Some banks notarize documents at no charge, but usually only for their own customers and only at branches with a notary on duty. Bank of America says notary services are free in many of its financial centers, and TD Bank offers free notary services to customers, with limited exceptions for non-customers. Policies differ by bank and branch, so confirm before you go. If your bank cannot help, BlueNotary offers remote online notarization (RON) starting at $25.
Which Banks Notarize Documents for Free?
Need to get a document notarized? You might not need to pay for it.
Some banks offer free notary services to their customers. Bring your document and ID, sign in front of the notary, and you’re done, with no fee at banks that offer the service free.
But not every bank does this, and policies vary by location. Here’s which banks offer free notarization, what you need to know, and other options when your bank can’t help. The bank pages below were checked on October 15, 2026.
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 helps prevent fraud. Notarization does not by itself make a document legally binding; the National Association of Secretaries of State describes it as confirming that a signature is authentic and that the signer knows what they are signing and does so voluntarily.
Documents that commonly need notarization (see the most commonly notarized documents):
- 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 (only when a law or the other party requires it)
What Each Bank Says About Free Notary Services
Bank of America and TD Bank both state on their own websites that notary services are free for customers. U.S. Bank and Regions say they offer notary services at certain branches, but the pages we reviewed do not state a fee. Availability depends on the branch, so use the bank’s locator or call first.
Bank | What the bank’s website says | Who it serves | Branch availability |
Notary services are available at no cost; appointments are scheduled online; a typical appointment takes about 30 minutes | Described as “at no cost to our customers” | Many financial centers | |
Free notary services for customers, during normal lobby hours | Customers; non-customers in MA, NY, NC and SC, as required by law | Not stated; check your store | |
Notary services at many branches; an appointment is optional | Not stated | Many branches; fee not stated on the pages reviewed | |
Notary services at select branches; contact the branch to make an appointment | Regions customers | Select branches; fee not stated |
Banks That Offer Free Notary Services
Several major banks provide free notarization to account holders:
Bank of America
Cost: Free for customers, according to the bank’s website
Availability: Many financial centers, per Bank of America
Requirements: Valid photo ID, must be a customer, and an appointment scheduled online
Notes: A typical appointment takes about 30 minutes, and the notary reviews your document to decide whether the notarization can be completed. Call ahead to confirm.
Chase Bank
Cost: We did not find a published fee policy on Chase’s website; guides often report free for customers
Availability: Varies by branch
Requirements: Ask whether you must be a customer; bring valid ID
Notes: Service availability varies by location. The notary may be at lunch or busy with other customers, so timing matters. See our guide to Chase notary services.
Wells Fargo
Cost: No published policy found; often reported as free for account holders
Availability: Varies by branch
Requirements: Ask about customer status; government-issued photo ID
Notes: Notary hours may differ from regular banking hours. Ask when scheduling.
PNC Bank
Cost: No published policy found; often reported as free for account holders
Availability: Varies by branch
Requirements: Ask about customer status; valid ID
Notes: Some branches require appointments for notary services.
U.S. Bank
Cost: Not stated on the U.S. Bank pages we reviewed
Availability: Many branches, per U.S. Bank
Requirements: Valid identification for every signer; customer status not stated
Notes: Check with your specific branch for notary availability. An appointment is optional.
TD Bank
Cost: Free for customers
Availability: Not stated; check your store
Requirements: Customer account (non-customers in MA, NY, NC and SC, as required by law), photo ID
Notes: Notary service is offered during normal lobby hours, and all signers must be present with the complete documents and valid ID.
Regions Bank
Cost: Fee not stated on Regions’ page
Availability: Select branches
Requirements: Customer with valid ID
Notes: Contact the branch to make an appointment.
Fifth Third Bank
Cost: No published policy found; often reported as free for customers
Availability: Varies by branch
Requirements: Ask about customer status; government-issued ID
Notes: Availability varies by branch.
Important Limitations to Know
Only for Account Holders
Many banks notarize only for their own customers, and you may be turned away if you don’t have an account there. TD Bank is an exception in four states: it notarizes for non-customers in MA, NY, NC and SC, as required by law.
If a bank does charge a non-customer, the fee is limited by state law. California caps the fee for an acknowledgment at $15 per signature, and New York sets $2 for an acknowledgment or an oath. See our state-by-state notary requirements guide.
Limited to Banking Hours
Bank notaries work during branch hours. TD Bank describes service during normal lobby hours, and Bank of America schedules notary visits by appointment. If you need notarization at 7 PM on a Tuesday, you’re likely out of luck. For late-night options, see how to find a notary open now.
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. Bank of America says many financial centers, U.S. Bank says many branches, and Regions says select branches.
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
At Bank of America, the notary reviews your documents to decide whether the notarization can be completed. 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.
Every signer and any required witness: Bank of America requires all signers and required witnesses to be present.
Online Option: Get Notarized with BlueNotary
Bank notarization can be free, but it comes with limits: branch hours, branch availability, account requirements, and possible waits. Online notarization is another option for after-hours or no-account situations.
How BlueNotary Works
BlueNotary.us provides remote online notarization (RON) by live video with a commissioned notary, from your phone or computer.
