Does Your Bank Notarize for Free?

Notarization verifies signatures and deters fraud, performed by a Notary Public who confirms identities and witnesses signatures. Many people wonder if banks offer this service and if it’s free. This article clarifies the role of banks in notarization and guides those needing these services.

Notarization Services at Banks

Many U.S. banks commonly offer notarization services, primarily as a convenience for their account holders. This service is often provided free of charge to customers who maintain an account with the institution, although policies can vary significantly by bank and branch. Some banks may extend notarization services to non-customers, but these instances typically involve a small fee.

Banks are generally equipped to notarize a wide array of documents, including affidavits, powers of attorney, deeds, loan documents, wills, and trusts. It remains advisable to contact your specific bank or branch beforehand to confirm notary availability, hours of service, and any particular requirements or fees that may apply.

Preparing for Your Notary Visit

Before visiting a bank for notarization, it is important to prepare thoroughly. You will need to present valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification to the notary. Acceptable forms of identification include a state-issued driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, a U.S. military ID, or a U.S. passport. This identification must clearly match the name on the document you intend to have notarized.

The document itself must be complete, but it should remain unsigned until you are in the notary’s presence. The notary is required to witness your signature. If your document necessitates witnesses, you must bring your own witnesses to the appointment. These witnesses need to be at least 18 years old, of sound mind, and a neutral third-party who does not have a financial interest in the document. They will also need to present their own valid identification to the notary.

It is prudent to call your specific bank branch in advance to verify notary availability and hours. This step helps confirm that a notary will be present when you arrive and allows you to inquire about any specific branch policies or requirements for the type of document you need notarized.

The Notarization Appointment

Upon your arrival at the bank, you will present your valid identification and the unsigned document to the Notary Public. The notary’s primary role involves verifying your identity and ensuring you understand the document you are signing, without offering any legal advice. This ensures that you are signing willingly and knowingly.

The document must be signed by you directly in the notary’s presence. If witnesses are required for your document, they will also sign it and present their own identification to the notary. After witnessing the signatures, the notary will complete their notarial certificate, which typically involves applying their official seal or stamp and signing the document. This official act marks the completion of the notarization process.

When a Bank Notary Isn’t an Option

There are situations where utilizing a bank’s notary service may not be feasible or appropriate. Banks may have limitations on the types of documents they can notarize, sometimes declining complex legal instruments or those not directly related to banking transactions. Additionally, a notary might not be available at all times due to staffing limitations, vacation, or specific branch policies that restrict notary access to certain hours or only to account holders. Notaries are also prohibited from notarizing blank or incomplete documents, documents where they have a personal interest, or vital records such as birth or death certificates.

If a bank notary is not an option, several alternatives exist for securing notarization services. Commercial establishments such as The UPS Store or Mail Boxes Etc. frequently offer notary services, though they typically charge a fee per signature. Public notaries can also be found through online directories, professional associations, or at other locations like attorney’s offices, real estate agencies, or public libraries, often for a fee. These alternative providers can offer flexibility in scheduling and may be able to handle a broader range of document types.