Free Guide to Bank Notary Services and Options

What Bank Notary Services Are and How They Work

A notary public is a person authorized by the state to witness the signing of documents and verify that the person signing is who they claim to be. Banks employ notaries or contract with notary services to provide this function to customers and the public. When you have a document notarized, the notary checks your government-issued photo identification, watches you sign the document, and then stamps it with an official seal. This process creates a record that the signature is authentic and that the person signing understood what they were signing.

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According to the National Notary Association, there are approximately 4.75 million notary publics in the United States. Most banks offer notary services because many financial transactions require notarized signatures. Common documents that banks notarize include power of attorney forms, affidavits, property deeds, loan documents, and adoption papers. The notary does not read or understand the content of the document—their role is solely to verify the identity of the signer and confirm that the signing took place willingly.

The notarization process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes per document. The notary will ask you for identification, may ask you questions to confirm your identity, and will watch you sign the document. You cannot sign the document before the notary—it must be signed in their presence. After you sign, the notary adds their signature, seal, and notary stamp to the document. This stamp includes information like the notary's name, commission number, and the date of notarization.

It is important to understand that a notary does not verify the content of a document or give legal advice about what you are signing. A notary also cannot refuse to notarize a document based on what it says, as long as the document is legal and the person signing is willing. The notary's only job is to confirm identity and create a record that the signature is genuine.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting a bank notary, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Have the document ready to sign but do not sign it before meeting with the notary. If you are unsure whether a document needs to be notarized, contact the organization requesting the document—they will let you know.

Types of Bank Notary Services Available

Banks offer different levels of notary service depending on their size and resources. Large national banks typically have notaries available during regular business hours at most branch locations. Regional and community banks may have notaries available at some branches but not all. Credit unions also often employ notaries or contract with notary services. The availability of notaries varies by location and bank, so it is worth calling ahead to confirm that a notary will be present when you plan to visit.

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Many banks offer notary services to customers for free or for a small fee, often between $5 and $15 per document. Some banks charge different rates for customers versus non-customers, or for documents that are more complex. A few banks have begun offering remote notary services, where you can have a document notarized via video call with a notary who verifies your identity and watches you sign electronically. This option is growing but is not yet available at all banks.

Third-party notary services have emerged as an option when bank notaries are not available. UPS stores, FedEx locations, and independent notary businesses can provide notarization in many areas. These services typically cost $5 to $20 per document. Some online platforms connect you with notaries who can work with you remotely. When using a third-party service, confirm that the notary is commissioned in your state and understands what type of document you need notarized.

Mobile notary services bring a notary to your home or office. This option is convenient if you have mobility limitations or multiple documents to notarize. Mobile notaries typically charge between $15 and $50 per document depending on location and travel distance. This service can be found through online searches or by asking your bank for referrals.

Some documents may need to be notarized in a specific way or by a notary with special training. For example, documents related to real estate transactions in some states require a notary with specific knowledge. If you are unsure about special requirements, contact the agency or organization that will receive the notarized document—they can explain what is needed.

Practical Takeaway: Call your bank or local banks in your area to learn which ones have notaries on staff, what their fees are, and what their hours are. If a bank does not have a notary available, ask for referrals to local third-party notary services. Keep a list of notary options in your area for future reference.

Costs and Fees for Bank Notary Services

The cost of notarization varies widely depending on where you go and whether you are a customer of that bank. According to the National Notary Association, the average cost of a notarized signature is between $5 and $20. Many banks do not charge customers anything for notary services, viewing it as a benefit of holding an account. Non-customers may be charged a fee, typically in the $10 to $15 range per document.

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Some banks charge a flat fee per visit regardless of how many documents you have notarized, while others charge per document. If you have multiple documents to notarize, ask if the bank charges per document or per visit. This can make a significant difference in your total cost. For example, one bank may charge $10 per document (so $30 for three documents), while another may charge $10 per visit (so $10 for three documents).

Specialty notarizations may cost more. For instance, if a notary must travel to your home or office, or if the document requires specialized knowledge, you may pay higher fees. Remote or online notarizations may also have different pricing. Ask about the total cost upfront before the notary begins work to avoid surprises.

Some notaries offer packages or discounts for bulk notarization. If you run a small business and regularly need documents notarized, you may find a notary service that offers a monthly rate or discounted per-document rates. It is worth shopping around if you have frequent notarization needs.

If you are on a tight budget, visiting a bank where you have an account is often the least expensive option. If you need notarization services regularly, compare the fees at different banks and third-party services in your area. Over time, the savings can add up. Some employers or unions also offer discounted notary services to members, so check with your employer or union representative.

Practical Takeaway: Before you visit a notary, ask about the fee and whether it will be charged per document or per visit. If you have multiple documents, mention this when asking about pricing. Request a written quote if the fee is higher than $20 per document, and ask what is included in the price.

How to Prepare for a Bank Notary Visit

Proper preparation will make your notary appointment quick and smooth. The most important step is to bring valid government-issued photo identification. The notary must see this ID before notarizing any document. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some notaries may accept other forms of ID if they are recent and include a photo and signature. If your ID has expired recently, bring it anyway along with another form of ID, though this may delay the process.

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Next, prepare the document you want notarized. It should be the final version—do not plan to make changes after notarization. Make sure all blank spaces that should be filled in are completed, except for signature lines. The notary will not notarize incomplete documents. If the document has multiple pages, number them and make sure they are in order. Bring the original document, not a copy, unless you know that a copy is acceptable (ask the organization requesting the notarization).

Know what you are signing. Read the document before you go to the notary. If you do not understand it or have questions, ask for clarification from the person who prepared the document or ask a lawyer. The notary cannot explain the document or give legal advice—they can only confirm that you are who you say you are and that you are signing willingly. If you have concerns about what you are signing, resolve them before the appointment.

Confirm the notary's hours and location before you visit. Call ahead to make sure a notary will be available. Some