Do Banks Offer Notary Services for Documents?
Unsure if banks notarize documents? Get clear answers, understand the process, and find practical ways to authenticate your important papers.
A notary public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, verifying the signer’s identity and willingness to sign. This process, known as notarization, adds a layer of authentication to legal and financial documents, ensuring their validity and deterring fraud. Many individuals inquire about notary services at their local bank branches, as it is a common and convenient option.
Bank Notary Service Availability
Many banks across the United States provide notary public services, often as a complimentary offering for their customers. While numerous brick-and-mortar banks employ notaries within their branches, this service is not universally guaranteed at every location or by every financial institution. Availability can vary significantly depending on the specific branch or the bank’s internal policies, so it is advisable to confirm availability beforehand. Banks commonly notarize various documents, including affidavits, loan documents, powers of attorney, deeds, and certain contracts.
Access to these services often depends on whether an individual holds an account with the bank. Many institutions offer free notarization to their customers while charging a fee to non-customers. Some banks may extend the service to non-customers for a small fee, typically ranging from $0 to $10 per signature. It is always prudent to contact the specific bank branch in advance to confirm their notary service policies and any associated costs.
Preparing for Notarization at a Bank
Proper preparation is important for a smooth notarization process at a bank. Individuals must bring a valid, government-issued photo identification that is current and includes their photo and signature. Acceptable forms of identification generally include a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, U.S. military ID, or a U.S. passport. The name on the identification must match the name on the document to be notarized.
The document itself should be complete, with all blank spaces filled in, but it must remain unsigned. Signing must occur in the direct presence of the notary public. If the document requires additional witnesses, those individuals must also be present with their own valid identification, and you should confirm any specific requirements with the bank beforehand.
The Notarization Process
Upon arrival at the bank, individuals should inform staff of their need for notary services. The notary public will then review the document to determine the type of notarization required and verify that all necessary pages are present. The notary will request the signer’s valid photo identification to confirm their identity. This identity verification is a fundamental part of the notary’s duty to prevent fraud.
The signer will then be asked to sign the document in the notary’s presence. Depending on the document, the notary might also administer an oath or affirmation, confirming the truthfulness of the document’s contents. Following the signing, the notary will complete a notarial certificate, affix their official stamp or seal, and record the transaction in their journal.
Locating Notary Services Beyond Banks
When bank notary services are unavailable or inconvenient, several other options exist for notarizing documents. Shipping and mailing stores, public libraries, and credit unions frequently have commissioned notaries on staff, sometimes free to members or for a nominal fee. These locations often require appointments, so calling ahead is recommended.
Individuals can seek out mobile notaries who travel to a client’s preferred location for a fee. Remote Online Notarization (RON) has also become a widely accepted alternative, allowing documents to be notarized digitally via video conference with a commissioned notary. This online service is recognized in all 50 states, offering a convenient solution for those unable to visit a physical location.