Do Banks Charge a Fee to Notarize Documents?

A notary public serves as an impartial third-party witness to the signing of important documents. This official verifies the identity of the person signing, ensures they are not acting under duress, and confirms their understanding of the document’s contents. The fundamental purpose of notarization is to deter fraud and lend authenticity to signatures on legal and financial paperwork.

Availability of Notary Services at Banks

Many financial institutions provide notary services as a convenience. This service is frequently offered to account holders, though policies vary significantly between banks and branches. While some banks may extend notary services to the general public, others might restrict it to customers only or charge a fee for non-customers. Before visiting, contact your specific bank branch to confirm notary availability, operating hours, and if an appointment is necessary.

Notarization Fees at Banks

Whether a bank charges for notarization largely depends on your relationship with the institution. Many banks offer notarization free of charge as a courtesy to customers. For individuals who do not hold an account with the bank, some institutions may charge a nominal fee, typically ranging from $0 to $20 per notarial act. State laws often regulate the maximum fees a notary public can charge, and banks adhere to these limits if they impose a fee.

What to Prepare for Notarization at a Bank

When preparing to have a document notarized at a bank, you must bring a valid form of photo identification. Acceptable IDs generally include a current, government-issued document such as a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, or passport. This identification must clearly show your photograph, signature, and physical description.

You must also bring the complete document that requires notarization, ensuring all pages are present. It is important not to sign the document beforehand, as it must be signed in the presence of the notary public. The notary will observe you signing the document and may ask questions to confirm your understanding of its purpose and contents. All individuals whose signatures require notarization must be present at the time of the service.

Alternative Notary Options

If obtaining notary services from a bank is not feasible or preferred, several other common locations offer these services. You can often find notaries at mail service centers, such as UPS Stores, which frequently have notaries on staff. Public libraries are another resource that may provide notarization services, sometimes for a small fee or even free. Additionally, private notary services, law offices, or even some real estate firms may have notaries available to assist the public.