Most banks offer notary services to customers, but availability and cost vary widely by branch and institution
Many banks do have notaries on staff, but "most banks" does not mean all banks, and it does not mean every branch of a bank that offers the service. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank typically have notaries available, though you may need to visit a specific branch or call ahead to confirm. Credit unions often have notaries too, though smaller ones may not. Community banks are a mixed bag—some have notaries, others do not.
The catch is that banks usually notarize documents only for their own customers, and many charge a fee even then. Fees range from free (for account holders at some institutions) to $10 to $15 per signature. Some banks limit notarizations to a certain number per customer per year or require an appointment scheduled days in advance. A few banks have stopped offering the service altogether to reduce liability and staffing costs.
Your best move is to call your own bank's main branch and ask directly: "Do you have a notary available, and what is the cost?" If your bank does not offer the service or you are not a customer, you have other options that are often faster and cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks usually have notaries on staff, but smaller branches and community banks may not, so calling ahead is necessary.
- Most banks notarize documents only for their own account holders and charge $5 to $15 per signature, though some offer it free to customers.
- If your bank does not have a notary or you are not a customer, title companies, UPS stores, and FedEx locations often provide notary services for $5 to $25 per signature.
- Online notarization is now legal in most states and can be faster and cheaper than visiting a physical location, though not all document types may have access to.
What to expect when you call your bank about notary services
When you contact your bank, have the following information ready: the type of document you need notarized, how many signatures need notarizing, and whether you are an account holder. Ask whether the notary is available the same day or if you need an appointment. Some banks require 24 to 48 hours' notice. Ask the fee upfront—do not assume it is free.
Bring your original document and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The notary will verify your identity, watch you sign the document, and then sign and stamp it themselves. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Some banks will not notarize certain documents—for example, many refuse to notarize powers of attorney or affidavits because of liability concerns. Ask about restrictions before you make the trip.
Non-bank notary options that are often faster
If your bank cannot help, UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries on staff at most branches. Fees are typically $5 to $10 per signature, and you do not need to be a customer. Many are open evenings and weekends, which banks are not. Call ahead to confirm the notary is in—some smaller locations do not have one.
Title companies (the ones that handle real estate closings) often notarize documents for the public, sometimes free and sometimes for a small fee. They are used to handling legal documents and rarely refuse a job. Find one by searching "title company near me" or asking your real estate agent for a referral.
Courthouses sometimes have notaries available to the public, usually for free or a very small fee. Call your county courthouse clerk's office to ask. Law offices may notarize for non-clients at a fee, usually $10 to $25. Accountants and insurance agents are sometimes notaries as a side service.
Online notarization: when it works and when it does not
Online notarization is now legal in most states and can be faster and cheaper than visiting a location in person. Services like Notarize, NotaryNow, and LegitScan connect you with a notary via video call, verify your identity, watch you sign, and send you a notarized copy. Fees are typically $25 to $50 per signature, which is higher than in-person but saves travel time.
The limitation is that not all documents can be notarized online. Most states allow it for general documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and statutory declarations. However, some states do not permit online notarization for real estate documents, wills, or trusts. Check your state's rules before paying for the service. The service provider's website will tell you what is allowed in your state.
How to find a notary if you do not have a bank
If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use your bank, start with a UPS store or FedEx Office near you. Both have online locators on their websites where you can search by zip code and filter for locations with notary services. Call before you go to confirm the notary is available that day.
You can also search "notary public near me" on Google Maps or Yelp to find independent notaries in your area. Many are retired legal professionals or former bank employees who work from home offices or small storefronts. Fees vary but are usually $5 to $15 per signature. Read reviews to avoid ones with complaints about slow service or refusals to notarize certain documents.
Documents banks often refuse to notarize
Banks are cautious about liability and will refuse some documents even if you are a customer. Powers of attorney are frequently refused because banks worry about being sued if the document is later challenged. Affidavits (sworn statements) are sometimes refused for the same reason. Wills and trusts are often off-limits because banks see them as legal documents that should be handled by an attorney.
If a bank refuses your document, a title company or independent notary is more likely to accept it. If you are unsure whether a document can be notarized at all, ask the person or organization requesting the notarization—they usually know the rules.
Cost comparison: bank versus alternatives
| Notary Source | Typical Cost Per Signature | Hours | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (account holder) | Free to $15 | Business hours | Same day or by appointment |
| Bank (non-customer) | Usually unavailable | N/A | N/A |
| UPS Store / FedEx Office | $5 to $10 | Extended hours, weekends | Same day, walk-in |
| Title Company | Free to $10 | Business hours | Same day or by appointment |
| Independent Notary | $5 to $15 | Varies | Same day or by appointment |
| Online Notarization | $25 to $50 | 24/7 | Within hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a document notarized if I am not a customer of the bank?
Most banks will not notarize for non-customers. Some large banks make exceptions, but it is rare. Your faster option is a UPS store, FedEx Office, or title company, which notarize for anyone and usually charge $5 to $10 per signature.
Do I have to make an appointment, or can I walk in?
Banks usually require an appointment or at least a phone call ahead. UPS stores and FedEx locations often accept walk-ins, though calling first is safer. Independent notaries and title companies vary—some take walk-ins, others require appointments.
What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?
Notaries can refuse documents they believe are improper or that their state law forbids them to notarize. If one refuses, try a title company or independent notary—they may have different rules. If multiple notaries refuse, the document may not be notarizable in your state, and you may need a lawyer's help instead.
Is online notarization as legal as in-person notarization?
Online notarization is legal in most states for most documents, but not all. Real estate documents, wills, and trusts are often excluded. Check your state's rules and the document's requirements before paying for an online notary.
How long does notarization take?
The notarization itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. The wait time depends on how busy the location is. Banks may require an appointment days in advance. UPS stores and FedEx locations are usually faster. Online notarization can be done within hours.