Are Bank Notary Services Free? What You Need to Know
Understand bank notary policies, required documents, and where to find notarization services beyond your financial institution.
A notary public is an official appointed by a state government to serve the public as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Notarization adds a layer of verification and security to transactions. Its purpose is to deter fraud by confirming signer identity and ensuring agreements are entered into knowingly and willingly. Notarization is essential for many legal and financial documents, establishing their validity and authenticity.
Understanding Bank Notary Services
Many banks offer notary services, and the cost often depends on whether you are an existing account holder. For individuals with checking, savings, or other accounts at a particular bank, notary services are frequently provided free of charge.
Non-account holders, however, may face a fee for notarization, or some banks might not offer the service to them at all. Policies can vary significantly between different bank chains and even among individual branches, so it is advisable to contact the specific branch beforehand to inquire about their notary availability and fee structure. Not all bank branches have a notary available at all times, so confirming availability before a visit can save time.
What to Bring for Notarization
You will need to present valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification, such as a state-issued driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, or a passport. This identification is used by the notary to verify your identity.
Bring the complete document that requires notarization, ensuring that all pages are present. The document should remain unsigned until you are in the presence of the notary. Notaries cannot provide legal advice, so it is your responsibility to understand the content and implications of the document before the notarization process. If the document requires witnesses in addition to notarization, ensure those witnesses also accompany you and bring their valid photo identification.
Steps for Notarizing at a Bank
When you are physically present with a notary at a bank, the process begins with presenting your valid identification and the unsigned document. The notary will examine your identification to verify your identity, ensuring it matches the information on the document. This step is a primary safeguard against identity fraud.
After identity verification, you will be instructed to sign the document in the notary’s presence. The notary may then administer an oath or affirmation, if required by the document’s nature, confirming the truthfulness of its contents. Following your signature, the notary will complete the notarial certificate, apply their official stamp or seal, and record the details of the notarization in their journal. You will then receive your notarized document, complete with the notary’s official endorsement.
Finding Notary Services Beyond Banks
While banks are a common location for notary services, several alternative options exist if bank services are inconvenient or unavailable. Many credit unions, public libraries, and mail service centers often provide notary services, though fees and availability may vary. Businesses such as real estate offices or law firms may also have notaries on staff, sometimes offering services to the public.
Independent or mobile notaries offer the convenience of coming to a location of your choice for a fee. Online notarization services are also increasingly available, allowing documents to be notarized remotely via video conference. It is always prudent to confirm fees and requirements with any alternative service provider before proceeding.