Most banks do offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your account status, and whether you have an appointment
Many banks have at least one notary on staff, usually during business hours at their main branch. However, "most banks" does not mean all banks, and it does not mean every branch of a bank that offers the service. Some banks limit notary services to account holders only. Others charge a fee even for customers. A few do not offer it at all, or only at certain locations. The only way to know what your bank does is to call the branch directly and ask.
If your bank does not have a notary or charges more than you want to pay, you have other options: credit unions, UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notaries. Some of these are cheaper or faster than waiting for a bank appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask whether they have a notary, what hours they work, and whether you need an appointment.
- Many banks charge a fee per signature ($5 to $15 is common), and some charge only for non-account holders.
- If your bank does not offer notary services, credit unions, UPS stores, and independent notaries are usually available the same day.
- Bring the original document and a government-issued photo ID; the notary will not notarize a copy or a document you do not sign in front of them.
- Some banks require an appointment; others take walk-ins during teller hours, so call ahead to avoid a wasted trip.
How to learn about your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you have your account. Ask for the notary or the customer service desk and ask three things: Do you have a notary? What are their hours? Do I need an appointment? Write down the answers. If the person who answers does not know, ask them to transfer you to someone who does, or ask for the branch manager's direct line.
If you bank online or primarily at an ATM, you may not know which branch is closest to you. Your bank's website usually has a branch locator. Enter your zip code and call the nearest location. If that branch does not have a notary, ask whether another branch in your area does.
Do not assume that because one branch has a notary, all branches do. Large banks often have notaries only at main branches or downtown locations, not at every strip-mall location.
What banks typically charge for notary services
Fees vary widely. Some banks notarize documents for free if you are an account holder. Others charge $5 to $15 per signature, whether you are a customer or not. A few charge different rates for customers and non-customers—for example, free for account holders and $10 for everyone else.
If your bank charges a fee you think is high, call a credit union in your area or check whether UPS or FedEx nearby offer notary services. Independent notaries advertise on Google Maps and often charge $5 to $10 per signature. Some work evenings or weekends, which banks usually do not.
What you need to bring to a bank notary
Bring the original document you need notarized and a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The notary will not notarize a photocopy, and they will not notarize a document unless you sign it in front of them. If someone else signed the document before you arrived, the notary cannot notarize it.
If the document has blank spaces or you are not sure whether it is the right version, bring it anyway and ask the notary. They can tell you whether it is ready to sign. Do not fill in blanks yourself after the notary has signed—that invalidates the notarization.
Alternatives if your bank does not have a notary
Credit unions often have notaries and may charge less than banks. Call your credit union's main branch and ask the same questions you would ask a bank. UPS stores and FedEx locations in many areas offer notary services; search "notary near me" on Google Maps to see which ones are open today and what they charge. Independent notaries are also listed on Google Maps and often have more flexible hours than banks.
Some states have online notary services for certain types of documents, though not all documents can be notarized remotely. If you need a notary for a real estate deed, power of attorney, or affidavit, ask whether your state allows remote notarization. If it does, you can often schedule an appointment the same day.
What happens if you cannot find a notary in time
If you need a notary urgently and your bank is closed, call an independent notary. Many work evenings and weekends and can meet you at a coffee shop or your home. Search "notary near me" on Google Maps, filter by "open now," and call the ones that show availability. Expect to pay a travel fee if they come to you, usually $10 to $25 on top of the per-signature fee.
If you need the document notarized before business hours tomorrow, an independent notary is your fastest option. Banks do not have emergency notary services, and UPS and FedEx locations have limited evening hours.
Why banks sometimes refuse to notarize a document
A notary's job is to verify that you signed the document in front of them and that you are who you say you are. They do not check whether the document is legal or whether you understand what you are signing. However, a notary can refuse to notarize a document if they suspect fraud, if you do not have proper ID, or if the document appears to be incomplete or altered.
If a bank notary refuses your document, ask why. If they say the document is incomplete or the signature line is in the wrong place, you can fix it and come back. If they say they cannot notarize it because of the type of document or the state it is from, ask whether an independent notary might be able to help. Some notaries specialize in documents from other states or unusual situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to use their notary?
It depends on the bank. Some notarize documents for anyone; others only for account holders. A few only notarize for customers and charge non-customers a higher fee. Call the branch and ask directly—do not assume based on another bank's policy.
Can a notary notarize a document I signed before I came in?
No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you signed it at home or at work before the appointment, the notary cannot notarize it. You will need to bring an unsigned copy and sign it at the notary's desk.
What if the bank notary says my document is not valid?
The notary is not saying the document is legally invalid—they are saying they cannot notarize it for a specific reason, usually that it is incomplete, altered, or they suspect fraud. Ask what the problem is. If it is something you can fix (like a missing date), fix it and come back. If the notary cannot explain the reason clearly, try an independent notary or ask a lawyer.
How long does a bank notarization take?
Usually five to ten minutes if you have an appointment and your ID is in order. Walk-ins may wait longer depending on how busy the branch is. Call ahead to ask about wait times during the time you plan to visit.
Can I notarize a document online at my bank?
Some banks offer remote notarization for certain documents, but most do not. Ask your bank whether they offer it. If they do not, search for "remote notary" or "online notary" in your state—many independent notaries offer this service for documents that state law allows to be notarized remotely.