Which Banks Notarize Documents for Free?
Need to get a document notarized? You might not need to pay for it.
Many banks offer free notary services to their customers. Walk in with your document and ID, sign in front of the notary, and you’re done—no fee charged.
But not every bank does this, and policies vary by location. Here’s which banks offer free notarization, what you need to know, and better alternatives when your bank can’t help.
What Is Notarization?
A notary public is someone authorized by the state to witness document signings and verify identities.
When you get something notarized, the notary:
- Checks your ID to confirm you are who you claim to be
- Watches you sign the document
- Confirms you’re signing voluntarily (not under pressure or duress)
- Applies their official seal and signature
- Records the transaction in their notary log
This process prevents fraud and makes documents legally binding.
Documents that commonly need notarization:
- Real estate deeds and mortgages
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Loan agreements (including DSCR loans)
- Wills and trusts
- Vehicle title transfers
- Business contracts
Why Banks Offer Free Notary Services
Banks provide free notarization as a customer perk. It’s a value-added service that:
Builds loyalty – Customers appreciate free services and are more likely to stay with the bank
Increases foot traffic – People coming in for notarization might open accounts or use other services
Differentiates from competitors – Free notarization is a selling point when choosing a bank
Strengthens relationships – Helping customers with important documents builds trust
It costs banks very little (they just need one employee to get a notary license), but provides significant customer value.
Banks That Offer Free Notary Services
Several major banks provide free notarization to account holders:
Bank of America
Cost: Free for account holders
Availability: Most branches nationwide have notaries
Requirements: Valid photo ID, must be a customer
Notes: Not all branches have a notary on staff every day. Call ahead to confirm.
Chase Bank
Cost: Free for customers
Availability: Many branches offer notary services
Requirements: Must have an account, bring valid ID
Notes: Service availability varies by location. The notary may be at lunch or busy with other customers, so timing matters.
Wells Fargo
Cost: Free for account holders
Availability: Most locations have notaries
Requirements: Customer status required, government-issued photo ID
Notes: Notary hours may differ from regular banking hours. Ask when scheduling.
PNC Bank
Cost: Free for account holders
Availability: Available at most branch locations
Requirements: Must be a PNC customer with valid ID
Notes: Some branches require appointments for notary services.
U.S. Bank
Cost: Free for clients
Availability: Most branch locations offer notary services
Requirements: Account holder status, valid identification
Notes: Check with your specific branch for notary availability.
TD Bank
Cost: Free for customers at many locations
Availability: Select branches
Requirements: Customer account, photo ID
Notes: “America’s Most Convenient Bank” offers extended hours at many locations, making notarization easier to access.
Regions Bank
Cost: Free for account holders
Availability: Most branches in their service area
Requirements: Customer with valid ID
Notes: Common in the South and Midwest.
Fifth Third Bank
Cost: Free for customers
Availability: Many branch locations
Requirements: Account holder, government-issued ID
Notes: Availability varies by branch.
Important Limitations to Know
Only for Account Holders
Most banks only notarize documents for their own customers. If you don’t have an account there, they’ll turn you away.
A few banks charge non-customers a fee ($5-15 per signature), but many don’t offer the service to non-customers at all.
Limited to Banking Hours
Bank notaries work during regular banking hours—typically 9 AM to 5 PM weekdays, sometimes Saturday mornings. If you need notarization at 7 PM on a Tuesday, you’re out of luck.
Not Every Branch Has a Notary
Even if your bank offers notary services, your specific branch might not. Small branches may not have anyone with a notary commission on staff.
The Notary Might Not Be Available
The one employee with a notary license might be:
- On vacation
- Out sick
- At lunch
- Helping another customer
- Working at a different branch that day
Always call ahead.
Some Documents May Not Be Eligible
Bank notaries typically handle straightforward documents. They might decline:
- Extremely complex legal documents
- Documents in foreign languages
- Documents they don’t feel comfortable notarizing
- Situations where they suspect fraud or coercion
You Can’t Notarize Your Own Documents
If you’re listed as a party in the transaction, you can’t notarize it. For example, if you’re selling property, you can’t notarize the buyer’s signature.
What You Need to Bring
Valid Government-Issued Photo ID:
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- State ID card
- Military ID
The ID must be current (or recently expired in some states).
The Unsigned Document: Bring the document complete but unsigned. The notary must watch you sign it.
Knowledge of What You’re Signing: The notary will ask if you understand the document. Be prepared to answer honestly.
The Better Alternative: Get Notarized Online with BlueNotary
While bank notarization is free, it comes with significant limitations—banking hours only, branch availability, account requirements, and potential wait times. There’s a better option that combines convenience with reasonable cost.
How BlueNotary Works
BlueNotary.us provides full online notarization via video call, right from your phone or computer. No apps to download, no driving anywhere, no waiting in line.