How it works:
- Upload your document.
- Verify your identity.
- Join a live video session with a commissioned notary and sign electronically.
- Download the notarized document.
When Online Notarization Fits Better
Available 24/7 BlueNotary’s pricing page lists on-demand service with no scheduling. 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 Many banks notarize only for their customers. BlueNotary does not require you to open a bank account.
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.
Remote online notarization depends on the state where the notary is commissioned and on whether the receiving organization accepts it. The National Association of Secretaries of State reports that 47 states and the District of Columbia have a law allowing remote e-notarization, and requirements vary. BlueNotary’s pricing page lists 45+ states as covered. Check with the person or agency receiving your document before you start.
What Online Notarization Costs with BlueNotary
Yes, you pay for BlueNotary while bank notarization is free. But consider what you’re getting:
Flexibility: Available when banks are closed
Convenience: Work from anywhere
A notarization with one stamp is $25, and each additional stamp is $8. Each additional signer in an on-demand session is $5, and each signer joins the video call from their own device. Witness service from BlueNotary is $10, and inviting your own witness is free. For example, one document with two signers and one stamp is 30(25 + $5). If the same document needs two stamps, the total is 38(25 + $8 + $5).
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
Whether a document can be notarized online depends on the notary’s state and the receiving organization. Common documents include:
- 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
Ready to start? Start a notarization with BlueNotary
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
BlueNotary: from $25
As detailed above, online notarization is an option when your bank is closed or cannot help. Learn how online notarization works
Other Options
UPS Store – price set by each independently owned store
Pros: Walk-ins common at many locations; hours vary by store
Cons: Costs money, requires travel
Public Libraries – Sometimes free
Pros: Very cheap, serve the community
Cons: Limited hours, not all libraries offer it, may require appointments
Mobile Notaries – Fees vary, plus travel
Pros: Come to you, available outside business hours
Cons: Usually cost more, require scheduling
County Clerk or City Hall – Fees vary
Pros: Official government service, trustworthy
Cons: Limited hours, may involve waiting in line, parking can be difficult
If your bank can’t help and you need service outside branch hours, BlueNotary offers remote online notarization starting at $25.
How to Find a Bank Notary Near You
Step 1: Check Your Bank’s Website
Some 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: U.S. Bank tells customers to locate a branch that offers notary services before visiting. Bank of America has an online appointment tool, and TD Bank has a store locator.
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 – Often no charge for customers
Convenient – If you’re already banking there, combine errands
Trustworthy – Banks ensure notaries are properly certified
Familiar – In-person service at a branch you already use
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’s remote online notarization is available on demand as a backup option.
Cost Comparison: Bank vs Other Options
Option | Cost | Availability | Speed |
Your bank (free) | $0 for customers at banks that offer it free | Banking hours only | 5-10 min (if no wait) |
BlueNotary (online) | From $25 with one stamp | On-demand 24/7, per BlueNotary’s pricing page | Live video session |
UPS Store | Set by each independently owned store | Hours vary; not at all locations | In person |
Mobile notary | Fees vary, plus travel | By appointment | Travel + signing time |
Library | Sometimes free | Limited hours | Varies |
Government office | Fees vary | Business hours | 10-30 min |
Free bank notarization wins on cost but loses on flexibility. Online notarization with BlueNotary is an option when you need flexibility.
Bottom Line
Bank of America and TD Bank state on their own websites that notary services are free for customers. U.S. Bank and Regions offer notary services at certain branches. Chase, Wells Fargo, PNC, and Fifth Third do not publish a notary policy that we could find, so ask the branch.
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
Online option: If your bank doesn’t offer free notarization or you need service outside banking hours, BlueNotary offers remote online notarization starting at $25. Extra stamps are $8, extra signers are $5 each, and witness service is $10.
For free notarization during banking hours, use your bank. For convenience, flexibility, and 24/7 availability, use BlueNotary online notarization.
Need a document notarized outside branch hours or without a bank account? Start an online notarization with BlueNotary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do banks notarize documents for free?
Many do, but usually only for customers. Bank of America and TD Bank both state that notary services are free for customers. Availability varies by branch, and a notary may decline some documents, so confirm with your branch first.
- Can I use a bank notary if I am not a customer?
Sometimes. TD Bank says it notarizes for non-customers in Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina, as required by law. Bank of America describes its service as for customers. Elsewhere, ask the branch before you travel.
- Does Chase notarize for free?
We did not find a Chase notary fee policy on its own website. Many guides report free notarization for Chase customers at branches with a notary. Call your branch to confirm whether a notary is available, who qualifies, and whether there is a fee.
- Do I need an appointment for a bank notary?
It depends on the bank. Bank of America schedules notary visits by appointment, and U.S. Bank makes appointments optional. TD Bank describes service during normal lobby hours. Calling ahead helps because a notary must be working that day.
- What if my bank is closed or cannot notarize my document?
Try remote online notarization. With BlueNotary, one stamp is $25, extra stamps are $8, extra signers are $5 each, and witness service is $10. The receiving organization must accept the notarization, so confirm its requirements first.
