Short answer: Yes, many banks offer free notary services—but only if you’re a customer.
If you have an account at Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or several other major banks, you can usually get documents notarized for free during banking hours. Walk in with your ID and unsigned document, and a bank employee with a notary commission will witness your signature at no charge.
But there are catches. Here’s everything you need to know about free bank notarization and what to do when it’s not available.
What Is Notarization and Why Do You Need It?
A notary public is someone authorized by the state to witness signatures and verify identities on legal documents.
What notaries do:
- Check your ID to confirm your identity
- Watch you sign the document
- Verify you’re signing voluntarily (not under pressure)
- Apply their official seal and signature
- Record the notarization in their log
Why it matters: Notarization prevents fraud and makes documents legally binding. Many institutions—courts, government agencies, lenders, real estate companies—require notarized documents before they’ll accept or process them.
Common documents that need notarization:
- Real estate deeds and mortgages
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Loan agreements
- Wills and trusts
- Business contracts
- Vehicle title transfers
Which Banks Offer Free Notary Services?
Wells Fargo
Cost: Free for account holders
Who qualifies: Personal and business account customers
What to know: Available at most branches, but call ahead to confirm your branch has a notary on staff that day.
Bank of America
Cost: Free for personal account holders
Who qualifies: Must have a Bank of America account
What to know: Availability varies by location. Not every branch has a notary, and even if they do, the notary might be unavailable when you visit.
Chase Bank
Cost: Free for account holders
Who qualifies: Customers with checking or savings accounts
What to know: Most commonly offered for routine documents. Complex or unusual documents might be declined.
U.S. Bank
Cost: Free at select branches
Who qualifies: Account holders with eligible accounts
What to know: Not all branches offer notary services. Check with your specific location.
PNC Bank
Cost: Free for customers
Who qualifies: Account holders
What to know: More commonly available at larger city branches than smaller suburban locations.
TD Bank
Cost: Free for account holders at participating locations
Who qualifies: Personal and business banking customers
What to know: Their extended hours (some branches open evenings and weekends) make them more accessible than typical banks.
Important Limitations of Bank Notary Services
You Must Be a Customer
Banks don’t notarize for just anyone who walks in. You need an account there. Some banks might make exceptions and charge a fee ($10-25), but most will simply turn away non-customers.
Banking Hours Only
Banks typically offer notary services 9 AM – 5 PM on weekdays, maybe Saturday mornings. Need something notarized at 7 PM or on Sunday? You’re out of luck.
Not All Branches Have Notaries
Even if your bank offers notary services, your particular branch might not have an employee with a notary commission. Smaller branches are less likely to have notaries on staff.
The Notary Might Not Be There
The one person with a notary license at your branch might be:
- On vacation
- Out sick
- At lunch
- Helping another customer
- Working at a different branch
Always call ahead before making a trip.
Document Limits May Apply
Some banks limit free notarizations to:
- 1-3 documents per visit
- Certain document types only
- Personal documents only (not business documents)
Not All Documents Are Accepted
Bank notaries typically handle straightforward documents. They might decline:
- Complex legal documents they’re unfamiliar with
- Documents in foreign languages
- Anything that seems suspicious or fraudulent
- Documents where they question the signer’s understanding
What You Need to Bring to the Bank
1. Valid government-issued photo ID
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- State ID card
- Military ID
Must be current or recently expired (depending on your state).
2. The unsigned document Bring it complete but don’t sign it yet. The notary must watch you sign.
3. Proof you’re an account holder Usually your ID matching the account name is enough, but bring your debit card just in case.
The Better Alternative: Online Notarization with BlueNotary
Bank notarization is free, but it’s also restrictive. There’s a better option that combines convenience with reasonable cost.
How BlueNotary Works
BlueNotary.us offers complete online notarization via video call. No app download, no driving to a bank, no working around banking hours.
The process takes 10-15 minutes:
- Visit BlueNotary.us – Works in any web browser on your phone, computer, or tablet
- Upload your document – PDF, Word, or image files
- Upload your ID – Driver’s license, passport, or state ID
- Connect with a licensed notary – Live video call starts in minutes
- Verify your identity – Secure identity verification process
- Sign electronically – Sign while the notary watches via video
- Download your notarized document – Instant download with digital notary seal
Why BlueNotary Beats Banks
Available 24/7 Need notarization at 10 PM Friday? 6 AM Saturday? 2 PM Sunday? No problem. BlueNotary operates around the clock, every day of the year.
No Account Required Anyone can use BlueNotary—no need to be a bank customer.