The process takes 10-15 minutes:
- Go to BlueNotary.us – Works in any web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer
- Upload your document – PDF, Word doc, or image files accepted
- Upload your ID – Driver’s license, passport, or state ID
- Connect with a licensed notary – Video call starts within minutes
- Verify your identity – Notary confirms who you are using secure verification
- Sign electronically – Sign the document while the notary watches via video
- Receive your notarized document – Download immediately with the notary’s digital seal
Why BlueNotary Beats Bank Notarization
Available 24/7 Need notarization at 9 PM on Saturday? No problem. BlueNotary operates around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Banks close at 5 PM and aren’t open Sundays.
No Travel Required Zero commute time. Complete everything from your couch, office, or anywhere with internet. Save gas money and time.
No Account Required Banks only notarize for their customers. BlueNotary serves everyone—no need to open a bank account just to get a document notarized.
Faster Than Banks No driving, no parking, no waiting in line. The entire process takes 10-15 minutes. At a bank, you spend 10 minutes driving there alone.
Multiple Locations Possible Need signatures from people in different cities? With BlueNotary, each person can sign from their own location. Try coordinating that at a bank.
Live Chat Support Stuck or have questions? Click the chat icon and get help from real people immediately. Banks don’t offer real-time support for notarization issues.
Legally Valid BlueNotary notarizations are legally recognized in all 50 states and accepted by courts, government agencies, and financial institutions nationwide.
Cost: $25 Per Document
Yes, you pay for BlueNotary while bank notarization is free. But consider what you’re getting:
Time saved: 30-60 minutes (no travel, no waiting)
Flexibility: Available when banks are closed
Convenience: Work from anywhere
Speed: Completed in 10-15 minutes
For most people, saving an hour and having 24/7 availability is worth $25. Compare that to mobile notaries at $75-150.
When to Choose BlueNotary Over Your Bank
Choose BlueNotary when:
- You need notarization outside banking hours
- You don’t have an account at a bank offering free notarization
- Your nearest bank is 15+ minutes away
- You’re working from home and don’t want to leave
- You need it done urgently (today, right now)
- Multiple parties need to sign from different locations
- You have mobility issues or transportation challenges
- The bank notary isn’t available or is busy
Choose your bank when:
- You’re already going there anyway
- It’s during banking hours
- You have plenty of time
- Cost is your only concern
- You prefer in-person service
Documents BlueNotary Can Handle
BlueNotary notarizes the same documents banks do:
- Real estate deeds and mortgages
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Loan documents (including DSCR loans)
- Wills and trusts
- Business contracts
- Vehicle titles
- Healthcare directives
- And more
Plus, BlueNotary can handle documents banks might decline or feel uncomfortable notarizing.
Getting Started Is Easy
Visit BlueNotary.us now and you can have your document notarized in the next 15 minutes. No account setup required for basic notarization (though free accounts are available if you need recurring service).
The platform is mobile-friendly—works perfectly on iPhones and Android phones, so you can get documents notarized anywhere you have cell service or WiFi.
Need help? Chat support is available throughout the process. Just click the chat icon if you have questions or run into any issues.
Other Alternatives If Your Bank Can’t Help
If your bank doesn’t provide free notary services or you need notarization outside banking hours, you have several options:
Online Notarization (Best Alternative)
BlueNotary – $25-40
As detailed above, this is your best alternative to bank notarization. Available 24/7, no travel required, completed in 10-15 minutes. Get started at BlueNotary.us
Other Options
UPS Store – $10-15 per signature
Pros: Extended hours, walk-ins welcome, widely available
Cons: Costs money, requires travel
Public Libraries – Free to $5
Pros: Very cheap, serve the community
Cons: Limited hours, not all libraries offer it, may require appointments
Mobile Notaries – $75-150
Pros: Come to you, available outside business hours
Cons: Expensive, requires scheduling
County Clerk or City Hall – Free to $10
Pros: Official government service, trustworthy
Cons: Limited hours, may involve waiting in line, parking can be difficult
For most situations where your bank can’t help, BlueNotary.us offers the best combination of convenience, speed, and reasonable cost at $25 per document.
How to Find a Bank Notary Near You
Step 1: Check Your Bank’s Website
Most major banks list notary services in their “Services” section. Look for:
- Which branches offer notary services
- Hours of availability
- Whether appointments are required
Step 2: Call Your Branch
Even if the website says they offer notary services, call your specific branch:
- “Do you have a notary on staff?”
- “What are the notary’s hours?”
- “Do I need an appointment?”
- “What ID do I need to bring?”
This saves wasted trips.
Step 3: Use Online Tools
Google Maps: Search “banks with notary services near me”
Bankrate or NerdWallet: These sites maintain lists of banks offering notary services
Bank Locators: Each bank’s website has a branch locator that often indicates which services each branch offers
Step 4: Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Banks are busiest during lunch (noon-2 PM) and after work (4-6 PM). Visit mid-morning or mid-afternoon for faster service.
