Do Banks Charge for Notary Services?
Find out if banks charge for notary services. This guide clarifies bank policies and offers practical advice for notarizing your documents.
Notary services are an important process where a neutral third party, known as a notary public, verifies the identity of individuals signing documents and witnesses their signatures. This process helps to deter fraud and ensures the integrity of various legal and financial transactions. Many people frequently inquire whether financial institutions like banks offer these services and if there is an associated cost for their use.
Availability and Cost of Notary Services at Banks
Many banks across the United States typically provide notary services to their customers. This convenience is a common offering, with major financial institutions often having notaries available within their branches. However, the specific availability of a notary can vary from one branch to another, making it advisable to contact your local bank branch in advance to confirm their hours and notary availability.
For bank account holders, notary services are often free. If you are not an account holder, the bank may charge a small fee, typically $5 to $15 per signature or document. Some banks might decline to provide services to non-customers. Policies for fees and service availability can differ between banks and even among branches.
Preparing for Notary Services
To ensure a smooth notarization process, certain preparation steps are necessary. You will need to present a valid, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, U.S. passport, or military ID. This identification must be current and the name on it should exactly match the name on the document you are having notarized.
Bring the complete original document that requires notarization. The document should not be signed in advance. Notaries require signatures to be affixed in their presence to verify identity and witness the act of signing. Ensure all blank spaces are filled out before your appointment, as notaries may decline to notarize incomplete paperwork. If the document requires additional witnesses, they must also be present with valid identification.
Other Notary Options
If bank services are not a viable option, several alternatives exist for obtaining notary services. Many credit unions also provide notary services, often with similar policies to banks regarding account holders. Mail service stores, such as The UPS Store or FedEx Office, commonly have notaries on staff and charge a fee. Other locations that may offer notary services include public libraries, law offices, real estate firms, and certain tax preparation businesses.
For situations where travel is difficult, mobile notaries are available and will come to your chosen location. These services usually include a travel fee in addition to the per-signature charge, with total costs often ranging from $70 to $200 depending on distance and complexity. Remote Online Notarization (RON) is another option, allowing documents to be notarized virtually via webcam. These online services typically cost around $25 to $50 per document and require a device with audio and video capabilities, along with a valid government-issued ID.