Notary Services at the Post Office: What You Need to Know
Does the Post Office have a Notary? Well, the answer is sometimes.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) occasionally offers notary services at select locations for documents and letters to be mailed domestically or internationally. To have your documents notarized at the post office, we highly recommend reaching out ahead of time.
Depending on the distance to your Post Office, it may be in your best interest to simply get your document notarized online.
You will need to provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, regardless of whether you are notarizing online or in person at the post office. The notary officer will verify your identity to notarize the documents.
If you decide to make the trek to the post office and spend the extra time driving and waiting in line, you will need to be sure not to forget the documents that need to be notarized. Heaven forbid you make the trek twice. Only documents with an original signature can be notarized. The notary officer will not notarize copies or faxes of documents.
There is a small fee for most notary services at USPS locations. Fees will run from $5-$20 per signature depending on your location. Since most post office locations do not accept debit or credit cards, payment is often made in cash. Be sure to call ahead and check with your local post office for their fees.
Does the Post Office do any type of Notarization?
Not all post office locations offer notary services or the same type of notary services. Be sure to make sure they can check with the Post Office that they offer support for the exact kind of notarization you need, such as an oath, jurat, or acknowledgment. Many locations require you to make an appointment for their notary services.
By following the steps above and below and ensuring you have the proper identification and documents, you can have your letters or documents notarized at select USPS locations for your mailing needs. Utilizing the convenient notary services at your local post office can save you money, but it will likely not be saving you any time.
As we all know, time is money. For that reason, we recommend taking a look at the option below.
Using an Online Notary Instead: The Pros and Cons
Using an online notary service instead of going into a physical post office location does have some advantages and disadvantages to consider:
- Convenience. Online notary services allow you to get documents notarized remotely via live video chat without leaving your home or office. This can save you time and hassle, especially if the nearest notary public or post office with notary services is far away or has limited hours.
- Lower costs. Some online notary services charge lower fees than traditional notaries. The services are often more affordable since they have lower overhead costs without the need for physical office space, staff, or transportation.
- Perfectly Legal. It is best to check with your receiving party as to any hangups regarding electronic and remote notarization, but generally speaking, cross state notarization has long been recognized as legal and RON is approved in the vast majority of states with Online Notarization Laws passed in the House as well.
- Decreased risk of fraud. There is a lower potential for deception and fraudulent activity with electronic notarization since the authentication is run by advanced security systems. With 10 years of video storage as well it’s hard to argue against online notarization providing more security.
- On-demand assistance. With instant chat support, you can speak with someone to assist you through the technical aspects of your notarization. The notary will help you the rest of the way with hands-on guidance.
In summary, while online notary services generally do provide more convenience, and when you factor in gas and driving time, they’re the more economical option as well.
Finding a Notary Public Near You if the Post Office Isn’t an Option.
If your local post office does not offer notary services or has limited availability, you have other options for finding a notary public.
Check with Local Businesses
Some businesses employ notaries or have them on staff as a courtesy to their customers. Or try calling a small law firm to inquire about notary services. They may charge a small fee for non-customers.
Search Online Directories
Websites like the American Association of Notaries, Notary Rotary, the National Notary Association, and BlueNotary offer directories to locate notaries in your area. Simply search for nearby notaries and shoot them a line. It’s a great way to find a “Notary Near Me”. Some notaries advertise mobile services if they do so.
Visit a UPS Store
The UPS Store offers notary services at most of their locations during normal business hours. Similar to your Post Office you will need to call ahead and you may need to schedule. You can see our article on UPS Notarization.
Try an Independent Notary Signing Agent
Independent notary signing agents offer notary services to individuals and businesses. They are licensed by the state and bonded to perform notarizations. Fees will vary but often range from $25 to $30 per signature. Search online for “mobile notary (your city name)” or “traveling notary (your city name)” to find options in your local area.
In summary, you have several convenient options for finding a notary public if your local United States Postal Service office does not provide notary services or has limited availability. With some searching online or by phone, you can locate a notary to notarize your important documents.
FAQ
Q1: Does the Post Office offer notary services?
A1: Yes, select United States Postal Service (USPS) locations offer notary services for documents and letters to be mailed domestically or internationally. It’s recommended to contact your local post office in advance to confirm availability.
Q2: What do I need to provide to have a document notarized at the Post Office?
A2: You must provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, whether notarized online or in person at the post office. Only documents with an original signature can be notarized; copies or faxes are not acceptable.
Q3: How much does it cost to get a document notarized at the Post Office?
A3: The fee for notary services at USPS locations typically ranges from $5 to $20 per signature, depending on your location. Most post office locations require payment in cash, so it’s advisable to call ahead and check the specific fees.
Q4: Can I notarize any type of document at the Post Office?
A4: Not all post office locations offer the same type of notary services. It’s important to check with your local post office to ensure they support the specific kind of notarization you need, such as an oath, jurat, or acknowledgment. Many locations require appointments for their notary services.
Q5: What are the advantages of using an online notary service instead of going to the Post Office?
A5: Online notary services offer convenience by allowing documents to be notarized remotely via live video chat, often at lower costs due to reduced overhead. They are legally recognized in the majority of states, provide increased security against fraud with advanced authentication systems, and offer on-demand assistance with instant chat support.
