries can notarize standard documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and loan paperwork. However, some documents — particularly real estate deeds, mortgage documents, and certain legal filings — may require a notary with additional training or certification. Before you go to the bank, check the instructions that came with your document or ask the person who requested it whether any special notary credentials are needed.
If special training is required, ask the bank's notary about their qualifications before you make the trip. If they don't have the right credentials, your county clerk's office can usually point you to a notary who does.
What the notary will ask you
The notary will ask you to state your name and confirm that you're signing the document of your own free will — not under pressure or duress. They'll verify your identity using your photo ID. They may ask what the document is for, though they don't need to understand the content; they just need to confirm you're the person signing it and that you're doing so willingly.
The notary will then watch you sign the document, add their official seal or stamp, sign and date it themselves, and sometimes record the notarization in a journal (a log they keep for their records). The whole process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a notary at my bank if I don't have an account there?
Many banks will notarize documents for non-customers, but usually for a fee. Call the branch and ask — some charge $5 to $15 per signature, while others may decline. If they do notarize for non-customers, ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
What if I need a notary and the bank is closed?
Your county clerk's office often has extended hours or weekend availability. UPS Store locations in many areas offer notary services and some have evening or weekend hours. Search "[your county] clerk notary hours" or call ahead to confirm before you go.
Can a notary notarize a document I already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you've already signed it, they cannot notarize it. You'll need a blank copy or a new document to bring to the notary.
Do I need an appointment to get a notary at the bank?
It depends on the branch. Some notaries work by appointment only, while others take walk-ins. Call ahead and ask. If appointments are required and you can't get one soon, try your county clerk's office or a UPS Store, which often have shorter wait times.
What if the notary says they can't notarize my document?
Some documents have legal restrictions on who can notarize them, or they may require a notary with specific training. Ask the notary why they can't do it — they can usually point you to someone who can, or explain what type of notary you need.