Where to Get Something Notarized: 7 Easy Options

You need to get a document notarized. Where do you go?

Most people think it’s complicated or expensive. It’s actually pretty easy—you probably have several options within a few miles of your house, and some don’t cost anything.

Here’s where to get documents notarized, how much it costs, and which option works best for different situations.

What Is Notarization?

Before we get into where, let’s quickly cover what notarization actually is.

A notary public is someone authorized by the state to witness document signings. When you get something notarized, the notary:

1. Checks your ID – Verifies you are who you claim to be
2. Watches you sign – Witnesses your actual signature on the document
3. Confirms you understand – Makes sure you know what you’re signing
4. Verifies willingness – Ensures you’re signing voluntarily, not under pressure
5. Applies their seal – Stamps the document with their official notary seal
6. Records it – Logs the notarization in their official record book

This process prevents fraud. If someone later claims they didn’t sign a document or didn’t understand it, the notary’s record proves otherwise.

Documents That Commonly Need Notarization

Legal Documents:

• Powers of attorney
• Wills and trusts
• Affidavits
• Contracts

Real Estate Documents:

• Property deeds
• Mortgage documents
• Lease agreements
• Title transfers

Financial Documents:

• Loan agreements
• Bank authorizations
• Investment documents

Personal Documents:

• Permission letters for minors
• Medical directives
• Custody agreements

Not every document needs notarization—only those where extra verification matters.

Where to Get Documents Notarized

1. Online Notary Services (BlueNotary)

Cost: $25-40 per notarization

Pros:

• Available 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• No travel required—complete from home or office
• Fast (typically 10-15 minutes from start to finish)
• Works from anywhere with internet
• Perfect for urgent needs outside business hours
• Ideal when multiple parties are in different locations
• No need to coordinate schedules with notary offices

Cons:

• Costs more than free bank services (but often worth it for convenience)
• Not legal in all states for all document types (legal in most states)
• Requires computer or smartphone with camera
• Need reliable internet connection

How BlueNotary works:

1. Upload your document to the secure platform
2. Upload a photo of your ID
3. Connect with a licensed notary via video call
4. The notary verifies your identity using advanced security
5. You sign the document electronically while they watch
6. The notary applies their digital seal
7. You receive the notarized document instantly

When online notarization makes sense:

• You need it done at 10 PM on a Saturday
• You’re working from home and don’t want to leave
• You have mobility issues or health concerns
• The nearest notary is 30+ minutes away
• You’re on a tight deadline
• Multiple parties need to sign from different locations
• You value convenience over saving $25

BlueNotary offers the fastest, most convenient notarization option—no driving, no waiting rooms, no working around business hours. Just log in, connect with a notary, and you’re done in minutes.

2. Your Bank or Credit Union

Cost: Free for account holders at most banks

Pros:

• Free if you bank there
• Quick and convenient
• Usually no appointment needed
• Trusted institution

Cons:

• Only available during banking hours (typically 9 AM – 5 PM weekdays)
• Some banks only serve account holders
• Not all branches have a notary on staff
• Notary might be at lunch or with another customer

Major banks offering notary services:

• Chase
• Bank of America
• Wells Fargo
• U.S. Bank
• PNC Bank
• Most credit unions

How to use this option: Call your branch first to confirm they have a notary available and ask about their hours. Bring your unsigned document and valid photo ID.

2. UPS Store

Cost: $10-15 per signature

Pros:

• Available at most locations
• Extended hours (evenings and some weekends)
• No account or membership required
• Walk-ins usually welcome
• Convenient if you need to ship documents too

Cons:

• Costs money
• Not every UPS Store has a notary
• May have to wait if busy

How to use this option: Find your nearest UPS Store online and call to confirm they offer notary services. Most don’t require appointments.

3. Public Libraries

Cost: Free or $1-5 at many libraries

Pros:

• Very cheap or free
• Serve the entire community
• No account required

Cons:

• Limited hours (notary might only be available certain days/times)
• Not all libraries offer this service
• May require appointments
• Can have long wait times

How to use this option: Call your local library to ask if they offer notary services and when. Some only have a notary available one or two days per week.

4. Shipping and Office Supply Stores

Cost: $5-15 per signature

Pros:

• Convenient locations
• Extended hours
• Additional services (printing, copying, shipping)
• No membership required

Cons:

• Costs money
• Availability varies by location
• May be busier during lunch and after work

Stores that often have notaries:

• FedEx Office
• Staples
• Office Depot (select locations)

How to use this option: Call ahead to confirm the location has a notary and check their availability.

