Do Banks Notarize Documents for Free?
Get clear answers on whether banks provide free document notarization. Learn the essentials for successful notarization and other convenient options.
Notarization is a process that verifies the authenticity of a signature on a document. A notary public acts as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, deterring fraud and ensuring the document’s integrity. This act adds credibility and legal weight to various personal and business transactions.
A notary public helps prevent disputes and uphold the legal validity of agreements and other critical papers. Their role is to confirm the signer’s identity and ensure they understand the document they are executing. This process is a common requirement for many legal, financial, and real estate documents across the United States.
Bank Notary Services
Many financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, commonly provide notary services to their customers. The availability of these services can vary significantly by branch, so it is advisable to contact a specific branch beforehand to confirm a notary public’s availability. While some banks may offer notarization free of charge as a complimentary service to their account holders, this practice is not universal.
For individuals who do not hold an account with the bank, a fee may be assessed. These fees typically range from a few dollars to about $10 or $15 per signature, depending on the institution and state regulations. Some banks might not offer notary services to non-customers at all, prioritizing their account holders. It is prudent to inquire about any potential costs and service availability before visiting a bank for notarization.
Preparing for Notarization
Before seeking notarization, individuals must gather specific items. The primary requirement is a valid, government-issued photo identification. This typically includes a current driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, or a passport. The identification must be unexpired and clearly show the signer’s photograph, signature, and physical description.
The document for notarization must be fully prepared, with all blanks filled in. However, the document should remain unsigned until the signer is in the physical presence of the notary public. This allows the notary to witness the actual signing. If a document requires one or more credible witnesses, they must also be present and provide their own valid, unexpired identification.
The Notarization Appointment
During the notarization appointment, the individual presents their complete, unsigned document and valid identification to the notary public. The notary’s primary role is to verify the signer’s identity by comparing the individual to their identification and confirming its authenticity. This step prevents fraud and ensures the document’s integrity.
After identity verification, the notary instructs the signer to sign the document in their presence. The notary then completes the notarial certificate portion of the document. This involves applying their official stamp or seal, signing the certificate, and often recording the notarial act in their official logbook. These steps signify that the document has been properly notarized.
Other Notary Options
If bank notary services are not accessible or desirable, several alternative locations offer notarization. Many shipping service centers, such as retail packaging and shipping stores, commonly provide notary public services for a fee. These fees are generally competitive, ranging from $5 to $25 per signature, depending on the location and complexity.
Other common places to find notary services include local public notaries who operate independently, often advertised in business directories or online. Attorneys’ offices, real estate agencies, and some tax preparation services also frequently have notaries on staff. It is advisable to contact these alternative providers in advance to confirm availability, required identification, and current service charges.