Zero Travel Time Complete everything from home, your office, or anywhere with internet. No driving, no parking, no gas money.
Fast The entire process takes 10-15 minutes. Going to a bank takes 30-60 minutes minimum (travel, parking, waiting).
Works for Multiple Parties Need signatures from people in different cities or states? Everyone can sign from their own location with BlueNotary.
No Document Limits Get as many documents notarized as you need—no arbitrary limits like banks impose.
Live Chat Support Questions? Problems? Click the chat icon and get help from real people immediately. Banks don’t offer this.
Legally Valid Everywhere BlueNotary notarizations are legally recognized in all 50 states, accepted by courts, government agencies, lenders, and businesses nationwide.
Cost: $25 Per Document
Yes, BlueNotary costs money while bank notarization is free. But consider the value:
- Time saved: 45-60 minutes (no commute, no waiting)
- Availability: 24/7 vs. banking hours only
- Convenience: Work from anywhere
- No account needed: Use even if you don’t have a bank account
- Speed: 10-15 minutes start to finish
For most people, the convenience and time savings are worth $25. Compare that to mobile notaries who charge $75-150.
When to Use BlueNotary Instead of Your Bank
Choose BlueNotary when:
- You need notarization outside banking hours (evenings, weekends, holidays)
- You don’t have an account at a bank that offers free notarization
- Your bank is 20+ minutes away
- You’re working from home and don’t want to leave
- You need it done right now
- Multiple people need to sign from different locations
- You have mobility issues or no transportation
- The bank notary isn’t available
Choose your bank when:
- You’re already going there for other banking
- It’s during business hours and you have time
- Cost is your absolute only concern
- You strongly prefer in-person service
Documents BlueNotary Handles
BlueNotary notarizes everything banks do, plus more:
- Real estate documents
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits
- Loan documents
- Wills and trusts
- Business contracts
- Healthcare directives
- Vehicle titles
- Any document requiring notarization
Get started with BlueNotary now – Have your document notarized in the next 15 minutes.
Other Alternatives to Bank Notarization
If banks don’t work and you prefer not to use online notarization, other options exist:
UPS Store
Cost: $10-15 per signature
Pros: Extended hours, walk-ins usually accepted, widely available
Cons: Costs money, requires travel, can have wait times
Public Libraries
Cost: Free to $5
Pros: Very cheap or free
Cons: Limited hours (often just a few days per week), not all libraries offer it, may require appointments
Mobile Notaries
Cost: $75-150 (including travel fee)
Pros: Come to you, available outside business hours
Cons: Expensive, requires scheduling in advance
County Clerk or City Hall
Cost: Usually free or $5-10
Pros: Official government service, trustworthy
Cons: Business hours only, may involve long waits, difficult parking
Bottom line: For the best combination of convenience, speed, and reasonable cost, BlueNotary.us is your best alternative to free bank notarization.
How to Get Free Notarization at Your Bank
If you decide to use your bank, follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirm Your Bank Offers Free Notary Services
Call the customer service number or check the bank’s website. Ask:
- “Do you offer free notary services to account holders?”
- “Are there any restrictions or limits?”
Step 2: Call Your Specific Branch
Even if the bank offers notary services, your branch might not. Call and ask:
- “Do you have a notary on staff?”
- “What are the notary’s hours?”
- “Do I need an appointment?”
- “How many documents can you notarize per visit?”
- “What types of documents do you notarize?”
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents and ID
Gather:
- Your unsigned document(s)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Any additional documents the branch requested
Step 4: Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid lunch time (12-2 PM) and after work (4-6 PM) when banks are busiest. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon usually means shorter waits.
Step 5: Be Ready to Sign
Don’t sign the document beforehand. The notary must watch you sign it.
Factors That Affect Free Notary Availability
Account Type
Some banks offer free notarization only to certain account types:
- Premium accounts might include unlimited notarizations
- Basic checking might include 1-3 free notarizations per month
- Some banks offer it to all account holders regardless of type
Bank Location
Urban branches with higher traffic are more likely to have notaries on staff. Small suburban or rural branches may not have notaries at all.
