Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location
Bank of America provides notary services through its branch network, but the service is not uniform across all locations. Some branches offer it free to account holders, while others charge a fee regardless of whether you bank there. A few branches do not offer notary services at all. Before you visit, you need to call your specific branch to confirm they have a notary on staff that day and whether there is a cost.
The inconsistency exists because Bank of America does not operate a centralized notary program. Each branch manages its own staffing, and whether a teller or other employee is commissioned as a notary depends on local demand and branch size. A large urban branch may have multiple notaries available during business hours. A small suburban branch might have one notary who works part-time or is unavailable on certain days.
If your local Bank of America branch does not offer notary services or the cost is higher than you want to pay, you have other options: credit unions, UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and independent notaries in your area often charge less or nothing at all.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America notary availability depends on your specific branch, not on a company-wide policy, so you must call ahead to confirm the service exists and what it costs.
- Some Bank of America branches offer notary services free to account holders but charge non-customers a fee, while others charge everyone or offer nothing.
- You will need to bring the document that requires notarization, a valid government-issued ID, and sometimes proof of your Bank of America account if you are an account holder.
- If your branch does not offer notary services or the fee is too high, credit unions, UPS stores, and FedEx Office locations are common alternatives in most areas.
How to learn about your Bank of America branch has a notary
Call your local Bank of America branch directly. Ask to speak with a manager or the person who handles notary requests. Do not rely on the main customer service line, because they often do not have accurate information about individual branch services. The branch phone number is on Bank of America's website or on your debit card statement.
When you call, ask three things: whether a notary is available, what days and hours they work, and whether there is a fee. If the person who answers is unsure, ask them to check with a manager or call back with the answer. Many branches have notaries only during certain hours or on certain days of the week.
If your branch does not have a notary or cannot see you when you need one, ask the staff member for a referral to another nearby Bank of America location that does. Some branches will direct you to a partner location within a few miles.
What documents and ID you need to bring
Bring the original document that needs to be notarized. Bank of America notaries will not notarize copies or documents you have not seen in person. The document must be the actual paper or form that will be submitted to whoever requested the notarization.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary will check your identity against the ID and will not proceed without it. If you are a Bank of America account holder, bring your debit card or account number as well, because some branches waive the fee for customers.
Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must watch you sign it. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it, and you will need to obtain a new copy of the document.
Cost and whether Bank of America account holders get a discount
The cost of notary services at Bank of America ranges from free to around $10 per signature, depending on the branch. Account holders are more likely to receive the service free or at a reduced rate, but this is not may provide. Some branches charge everyone the same fee regardless of account status. Others charge account holders nothing and charge non-customers $5 to $10.
Because the policy is set at the branch level, you cannot know the cost until you call. When you call to confirm availability, ask specifically whether account holders receive a discount and what the fee is for non-customers. If the fee seems high, compare it to other notaries in your area before you commit to going to the branch.
Alternatives if Bank of America does not work for you
Credit unions often offer notary services free to members and sometimes to non-members for a small fee. Call ahead to confirm availability, just as you would with a bank.
UPS stores and FedEx Office locations employ notaries and are open longer hours than most banks, including evenings and weekends. Fees typically range from $5 to $15 per signature. You can search for locations and sometimes book a notary appointment online.
Independent notaries advertise in your area through Google Maps, Yelp, or the National Notary Association's notary search tool. Many charge $5 to $10 per signature and offer mobile services, meaning they will come to your home or office. This is useful if you have mobility issues or need notarization outside of business hours.
Your employer or school may have a notary on staff. Ask your HR department or registrar's office before you pay for an outside notary.
What happens during the notarization process
The notary will ask you to sign the document in front of them. They will check your ID to confirm your identity matches the name on the document. They will then stamp or seal the document and sign it themselves, along with the date and their notary commission number. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Some documents require notarization of a signature only. Others require a notary to verify that you swear or affirm the contents of the document are true. The notary will tell you which type is needed based on the document itself. If you are unsure what the document requires, bring the instructions that came with it or contact whoever requested the notarization.
Timing and whether you need an appointment
Most Bank of America branches do not require an appointment for notary services. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, if the notary is busy or unavailable that day, you may be asked to come back later or on another day. Calling ahead to confirm the notary is available reduces the risk of a wasted trip.
If you need notarization on a specific important date, do not wait until the last day. Call your branch at least two business days before you need the service to confirm availability and ask whether you should come in at a particular time to avoid a long wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bank of America charge account holders for notary services?
Some branches offer notary services free to account holders, while others charge everyone the same fee. A few branches charge account holders nothing but charge non-customers $5 to $10. You must call your specific branch to find out their policy.
Can I get a document notarized if I have already signed it?
No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, you will need to obtain a new unsigned copy and return to the notary to sign it in front of them.
What if my Bank of America branch does not have a notary?
Ask the branch staff for a referral to another Bank of America location nearby that does offer notary services. If no other branch is convenient, credit unions, UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and independent notaries are common alternatives in most areas.
Can I get a document notarized by phone or email?
No. Notarization requires the notary to see you in person and watch you sign the document. Remote notarization exists in some states for specific document types, but Bank of America branches do not currently offer it.
How long does notarization take?
The notarization itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. The wait time depends on how busy the branch is. Calling ahead to ask when the notary is least busy can help you avoid a long wait.