Finding a notary can be a hassle, especially on a tight budget. Many people don’t realize there are several places where you can get notary services for free. Knowing where to look can save you time and money if you’re dealing with important documents or need a quick notarization.
Notary services typically cost $10-15 per signature, but you can often get documents notarized for free if you know where to look. Banks, libraries, government offices, and community organizations frequently offer free notarization to customers, residents, or members. These options are often overlooked but can be incredibly convenient.
Here’s where to find free notary services and what you need to bring.
Banks and Credit Unions (Free for Customers)
Most banks and credit unions offer free notary services to account holders. This is your best bet if you have a checking or savings account.
Major banks offering free notary services:
- Chase Bank
- Wells Fargo
- Bank of America
- TD Bank
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- USAA
- Local credit unions
What you need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Your account number or debit card
- The document to be notarized (unsigned)
How it works: Call your branch first to confirm they have a notary available. Not all branches have notaries on staff, and the notary might be out to lunch, on vacation, or helping other customers when you arrive.
Most bank notaries work during regular banking hours (9 AM-5 PM weekdays, limited Saturday hours). You can’t typically get after-hours notarization at banks.
Important: Banks usually won’t notarize documents for non-customers. If you don’t have an account, this option won’t work for you.
Public Libraries
Many public libraries offer free notary services to community members during specific hours. This is a great option if you don’t have a bank account or your bank doesn’t offer notary services.
Typical availability:
- Scheduled hours (often 2-3 days per week)
- First-come, first-served or by appointment
- Free for library cardholders or local residents
What you need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Library card (at some locations)
- Proof of local residency (sometimes required)
How to find library notaries: Call your local library and ask if they offer notary services and what their hours are. Many libraries only have a notary available certain days or times, so calling ahead saves wasted trips.
Not all libraries offer this service. Larger urban libraries are more likely to have notaries than small rural branches.
Local Government Offices
City halls, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings often provide free notary services to residents.
Common locations:
- City hall
- County clerk’s office
- Municipal buildings
- Township offices
- Some DMV locations
What you need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, driver’s license with local address)
- The document to be notarized
How it works: Government office notaries typically work standard business hours (8 AM-5 PM weekdays). Some offices handle walk-ins, while others require appointments.
Bring proof you’re a local resident—many government offices only notarize documents for people who live in that city, county, or township.
Senior Centers and Community Centers
Senior centers and community centers frequently offer free notary services to members and local residents as part of their community support programs.
Who can use these services:
- Senior center members (usually age 55+)
- Community center members
- Local residents (policies vary)
What you need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Membership card (if required)
- The document to be notarized
How to find them: Call your local senior center or community center and ask about notary services. These are often scheduled services—the notary might only be available Tuesday mornings or Wednesday afternoons, for example.
This is an especially good option for elderly people who have trouble traveling, as senior centers are often located in residential neighborhoods with easy access.
Nonprofit Organizations
Some nonprofit organizations provide free notary services, particularly those serving low-income individuals and families.
Organizations that might offer free notary services:
- Legal Aid offices
- Community action agencies
- Social service organizations
- Housing assistance nonprofits
- Immigrant resource centers
Who qualifies: These services typically target people who meet income requirements or are receiving other services from the organization. Call ahead to ask about eligibility.
What you need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Proof of income or eligibility for services
- The document to be notarized
Not all Legal Aid offices or nonprofits offer notary services, and those that do often have limited hours. This option works best if you’re already working with one of these organizations for other assistance.
Insurance Offices (Sometimes)
Some insurance agencies offer free notary services to policyholders as a customer service benefit.
Insurance companies that sometimes provide this:
- State Farm agents
- Allstate agents
- Other independent insurance agents
Important: This is hit-or-miss. Not all agents offer it, even within the same insurance company. Call your agent’s office and ask if they provide free notary services to policyholders.
If they do, you’ll need your policy information and valid ID.
Colleges and Universities (For Students and Staff)
Many colleges and universities offer free notary services to students, faculty, and staff.
Common locations on campus:
- Student services offices
- Financial aid offices
- Registrar’s office
- Campus legal services
Who can use it: Current students, faculty, and staff with valid campus ID. Some schools extend this to alumni.
