PNC Bank's Notary Service Availability
PNC Bank does offer notary services at many of its branches, but availability varies by location and the service is typically free only for account holders. Not every PNC branch has a notary on staff, and hours may be limited. Before you visit, you need to call your specific branch to confirm whether they have a notary available and whether they can accommodate your document on the day you plan to come in.
The service is most reliable at larger PNC branches in urban and suburban areas. Smaller branches or those in rural locations may not have notary services at all, or may require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Some branches offer walk-in notary service during business hours, while others ask you to call ahead.
Key Takeaways
- PNC Bank offers notary services at many branches, but you must call ahead to confirm your specific branch has a notary available.
- The service is typically free for PNC account holders and may have a fee for non-account holders, though fees vary by branch.
- You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs to be notarized.
- Availability depends on branch size and location, so smaller branches may not offer the service or may require an appointment.
How to learn about Your Branch Offers Notary Service
The fastest way to check is to call your local PNC branch directly. You can find the phone number on PNC's website by entering your zip code in the branch locator tool. When you call, ask whether they have a notary on staff and whether they can notarize your document without an appointment or if you need to schedule one.
If your branch does not have notary services, the branch staff can sometimes refer you to another nearby PNC location that does. You can also search online for independent notaries in your area, or check whether your state has a notary locator service — some states maintain lists of licensed notaries by county.
What to Bring When You Visit
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check this to confirm your identity before notarizing your document. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized — notaries cannot notarize copies.
If the document requires multiple signatures or notarizations, bring all pages. Some documents have specific notarization requirements (for example, some need to be notarized in front of a witness), so review your document beforehand or ask the notary when you arrive whether it meets the requirements for what you need done.
Cost of PNC Notary Services
PNC typically does not charge account holders for notary services. If you are not a PNC account holder, the branch may charge a fee, though the amount varies. Some branches charge a flat fee per document, while others charge per signature. Call ahead to ask about the cost if you are not an account holder.
Fees for independent notaries in your area may be lower or higher depending on your location and the complexity of the document. If PNC's fee seems high or if your branch does not offer the service, comparing prices with independent notaries in your area can help you find the most affordable option.
When PNC Notary Service May Not Work for You
Some documents have requirements that a standard notary cannot meet. For example, if your document needs to be notarized with a witness present, or if it requires a certified copy of another document, a bank notary may not be able to help. In those cases, you may need to work with a title company, attorney, or specialized notary service.
If you need the document notarized urgently and your branch cannot fit you in, or if your branch does not offer notary services, independent notaries often have more flexible hours and faster turnaround. Some notaries also offer mobile services and will come to your home or workplace.
Alternatives to Bank Notary Services
Independent notaries are available in most communities and often have more flexible scheduling than banks. You can find them through an online search, through your state's notary locator service, or by asking your local courthouse or library for referrals. Many charge a small per-signature fee, typically between $5 and $15 depending on your location.
Title companies, real estate offices, and law offices also offer notary services, sometimes at no charge if you are a client. UPS stores and some shipping centers have notaries on staff. If you need the document notarized as part of a larger transaction — for example, when buying a home or opening a business — the organization handling that transaction may provide notary services as part of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a PNC customer to use their notary service?
No, but PNC typically charges non-account holders a fee for notary services, while the service is free for account holders. Call your branch to ask what they charge if you are not a customer.
Can PNC notarize documents that need to be certified copies?
A standard bank notary can notarize a document to confirm your signature, but cannot create a certified copy of another document. If you need a certified copy, ask the organization that issued the original document whether they can provide one, or contact a courthouse or attorney's office.
What if my PNC branch does not have a notary?
Call another nearby PNC branch to see if they offer the service. If no PNC branch near you has a notary, search for independent notaries in your area online or contact your local library or courthouse for referrals.
How long does PNC notary service take?
Most notarizations take just a few minutes if you have all required documents and a valid ID. However, if the branch is busy, you may wait. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment can reduce wait time.
Can I get a document notarized by mail through PNC?
No, notaries must see you in person and verify your identity with a government-issued photo ID. You must visit the branch in person to have a document notarized.