Most banks offer notary services, but availability depends on your bank, your account status, and whether you have an appointment
Many banks employ notaries on staff or contract with notaries who work in their branches. The service is often free for account holders, though some banks charge a small fee—typically $5 to $15 per signature—whether you bank there or not. The catch is that notary availability varies widely. A large national bank with hundreds of branches may have notaries in only some locations, and a small local bank might have one notary who works part-time. You cannot assume your branch has one without calling first.
The notary at a bank is bound by the same rules as any other notary: they verify your identity using government-issued photo ID, watch you sign the document in front of them, and affix their seal and signature. They cannot notarize documents you signed before arriving, and they cannot notarize their own signature. If your bank does not have a notary or their notary is unavailable, you will need to find one elsewhere—through a title company, a UPS Store, a courthouse, or a dedicated notary service.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether the service is free for account holders.
- Many banks offer notary services free to customers but charge $5 to $15 per signature for non-customers.
- Notary availability is inconsistent across branches, so a notary at one location does not mean your nearest branch has one.
- The notary must watch you sign the document in person and verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID.
How to check whether your bank has a notary
Start by calling the branch where you bank or plan to visit. Ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether you need an appointment. Some branches keep a notary in-house during business hours; others have one who comes in on certain days or by appointment only. A few large banks list notary availability on their website or through their customer service line, but most do not—the phone call is the fastest way to know.
If your bank does not have a notary, ask the branch staff where they typically send customers. They may refer you to a title company, a local courthouse, or a UPS Store location nearby. This referral is useful because it tells you what other people in your area use when their bank cannot help.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring the document you need notarized and a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them while they watch. They will then sign and stamp the document with their notary seal, which includes their name, commission number, and the date. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes.
Do not sign the document before you arrive at the bank. The notary must witness your signature. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need a new copy. Some documents specify where the notary's signature and seal must go; if yours does, show the notary that section so they place the seal correctly.
When banks charge for notary services
Most banks notarize documents free for customers who maintain an account with them. Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature, though some banks charge per document rather than per signature. A few banks charge account holders a small fee as well, usually $2 to $5 per signature. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go in, especially if you have multiple signatures to notarize.
The fee structure varies by bank and sometimes by branch, so two branches of the same bank may charge differently. If cost is a concern, ask whether the bank offers the service free, and if not, ask what the fee is before you commit to going there.
Alternatives if your bank cannot help
If your bank has no notary or cannot see you when you need one, several other sources are usually available. UPS Store locations employ notaries and are often open longer hours than banks, including weekends. Title companies, which handle real estate closings, typically have notaries and may notarize documents for a fee even if you are not buying or selling property. Some courthouses have notaries available to the public, sometimes free or for a small filing fee. Dedicated notary services and mobile notaries will come to your home or office for a higher fee, usually $25 to $50 per signature.
Online notarization is also an option in many states. A few banks and third-party services offer remote notarization, where you sign the document on video while a notary watches and verifies your identity. This works for some documents but not all—certain legal documents, real estate deeds, and powers of attorney often require in-person notarization by state law. Check whether your document can be notarized remotely before you pursue that route.
What the notary can and cannot do
A notary verifies your identity and witnesses your signature. They cannot give legal information, interpret documents, or tell you whether a document is correct or complete. If you are unsure whether a document needs to be notarized, whether you are signing the right version, or what the document means, ask a lawyer before you go to the notary. The notary's job ends after they watch you sign and affix their seal.
The notary also cannot notarize a document if they have a financial interest in it or if they are a party to the transaction. For example, a notary cannot notarize a power of attorney that names them as the agent, and a notary who is a witness to a will cannot also notarize it. If the notary at your bank has a conflict, they will tell you and refer you elsewhere.
Notary requirements vary by state
Notary rules differ by state, and some states have stricter requirements than others. Most states require the notary to verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID and to keep a journal of notarizations. Some states require the notary to know you personally or to have known you for a certain period. A few states have specific rules about what documents can be notarized or how the notary's seal must be placed.
If you are notarizing a document for use in another state, mention that to the notary. They will make sure the notarization meets the requirements of the state where the document will be used. If you are unsure whether your state has special rules, the notary can tell you, or you can contact your state's Secretary of State office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document I already signed?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document in their presence. If you have already signed it, you need a fresh copy. The notary's job is to verify that you signed it willingly and with proper identification, which they cannot do if the signature is already there.
Do I need an appointment for the bank notary?
It depends on the bank and the branch. Some notaries work by appointment only; others see walk-ins during certain hours. Call your branch to ask. Making an appointment ensures the notary is available when you arrive and reduces your wait time.
What if the bank notary says they cannot notarize my document?
The notary may decline if they have a conflict of interest, if the document is unclear, or if state law prohibits notarizing that type of document. Ask them why they cannot do it and whether they can refer you to someone who can. Some documents, like certain real estate deeds, may require a specific type of notarization that a bank notary cannot provide.
Can I notarize a document for someone else?
No. The person whose signature is being notarized must be present in front of the notary with a valid photo ID. The notary verifies that person's identity and watches them sign. You cannot sign on someone else's behalf or have a document notarized in absentia.
How long does a notarized document stay valid?
A notarized document does not expire. The notary's seal and signature confirm that the document was notarized on a specific date, but the document itself remains valid unless the law or a contract specifies otherwise. Some organizations may ask for a recent notarization, but that is their policy, not a legal requirement.