Do they have a Notary at the Post Office?
Some post office locations offer notary services, but it’s not standard across all USPS branches. Availability varies widely by location, and even branches that have a notary might only offer services during limited hours or by appointment.
Before making a trip to your local post office hoping to get a document notarized, call ahead to confirm they offer the service. Otherwise you might waste time and gas only to discover they don’t have a notary available. The fastest solution will always be to get your document notarized online.
If you’d still like to get it done at the Post Office, here’s what you need to know about getting documents notarized at the post office and better alternatives when USPS doesn’t work out.
Post Office Notary Services: The Reality
Availability is inconsistent. Not all post offices have notaries on staff. Even those that do might only have notary services available during certain hours or specific days.
Call ahead is mandatory. You cannot assume your local branch offers notary services. Call first to confirm availability, hours, and whether you need an appointment.
Limited hours and appointments. Many post offices that offer notary services require appointments. Walk-ins might not be accommodated, especially during busy times.
Not all document types. Post offices that do offer notary services typically handle basic acknowledgments and jurats. More specialized notarizations might not be available.
What You Need to Get Notarized at the Post Office
If your local post office does have notary services, here’s what to bring:
Valid government-issued photo ID – Driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing.
Your original document – It must be original, not a photocopy or faxed version. Notaries cannot notarize copies.
The document should be unsigned – Don’t sign it beforehand. The notary needs to watch you sign.
Cash for payment – Most post offices only accept cash for notary services. Credit and debit cards typically aren’t accepted for notary fees.
Cost: Expect to pay $5-20 per signature depending on your location and state regulations.
Why Post Office Notary Services Often Don’t Work
Several practical problems make USPS notary services inconvenient for most people:
Limited availability – Post offices are only open during business hours, typically 9 AM-5 PM on weekdays. If you work those hours, you’ll need to take time off.
Inconsistent service – Even if your branch has a notary, that person might be on vacation, sick, or busy with other duties when you show up.
Appointment requirements – Many post offices require you to schedule notary appointments days in advance, which doesn’t help when you need something notarized quickly.
Cash-only payment – Having to pay cash is inconvenient when most people don’t carry much cash anymore.
Limited training – Postal employees who are notaries may not have extensive experience with complex documents or unusual situations.
Better Alternatives to Post Office Notaries
When post office notary services aren’t available or convenient, you have several better options:
Online Notary Services
Online notarization (remote online notarization or RON) lets you get documents notarized via video call from anywhere.
How it works:
- Upload your document to an online notary platform
- Join a video call with a commissioned notary
- Verify your identity through secure ID checks
- Sign electronically while the notary watches
- Receive your notarized document digitally in minutes
Cost: $25 per document
Benefits:
- Available 24/7 in most cases, not just business hours
- No travel required
- Faster than searching for in-person options
- Legal in nearly all states
- More secure with encrypted video and document storage
BlueNotary offers convenient online notarization that solves all the problems with post office notary services:
- No need to call ahead and hope they have a notary
- Available evenings and weekends when post offices are closed
- Complete the entire process in 10-15 minutes from home
- No cash required—pay securely online
- Works from anywhere with internet access
UPS Store
Most UPS Store locations offer notary services during regular business hours.
Cost: $10-15 per signature
Pros: Convenient locations, extended hours (many open until 7-8 PM), no appointment needed at most stores
Cons: Not every location has a notary, still need to travel there
Call your local UPS Store first to confirm they have notary services available.
Banks and Credit Unions
Many banks provide free notary services to account holders.
Cost: Free for customers, $10-20 for non-customers (if they’ll serve you)
Pros: Free if you’re a customer
Cons: Only available during banking hours (typically closing at 5-6 PM weekdays), may only serve account holders, some branches don’t have notaries
Independent Notaries
Independent notary signing agents operate small businesses providing notary services.
Cost: $10-30 per signature, potentially more for mobile service
Pros: Often more flexible hours, personalized service, may offer mobile service (come to you)
Cons: Must search to find them, quality varies, mobile services cost more
Search online directories from the National Notary Association or American Association of Notaries to find local independent notaries.
Mobile Notaries
Mobile notaries travel to your location—home, office, hospital—for a fee.
Cost: $75-150 including travel fees
Pros: Comes to you, flexible scheduling, good for elderly or mobility-impaired
Cons: More expensive, must schedule in advance
Mobile notaries make sense when you have multiple people who need to sign in one location or when someone can’t easily travel.
Cost Comparison
Here’s what you’ll actually pay for different notary options:
- Post office: $5-20 per signature (if available, cash only)
- Online notary (BlueNotary): $25 per document
- UPS Store: $10-15 per signature
- Bank (customer): Free
- Bank (non-customer): $10-20 per signature
- Independent notary: $10-30 per signature
- Mobile notary: $75-150 total
For one or two signatures, post office or UPS Store offers the lowest cost if available and convenient. But when you factor in time, travel, limited hours, and cash-only payment, online notarization at $25-40 often provides better overall value.
When Online Notarization Makes More Sense
Choose online notarization over post office or in-person options when:
You can’t get there during business hours – Post offices close at 5 PM. Online notaries are available evenings and weekends.
You need it done quickly – Why spend an hour driving to the post office when you can get it done in 15 minutes online?
Your local options don’t have notaries – Rural areas often have limited in-person notary options.
You have mobility issues – Online notarization eliminates travel entirely.
You’re dealing with time-sensitive documents – No need to wait for appointments or hope the post office notary is available.
You want better security – Online notarization provides encrypted video recording, tamper-evident seals, and detailed audit trails that traditional notarization doesn’t offer.
Most states now accept remote online notarization, making it a legitimate and often superior alternative to searching for in-person notary services.
Post Office Notarization Conclusions
Post offices offer notary services at some locations, but availability is inconsistent and inconvenient. You must call ahead, work within limited business hours, and pay cash. Even then, there’s no guarantee a notary will be available when you show up.
Online notary services like BlueNotary solve these problems by offering 24/7 availability, no travel, and completion in 10-15 minutes for $25-40. This is often more convenient and better value than driving to a post office that may or may not have notary services.
If you prefer in-person options, UPS Stores, banks (for customers), and independent notaries provide more reliable alternatives than post offices for getting documents notarized.
FAQ
Does the Post Office offer notary services?
Some USPS locations offer notary services, but it’s not available at all branches. Availability varies by location. Always call your local post office first to confirm they have a notary and ask about their hours, appointment requirements, and fees.
What do I need to get a document notarized at the Post Office?
Bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport), your original unsigned document, and cash for payment ($5-20 typically). Don’t sign the document beforehand—the notary must watch you sign. Photocopies and faxed documents cannot be notarized.
How much does Post Office notary service cost?
Post office notary services typically cost $5-20 per signature depending on your location. Most post offices only accept cash payment for notary services, not credit or debit cards. Call ahead to confirm the exact fee at your location.
Can the Post Office notarize any type of document?
Not necessarily. Post offices that offer notary services typically handle basic acknowledgments and jurats. More specialized notarizations might not be available. Call your local post office to confirm they can handle your specific document type.
What are better alternatives to Post Office notary services?
Online notary services like BlueNotary ($25-40, available 24/7), UPS Stores ($10-15 per signature, extended hours), banks (free for customers), and independent notaries ($10-30) all provide more reliable and convenient options than post offices. Online notarization is fastest and most flexible for most people.