Document Type
Banks more readily notarize:
- Standard personal documents (affidavits, powers of attorney)
- Real estate documents
- Simple business documents
They might decline:
- Highly complex legal documents
- Documents in foreign languages
- Anything unusual or unfamiliar
Number of Documents
Banks might offer:
- 1-3 documents free per visit
- Unlimited notarizations if you’re a premium customer
- A monthly cap on free notarizations
Cost Comparison: All Your Options
| Option | Cost | Availability | Speed | Travel Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank | Free | Banking hours only | 5-10 min + wait | Yes |
| BlueNotary | $25 | 24/7 | 10-15 min | No |
| UPS Store | $10-15 | Extended hours | 5-10 min | Yes |
| Library | Free-$5 | Very limited | Varies | Yes |
| Mobile notary | $75-150 | By appointment | Varies | No (they come to you) |
| Government office | Free-$10 | Business hours | 10-30 min + wait | Yes |
Best for free: Your bank (if you’re a customer) or library
Best for convenience: BlueNotary (24/7, no travel, fast)
Best for urgency: BlueNotary (available now)
Tips for a Smooth Bank Notarization Experience
Always Call First
Don’t assume the notary is available just because the bank is open. Call ahead every single time.
Bring Backup ID
If your primary ID has any issues (expired, different address, recent name change), bring additional identification.
Don’t Pre-Sign
The notary must witness your signature. If you already signed it, you’ll need a fresh copy of the document.
Know What You’re Signing
The notary will ask if you understand the document. Be prepared to answer honestly.
Build in Extra Time
Don’t schedule back-to-back appointments. Bank visits can take longer than expected if there’s a line or the notary is busy.
Have a Backup Plan
If the bank notary isn’t available, know where else you can go. BlueNotary.us is always accessible as a backup option—available 24/7 from anywhere.
Banks and Notarization Bottom Line
Many banks do offer free notary services, but only to their account holders and only during banking hours. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, U.S. Bank, PNC, and TD Bank are among the major banks providing this service.
To use free bank notarization:
- You must have an account at that bank
- Call ahead to confirm a notary is available
- Bring valid ID and your unsigned document
- Visit during banking hours
- Be prepared for possible wait times
For better convenience: BlueNotary.us offers online notarization 24/7 for $25 per document. No travel, no banking hours restrictions, no account required. Complete the entire process in 10-15 minutes from your phone or computer.
Free is great if it’s convenient for you. But if you value your time and need flexibility, paying $25 for instant, anytime notarization often makes more sense than spending an hour visiting a bank during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do banks offer free notary services?
Many banks offer free notary services to their account holders, including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, U.S. Bank, PNC, and TD Bank. However, availability varies by branch, not all locations have notaries, and services are typically limited to banking hours (9 AM-5 PM weekdays).
Why do we need notarization?
Notarization authenticates signatures on legal documents by having a notary public witness the signing and verify the signer’s identity. This prevents fraud, ensures documents are signed voluntarily, and adds legal validity. Courts, lenders, and government agencies often require notarized documents.
What factors affect the cost of notary services at banks?
Cost depends on whether you’re an account holder (free vs. $10-25 for non-customers), your account type (premium accounts may get more free notarizations), the number of documents (some banks limit free notarizations per visit), and location (policies vary by branch and region).
Which banks are known to offer free notary services?
Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase Bank, U.S. Bank, PNC Bank, and TD Bank all offer free notarization to account holders. Always call your specific branch first to confirm they have a notary available, as not all branches provide this service.
Are there alternatives to bank notary services?
Yes. BlueNotary offers online notarization 24/7 for $25 via video call—no travel required, completed in 10-15 minutes. Other alternatives include UPS Store ($10-15), public libraries (free-$5), mobile notaries ($75-150), and government offices (free-$10).
Can I get documents notarized outside banking hours?
Banks only notarize during business hours. For after-hours service, use BlueNotary’s 24/7 online notarization (available nights, weekends, and holidays) or hire a mobile notary who can meet you at your convenience. BlueNotary is faster and cheaper than mobile notaries.
What do I need to bring for bank notarization?
Bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID), your completed but unsigned document, and proof you’re an account holder. The notary must watch you sign, so don’t sign it beforehand.
How does online notarization with BlueNotary work?
Visit BlueNotary.us, upload your document and ID, connect with a licensed notary via live video call, verify your identity, sign electronically while the notary watches, then download your notarized document instantly. The entire process takes 10-15 minutes and works from any device.
Is online notarization legally valid?
Yes. BlueNotary notarizations are legally recognized in all 50 states and accepted by courts, government agencies, lenders, and businesses nationwide. Online notarization follows state laws and provides the same legal validity as in-person notarization.
When should I use BlueNotary instead of my bank?
Use BlueNotary when you need notarization outside banking hours, don’t have an account at a bank offering free service, need it done urgently, are working from home, have multiple parties signing from different locations, or value convenience over saving $25. BlueNotary is available 24/7 with no travel required.