5. Local Government Offices

Cost: Usually free or low cost ($5-10)

Pros:

• Official government service
• Low or no cost
• Trustworthy

Cons:

• Limited hours (typically weekday business hours only)
• May require appointments
• Can involve waiting in line
• Parking can be difficult

Government offices with notaries:

• County Clerk’s office
• City Hall
• Town offices
• Court clerk offices

How to use this option: Check your local government website or call to confirm they offer notary services, their hours, and whether you need an appointment.

6. Law Offices and Title Companies

Cost: Varies ($0-50 depending on whether you’re a client)

Pros:

• Professional expertise
• Good for complex legal documents
• Often free if you’re already a client
• Ensures proper handling of legal paperwork

Cons:

• May be expensive for non-clients
• Requires appointment
• Limited to business hours
• Might be overkill for simple documents

How to use this option: If you’re working with an attorney on a legal matter, ask if they can notarize related documents. For real estate transactions, title companies often include notarization as part of their services.

How to Find a Notary Near You

Use Online Locator Tools

BlueNotary Directory – Searchable database of notaries by location

Notary Rotary – Lists notaries with reviews and ratings

123notary – Another directory with detailed profiles

These tools let you filter by:

• Distance from your location
• Hours of operation
• Languages spoken
• Types of documents handled
• Fees charged

Ask People You Know

Sometimes the best way to find a good notary is just asking:

• Friends and family
• Coworkers
• Your real estate agent
• Your lawyer
• Your accountant

They can recommend notaries they’ve used and trust.

Check with Professional Organizations

If you need notarization for a specific type of document:

• Real estate agents can recommend mobile notaries who do loan signings
• Attorneys know notaries who handle complex legal documents
• Title companies have relationships with reliable notaries

What to Bring When Getting Something Notarized

Don’t waste a trip. Bring:

Valid Government-Issued Photo ID:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• State ID card
• Military ID

The ID must be current (or expired very recently, depending on your state).

The Unsigned Document:

• Bring it complete but unsigned
• The notary must watch you sign it
• Don’t sign it beforehand

Any Required Witnesses:

• Some documents need witnesses in addition to the notary
• Bring them if required

Payment:

• Cash or card if the service charges a fee
• Ask about payment methods when scheduling

How Much Does Notarization Cost?

Free Options:

• Your bank (if you’re a customer)
• Many credit unions
• Some libraries
• Employer (if they have a notary on staff)

Low Cost ($5-15):

• UPS Store
• FedEx Office
• Staples
• Government offices
• Some libraries

Higher Cost ($25-50):

• Online notary services
• Mobile notaries (who come to you)
• Law offices (for non-clients)

Premium ($75-150):

• Mobile notaries for after-hours or same-day service
• Complex documents requiring expertise

State Caps: Most states limit how much notaries can charge per signature. For example:

• California: $15 maximum per signature
• Texas: $6 per signature (but can charge travel fees)
• Florida: $10 per signature
• New York: $2 per signature

Even where services seem “expensive,” they’re often charging the state maximum.

Mobile Notaries: When They Make Sense

Mobile notaries travel to you. They’re useful when:

• You can’t easily leave home (elderly, disabled, hospitalized)
• Multiple people need to sign in one location
• You need notarization outside normal business hours
• You’re closing on a house and the notary comes to you

Cost: $75-150 typically, including travel fee

How to find them: Search “mobile notary [your city]” or ask your real estate agent, attorney, or title company for recommendations.

State-Specific Considerations

Notary requirements vary by state:

Remote Online Notarization (RON): Not all states allow online notarization for all document types. Most states now allow it, but some restrict which documents can be notarized remotely.

In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN): Some states allow electronic notarization but require you to be physically present with the notary.

Traditional Only: A few states still require traditional paper-and-ink notarization for certain documents.

Check your state’s requirements if you’re dealing with:

• Real estate documents
• Court documents
• Documents for use in other states or countries

Tips for Smooth Notarization

Call Ahead

Always call first to:

• Confirm they have a notary on staff
• Check if the notary is working that day
• Ask about their hours
• Find out if you need an appointment
• Ask about fees

This saves wasted trips.

