Does Every Bank Have a Notary Public?

A notary public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, verifying identities and deterring fraudulent activity. These officials help ensure the authenticity of signatures on various legal and financial papers. Knowing where and how to access notary services is helpful for documents requiring official verification.

The Role of a Notary Public

A notary public is an individual officially appointed by a state government to serve as an impartial witness. Their primary duties involve validating a signer’s identity and confirming their willingness and awareness when signing a document. Notaries ensure individuals are not acting under duress and understand the implications of the documents they are signing. They also administer oaths and affirmations, contributing to the legal validity of sworn statements.

Notary Availability at Banks

Many financial institutions, particularly larger banks and credit unions, offer notary services to their customers. However, availability is not universal and can vary significantly between branches, even within the same bank chain. Some banks may offer these services for free to account holders, while non-customers might incur a small fee, typically ranging from $10 to $20 per document. It is advisable to call a specific branch beforehand to confirm notary availability, hours, and any potential fees or restrictions. Notaries at banks often deal with mortgage documents, loan applications, and financial affidavits.

What to Bring for Notarization

When seeking notary services, individuals must present a valid, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a state-issued driver’s license, state identification card, U.S. military ID, or a U.S. passport. The identification must be current and typically include a photograph, physical description, and signature. Bring the complete document to be notarized, but it should remain unsigned until in the notary’s presence, as the notary must witness the signing. If the document requires additional witnesses, the individual must bring their own, as notaries typically cannot provide them.

Alternative Notary Locations

If bank services are not convenient, several other locations commonly provide notary services. Shipping and postal service stores, such as The UPS Store, frequently have notaries available, though fees vary by state and location, often ranging from $10 to $15 per signature. Many public libraries also offer notary services, sometimes for free or a nominal charge, but availability can depend on staff and may require an appointment. Other options include law offices, real estate firms, tax preparers, credit unions, and college campuses. Mobile notaries can also provide services by traveling to a client’s location, with fees that typically include a travel charge in addition to per-signature rates, ranging from $70 to $200 depending on distance and complexity.