What you need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Student/staff ID
- The document to be notarized
If you’re a student or work at a university, this is one of the most convenient free options. Call your student services office to find out where notaries are available on campus.
Online Notary Services (Usually Not Free)
Online notary services like BlueNotary typically charge $25 per session, so they’re not free. However, they’re still cheaper than mobile notaries ($75-150) and much more convenient than searching for free in-person options.
When online notarization makes sense:
- You can’t find free services with convenient hours
- You need it done quickly (15 minutes vs. driving around)
- You have mobility issues
- You need after-hours or weekend service
BlueNotary offers:
- Fast online notarization (10-15 minutes)
- Available evenings and weekends
- No travel required
- $25 per document
While not free, online notarization often saves you more in time and gas money than searching for free in-person services with limited hours.
What You Need for Free Notarization
Regardless of where you go, bring these items:
Valid government-issued photo ID – Driver’s license, passport, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name on the document.
Your unsigned document – Don’t sign it beforehand. The notary must watch you sign.
Proof of eligibility – Bank account number, library card, proof of residency, or whatever the location requires.
All signers present – If multiple people need to sign, everyone must be there with their ID.
Tips for Finding Free Notary Services
Call ahead – Don’t waste time driving somewhere only to discover they don’t have a notary or the notary is unavailable.
Ask about hours – Many free notary services have limited hours (Tuesday mornings only, for example).
Check eligibility – Confirm you qualify before showing up. Many free services require you to be a customer, member, or resident.
Have backup options – If your first choice doesn’t work out, know where else you can try.
Ask friends and family – If someone recently got something notarized for free, they can tell you where.
Check social media – Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor often have recommendations for free notary services.
When Free Notary Services Don’t Work
Free options have limitations:
Limited hours – Most free notaries work business hours only. Need something notarized at 7 PM or on Saturday? Free options probably won’t help.
Travel required – Free services mean you go to them. If you can’t easily travel, you’ll need mobile or online notarization.
Eligibility restrictions – Many free services require you to be a customer, member, or resident.
No guarantee of availability – The notary might be sick, on vacation, or busy when you arrive.
Not all document types – Some free notaries only handle basic documents, not complex legal paperwork.
If free options don’t work for your situation, paying for mobile or online notarization might be worth it for the convenience and reliability.
Where to Get a Notary for Free Conclusions
Free notary services exist if you know where to look. Your best options are banks (for customers), public libraries, local government offices, and community centers. These services have limited hours and eligibility requirements, so call ahead to confirm availability.
If free options don’t fit your schedule or location, online notarization ($25) is usually cheaper and more convenient than mobile notaries ($75-150) while still being affordable.
The key is planning ahead. Don’t wait until you desperately need notarization to start looking for free options. Research what’s available in your area now so you know where to go when you need it. If time is of the essence, you can click the button below to get your online notarization done in 10-15 minutes.
FAQ
Where can I get documents notarized for free?
Banks and credit unions offer free notarization to account holders. Public libraries, city halls, county clerk offices, senior centers, and some nonprofit organizations also provide free notary services to residents and members. Availability and hours vary—call ahead to confirm.
Do all banks offer free notary services?
Most major banks (Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, TD Bank) offer free notarization to customers. Not all branches have notaries, so call your specific branch first. Banks typically don’t notarize documents for non-customers.
Can I get documents notarized for free at the library?
Many public libraries offer free notary services during scheduled hours. Not all libraries provide this service, and hours are often limited (like Tuesday afternoons only). Call your local library to ask about availability and schedule.
What do I need to bring for free notarization?
Bring valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport), your unsigned document, and whatever proves eligibility (bank account card, library card, proof of residency). All signers must be present with their own ID.
Are online notary services free?
No. Online notary services like BlueNotary typically charge $25-40 per session. While not free, they’re cheaper than mobile notaries ($75-150) and more convenient than searching for free in-person options with limited hours.
What if I can’t find free notary services near me?
If free options don’t work due to hours, location, or eligibility, online notarization ($25) or UPS Store notaries ($10-15) are affordable alternatives. Mobile notaries ($75-150) offer convenience but cost more.
Do free notary services have limitations?
Yes. Free notaries typically work limited hours (business hours only), require eligibility (customer/member/resident), and you must travel to them. The notary might be unavailable when you arrive. For complex needs or tight schedules, paying for notarization might be worth it.
