Do Banks Offer Notary Services for Free?
Navigate the common questions about bank notary services: availability, typical costs, and what you need to notarize your documents.
A notary public is an official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary role is to deter fraud by verifying the identity of the signers and ensuring they sign documents willingly. Notarization adds an extra layer of verification, giving confidence that the person signing is indeed who they claim to be and that the signature is legitimate. This service is often sought for various legal and financial documents, such as real estate deeds, loan agreements, and powers of attorney.
Availability of Notary Services at Banks
Many financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, commonly offer notary public services. These services are often provided as a convenience to their account holders, though policies can vary significantly. While some branches may have multiple notaries on staff, others might only have one or none at all.
It is common for banks to prioritize their existing customers, offering the service either exclusively to them or with different conditions for non-customers. Some banks extend notary services to non-customers, often for a nominal fee, while others may not offer the service to non-account holders at all. Policies can even differ between individual branches of the same bank, depending on staffing and local demand.
Before visiting a branch, it is advisable to confirm the availability of a notary public. A quick phone call to the specific branch you plan to visit can save time and ensure a notary will be present when you arrive. Many banks also provide information about their notary services on their official websites, detailing whether the service is offered and any specific requirements or limitations.
Cost of Notary Services at Banks
Many banks offer notary services free of charge to their account holders, treating it as a courtesy service. This is a common practice, as banks often aim to provide comprehensive financial services. While the service is frequently complimentary for customers, it is not universally free for everyone.
Some banks may impose a small fee, typically ranging from $5 to $10, for notary services provided to non-customers. State laws generally regulate the maximum fee a notary public can charge for their services, with these caps varying by jurisdiction. Banks often choose to waive these allowable fees for their established clientele.
The specific cost, if any, will depend on the bank’s individual policy and whether you are an existing customer. It is always prudent to inquire about any potential fees when confirming notary availability.
Requirements for Bank Notary Services
To successfully have a document notarized at a bank, individuals must meet several specific requirements. The most important is presenting valid, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms of ID typically include a state-issued driver’s license or identification card, a United States passport, or a military identification card. This identification is used by the notary to verify your identity.
The document itself must be complete in all respects, but it should remain unsigned until you are in the presence of the notary. The notary must witness your signature to properly authenticate it. You should bring all pages of the document that require notarization, as the notary may need to review the entire document for context.
If the document requires signatures from multiple parties, all signers whose signatures are to be notarized must be physically present before the notary at the same time. The notary’s role is to verify the identity and willingness of each individual. Additionally, it is important to understand the contents of the document you are signing, as a notary public cannot provide legal advice or explain the document’s implications.