Understand What Can’t Be Notarized

Notaries typically can’t notarize:

• Documents with blank spaces (fill everything out first)
• Documents you’ve already signed (sign in front of the notary)
• Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates (these are certified differently)
• Documents where you’re also a party (conflict of interest)

Bring the Right ID

Your ID must:

• Be government-issued
• Include your photo
• Show your current legal name
• Be current (or recently expired in some states)

If your ID name doesn’t match the document name (maiden name vs. married name), mention this when scheduling.

Know All Signers Must Appear

If three people need to sign the document, all three must appear before the notary together. The notary can’t notarize signatures from people who aren’t present.

When to Use Each Option

Use your bank when:

• You’re already going there anyway
• You want free notarization
• The document is straightforward
• You have time during banking hours

Use UPS/FedEx when:

• You need it done outside banking hours
• You don’t have a bank account nearby
• You need other services (shipping, printing)
• You want walk-in convenience

Use BlueNotary (online notarization) when:

• You need it done urgently
• It’s outside business hours (nights, weekends, holidays)
• You can’t easily travel or prefer not to
• Multiple parties are in different locations
• You work from home and value convenience
• You want the fastest option (10-15 minutes total)

Use a mobile notary when:

• You can’t leave your location
• Multiple people need to sign in one place
• It’s a real estate closing
• You need after-hours service

Use a law office or title company when:

• You’re already working with them
• The document is complex or high-stakes
• You want professional expertise
• Cost isn’t your primary concern

Where to Get Something Notarized Conclusions

Getting something notarized is easier than most people think. You probably have free or cheap options within a few miles—your bank, a UPS Store, your local library, or government office.

For maximum convenience, especially outside business hours, online notarization through services like BlueNotary lets you complete everything from home in about 15 minutes.

The key is planning ahead:

1. Figure out where you’ll get it notarized
2. Call to confirm availability and hours
3. Bring valid ID and your unsigned document
4. Be prepared to pay a small fee (or nothing at your bank)

Most notarizations take less than 10 minutes once you’re in front of the notary. The hardest part is just knowing where to go—and now you do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is notarization and why is it important?

Notarization is when a notary public witnesses you signing a document, verifies your identity, and confirms you’re signing willingly. It prevents fraud, makes documents legally enforceable, and adds an official record that the signing happened.

Which types of documents typically require notarization?

Common documents include powers of attorney, wills, trusts, affidavits, contracts, property deeds, mortgage documents, lease agreements, title transfers, and various legal and financial forms. Requirements vary by state and document type.

What are the benefits of online notarization services?

Online notarization is convenient (no travel required), fast (often 10-15 minutes), available 24/7, secure (uses encryption and identity verification), and accessible from anywhere with internet. It’s ideal for urgent needs or when parties are in different locations.

What are some popular platforms for online notarization?

Popular platforms include BlueNotary, Notarize, DocuSign Notary, NotaryCam, and Proof. These services let you upload documents, verify your identity, meet with a notary via video call, and receive notarized documents electronically.

Can legal firms provide notarization services?

Yes, law offices often notarize documents for clients, especially legal documents like wills, contracts, affidavits, and powers of attorney. This is typically free for active clients but may cost $25-50 for non-clients. Call ahead to confirm availability.

What role do title companies play in notarization?

Title companies notarize real estate documents like property deeds, mortgage agreements, and title transfers as part of their title and escrow services. This is usually included in their fees and ensures documents comply with state requirements for property transactions.

How can I find a notary near me?

Use online locator tools like Notary Rotary, 123notary, or the National Notary Association’s directory. You can also call your bank, local library, UPS Store, or government offices. Ask friends, real estate agents, or attorneys for recommendations.

How much does notarization cost?

Banks often offer free notarization to customers. UPS Stores and office supply stores charge $10-15 per signature. Online notary services cost $25-50. Mobile notaries charge $75-150 including travel. Some libraries and government offices offer free or low-cost services ($1-10).

Do I need an appointment to get something notarized?

It depends on the location. Banks, UPS Stores, and shipping centers often accept walk-ins. Libraries, government offices, and law firms typically require appointments. Online notary services like BlueNotary are available on-demand 24/7. Always call ahead to confirm.

What do I need to bring when getting something notarized?

Bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID), the complete but unsigned document, any required witnesses, and payment if there’s a fee. Don’t sign the document before arriving—the notary must watch you sign it.