Not All Banks Offer Notary Services
Now, you can’t get into notarizing a document without participation from a notary public. A notary public acts as a state-commissioned individual who becomes an impartial witness in any relevant legal signing. The main responsibility of a public notary is to verify the identity of the person signing the document and to witness the signing. The question is, do all banks have notaries? The answer is no. The fact of that matter is that sooner or later – you will have to notarize a document. Notarizing documents is an essential process in the business world.
Notarizing in person with pen and paper is quickly becoming a relic of the past though. The electronic and digital notary software market is set to grow at 21.5% in the next five years. Not all banks offer notary services to their customers. Some larger banks typically do have notaries on staff, but smaller banks and credit unions generally do not. As a customer, it is best to call your specific bank branch to inquire about their notary services before going there to get documents notarized.
Major Banks That Offer Notary Public Services
As a customer, it is important to know which major banks that offer notary public services to have your important documents properly notarized. Not all banks provide this service, so you will want to check with your local branch to confirm availability and any associated fees. Some of the largest national banks that do provide notary services include:
- Bank of America
Bank of America extends complimentary notary services exclusively to its customers, available at specific financial centers. To ensure the availability of notary services, customers are advised to contact their local center in advance. - Capital One
Customers of Capital One can access free notary services at their full-service locations. However, due to varying availability across branches, customers must schedule an appointment beforehand. - Citibank
To ascertain the fees associated with a particular notary service at Citibank, it is advisable to inquire directly with your local branch. Not all Citibank branches offer notary services, so it is crucial to identify a branch that does and make an appointment accordingly. - Chase Bank
Chase Bank provides complimentary notary services to its clients. Even if you are not a customer, you can still visit a nearby Chase Bank branch to inquire about the fees and requirements for availing notary services.
Chase Bank notary not only appears in our list of major banks offering notary services but also stands out for its commitment to accommodating non-customers as well. While many banks restrict their notary services to account holders, Chase extends this service to the general public, albeit with a fee for non-customers.
This inclusive approach ensures that anyone in need of notarization can access reliable and professional services, making Chase Bank an ideal choice for a wide range of notarization needs.
In summary, while not all banks offer notary public services, many of the largest national banks frequently provide this service during normal business hours to properly verify identities and notarize your important documents. Be sure to check with your local bank branch to confirm availability and bring the necessary identification and paperwork.
Alternatives to Bank Notaries: Online Notaries and Mobile Notaries
Online Notaries
In recent years, online notary services have become available as an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar notaries, especially as of 2023. These internet-based services allow documents to be notarized remotely via live audio-video communication. One of the reputable companies that provides online notarization is BlueNotary.
Using a service like BlueNotary will save you time and money since you don’t need to find and schedule with an in-person notary. Plus, the BlueNotary platform is secure and simple.
We can break down the process into three simple steps.
- Enter your email on the front page of bluenotary.us
- Follow the Directions in your Email and upload your Document + ID
- Meet a Commissioned Online Notary instantly and complete your signing
The entire process start to finish can take less than 10 minutes for a Notarization. BlueNotary also makes it easy for foreigners and those without SSIDs with their biometric identity proofing.
Ready to get that document notarized now? Go to BlueNotary to get started.
Here are the four most common types of Notarization:
1. Acknowledgments / Signature witnessing
Acknowledgments are arguably the most common notarization type. It is a process where a notary reviews the custodian’s document and authenticates the person’s identity before signing a document. After authentication, the notary will include their required notarial language and a notary seal on the document.
2. Oath and Affirmations
The notarization of this kind stands out in comparison to the traditional witnessing of signatures. In situations where the person responsible for the legal document declares their honorable intentions, affirmations, and oaths come into play. A typical instance that necessitates this particular notary is a wedding ceremony.
3. Copy certification
This specific type of notarization, as implied by its name, confirms the authenticity of a replicated document. Usually, copy certification applies to original documents that bear an official seal. It encompasses a wide range of documents such as marriage licenses, driver’s licenses, leases, social security cards, diplomas, vehicle titles, and medical records.
4. Jurat
Jurat is a comprehensive notarial process that encompasses oaths, affirmations, and signature witnessing. In this particular type of notarization, the individual responsible for a document presents the necessary identification papers. Once the notary verifies the documents in the presence of the principal, they proceed to solemnly swear an oath, affirming the accuracy of the information contained within the submitted documents.
Local Alternatives to Bank Notaries
If your bank does not offer notary services or you prefer to use an independent notary, you have a few options to get your documents notarized:
- Check with nearby UPS Stores or independent offices that provide notary services. Some will offer notary services.
- See if your local courthouse offers any notary services. Some courthouses provide notary services for a low cost or for free.
- Check the BlueNotary Directory and contact a Notary.
- As a last resort, you can check with nearby colleges, libraries, or universities to see if they offer any notary services for students or the public. Some may provide notary services for little to no cost.
In summary, while not all banks have readily available notary publics, there are several other options to get your important documents notarized properly, the fastest of which is going to be notarized online. With some searching, you should be able to find an affordable notary in your local area.
Mobile Notaries
Another option is to hire a mobile notary, also known as a traveling notary public. These are notaries that will travel to a location of your choosing to notarize your documents. Mobile notaries provide a convenient solution if you are unable to travel to a bank or UPS store. You can search online for “mobile notary” along with your city name or zip code to find local mobile notary services.
When hiring a mobile notary, check that they are properly licensed and insured. Expect to pay travel fees in addition to standard notary fees. Provide clear copies of your ID and documents in advance to ensure a quick visit. Meet in a public place for the signing and have witnesses present if required for your specific documents.
Where to go for Notarization when Banks are Closed on Sundays
Both an online notary and a mobile notary can provide accessible alternatives if a traditional notary at your bank is inconvenient or unavailable. However, be sure to verify proper credentials, licensing, and any additional state requirements to ensure your documents are legally notarized!
FAQ
Q1. Do all banks offer notary services?
No, not all banks offer notary services. Larger banks might have notaries on staff, while smaller banks and credit unions may not.
Q2. Which major banks provide notary public services?
Major banks like Bank of America, Capital One, Citibank, and Chase Bank offer notary services, with varying policies for customers and non-customers.
Q3. What are the alternatives if my bank doesn’t offer notary services?
Alternatives include online notaries like BlueNotary, local UPS Stores, courthouses, colleges, and mobile notaries that travel to you.
Q4. How can I notarize a document online?
To notarize online, enter your email on BlueNotary’s website, follow email directions to upload your document and ID, then meet a commissioned online notary to complete the signing.