Pros and Cons of Bank Notarization
Pros
Free – Saves $5-25 per document compared to paid notaries
Convenient – If you’re already banking there, combine errands
Trustworthy – Banks ensure notaries are properly certified
Additional services – Some banks offer document copying, faxing, or witnessing
Professional setting – Secure, private environment
Cons
Limited to account holders – Must have an account there
Banking hours only – Can’t access service evenings or weekends
May require appointment – Can’t always walk in
Location dependent – Not all branches have notaries
Potential wait times – Might need to wait if notary is busy
Document restrictions – Some documents may not be eligible
Tips for a Smooth Experience
Call Ahead Every Time
Even if you’ve used the notary before, call ahead each visit. The notary might not be working that day.
Bring Multiple Forms of ID
If your primary ID has any issues (expired, different address, name change), bring backup identification.
Don’t Sign the Document First
The notary must watch you sign. If you already signed it, you’ll need a new copy.
Arrive Prepared
Know what you’re signing. The notary will ask if you understand the document.
Allow Extra Time
Don’t schedule a bank notary visit right before an important appointment. Build in buffer time in case there’s a wait.
Have a Backup Plan
Know where else you can get notarization if the bank notary isn’t available. BlueNotary.us is always accessible as your backup option.
Cost Comparison: Bank vs Other Options
| Option | Cost | Availability | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank (free) | $0 | Banking hours only | 5-10 min (if no wait) |
| BlueNotary (online) | $25 | 24/7 | 10-15 min |
| UPS Store | $10-15 | Extended hours | 5-10 min |
| Mobile notary | $75-150 | By appointment | Travel + signing time |
| Library | Free-$5 | Limited hours | Varies |
| Government office | Free-$10 | Business hours | 10-30 min |
Free bank notarization wins on cost but loses on flexibility. Online notarization with BlueNotary offers the best combination of convenience and reasonable cost.
Bottom Line
Many banks offer free notary services to account holders: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank, TD Bank, Regions Bank, and Fifth Third Bank all provide this service at most locations.
To use bank notary services:
- Call your branch to confirm they have a notary available
- Bring valid photo ID
- Bring your completed but unsigned document
- Sign in front of the notary
- No fee charged
Limitations:
- Only available to customers
- Limited to banking hours
- Not all branches have notaries
- May require appointments
Better alternative: If your bank doesn’t offer free notarization or you need service outside banking hours, BlueNotary.us provides convenient online notarization 24/7 for $25-40 per document. No travel required, no banking hours restrictions, and documents are ready in 10-15 minutes.
For free notarization during banking hours, use your bank. For convenience, flexibility, and 24/7 availability, use BlueNotary online notarization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of notarizing a document?
Notarization verifies that signatures on legal documents are genuine and that signers are who they claim to be and are signing willingly without coercion. A notary public checks IDs, witnesses signatures, and applies their official seal, making documents legally binding and helping prevent fraud.
Why should I use free notary services provided by banks?
Free bank notarization saves $5-25 per document, offers a secure environment with certified professionals, and provides convenience if you’re already visiting the bank for other services. It’s reliable, costs nothing to account holders, and strengthens your relationship with your bank.
Which banks offer free notary services?
Major banks offering free notarization to account holders include Bank of America, Chase Bank, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, U.S. Bank, TD Bank, Regions Bank, and Fifth Third Bank. Availability varies by branch—call ahead to confirm before visiting.
What should I consider when choosing a bank for notary services?
Consider branch accessibility, notary availability (hours and whether appointments are needed), whether you’re an account holder (most banks only serve customers), and if the bank offers additional services like document copying. Also check if they have restrictions on document types.
Are there any downsides to using bank-provided notary services?
Downsides include: limited to account holders only, available only during banking hours, not all branches have notaries, may require appointments, potential wait times, and some complex documents may not be eligible. For more flexibility, consider online notarization with BlueNotary.
How can I find banks offering free notary services nearby?
Use Google Maps to search “banks with notary services near me,” check bank websites under their services section, use tools like Bankrate or NerdWallet, or call local branches directly. Always confirm availability and requirements before visiting.
What if my bank doesn’t offer free notarization?
Use BlueNotary for convenient 24/7 online notarization ($25-40), UPS Store ($10-15), public libraries (free-$5), mobile notaries ($75-150), or county clerk offices (free-$10). BlueNotary offers the best balance of convenience, speed, and cost for most situations.
Can I get documents notarized outside banking hours?
Banks only offer notarization during business hours (typically 9 AM-5 PM weekdays). For after-hours service, use BlueNotary’s online notarization available 24/7 including nights, weekends, and holidays, or hire a mobile notary who can meet at your convenience.
What do I need to bring to get something notarized at a bank?
Bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID) and your completed but unsigned document. You must be an account holder at that bank and be prepared to explain what you’re signing.
Why is BlueNotary better than bank notarization?
BlueNotary offers 24/7 availability (vs banking hours only), no travel required, no account needed, works for multiple parties in different locations, includes live chat support, and takes just 10-15 minutes total. While it costs $25-40 vs free at banks, it saves time and offers far more flexibility.
