Key Takeaways
- Many banks offer free notary services, but only if you have an account there.
- Non-customers are often refused or charged a fee.
- Banks only notarize certain types of documents. Anything seen as too risky will be refused.
- A bank’s notary services are only available during regular banking hours.
- Online notary services are available evenings and weekends, at a time that suits you.
Introduction
Staring at the documents you need for your vehicle refinancing, you wonder “do banks have notary publics?” Your lender needs the notarized paperwork by Friday and it’s already Thursday afternoon. You have to go to the bank anyway and deposit a check, so why not kill two birds with one stone?
Great idea. But here’s the problem: A bank might be able to notarize your document, but only in certain cases. Before you hop in the car, here’s what you need to know about banks and how they provhttps://www.notarypro.ca/online-notary-services/https://notarypro.com/ide notary services.
In a hurry? Book your online notary appointment and complete your document from any device with a Wi-Fi connection.
Do Banks Have Notary Publics?
Many banks and credit unions have notary publics on staff. However, they are not legally obligated to provide notary services, and coverage can be very limited.
In most cases, a bank’s notary public is also a customer service representative (teller) or another type of employee. Either way, providing notary services is a side duty for the person, not their main role. That’s why availability changes from day to day. If the notary is off work, there might not be anyone else who can provide notary services that day.
Here’s why you can’t always count on a bank to provide notary services:
- By Institution: Each bank has its own notary policy, and some don’t offer notary services at all.
- By Branch: Smaller locations might not have a commissioned notary on staff.
- By Customer Status: Most banks only provide free notary services to account holders.
- By Document Type: Many banks turn down documents they consider to be high risk, such as Wills and other estate planning paperwork.
If you’re thinking of going to your bank, always call first to confirm they have a notary available that day.
Avoid frustration. Meet with a notary online and complete your document in under 10 minutes.
Which Banks Commonly Offer Notary Services?
Several major banks offer notary services to their customers. Policies vary, so treat this list as a starting point:
- Bank of America: Free notary services for customers at financial centers. Appointments are recommended, and a typical visit takes about 30 minutes.
- Chase: Free for customers at select branches. Confirm availability with your branch before visiting.
- Wells Fargo: Free for customers at branches with a notary on staff. Wells Fargo asks you to bring all pages, unsigned, with every signer present.
- Citibank: Complimentary for clients, though not every location staffs a notary. Check your branch’s services listing first.
- PNC: Free for PNC clients at participating branches, in person and by appointment only.
- Citizens Bank: Free for customers, while non-customers may pay a fee or be declined.
- Credit Unions: Many, including Navy Federal, offer free notary services to members.
Although it’s common to have notary services at a bank, it’s not guaranteed. Confirm availability, hours, and document requirements before you make the trip.
Are Bank Notary Services Free?
Bank notary services are usually free for their customers. Banks treat notary services as a perk for their clients, not as a paid add-on service.
If you aren’t a customer of the bank, the picture changes. A bank may refuse to notarize your documents if you don’t have an account with them. If they do offer service for non-customers, you can expect to pay the notary fee that’s allowed in your state.Â
State law caps what a notary public can charge per signature. These caps vary from state to state, from a few dollars to $15 or more. For a full cost breakdown, see How Much Does a Notary Public Cost?
Important note: A free service only helps you if the bank accepts your type of document.
“Free bank notarization services aren’t available to everyone. If you don’t have an account there, the bank will most likely refuse you. That means you’re back to searching for a notary again, and you could be running out of time.” — Talia Wang, Notary Public
Pros and Cons of Using a Bank Notary
Bank notaries work well in some situations and fall short in others. Weigh these points before you go:
Pros:
- Free for Account Holders: No fees at most major banks.
- Familiar and Trusted: An easy choice if your branch is nearby.
- Experienced: Verifying ID is routine work for bank staff.
Cons:
- Customer-Only Policy: Non-customers are typically turned away.
- Limited Hours: Service only happens during normal banking hours.
- Limited Availability: The notary staff may be off, busy, or fully booked when you need them.
- Document Restrictions: Wills, trusts, deeds, and Powers of Attorney are frequently declined.
Why do so many banks turn away estate documents? Banks don’t like risk, and estate documents are frequently contested in court. If a Will is contested years later, the bank’s notary could be drawn into court. Many banks avoid that risk by having broad refusal policies.
Ready to get started? Book an online notary appointment and complete your documents from wherever you are.
Alternatives to Bank Notaries
If you can’t use a bank’s notary services, you still have plenty of options. Here are the most common alternatives.
UPS Stores
Thousands of UPS Store locations across the country offer walk-in notary services. Most charge between $5-$15 per notarized signature, depending on state caps and franchise pricing. Each store is independently owned, so fees and availability vary. Some locations decline certain types of documents, so call ahead.
Law Offices
Many law offices notarize documents, including ones they didn’t prepare. Legal staff are comfortable with the riskier documents that make bank notaries nervous. Expect to pay a fee for the service.
Mobile Notaries
A mobile notary is a commissioned notary who travels to your home, office, or other location as needed. This option is often used by people with mobility issues who have trouble traveling. Expect to pay your state’s notary fee, plus a travel fee that will vary depending on distance and urgency. Total costs often range from $50-$150.00 or more. For more details, see How Much Does a Notary Public Cost?Â
Online Notaries
Remote online notarization (RON) connects you with a commissioned notary through a secure video call. Most U.S. states now have laws allowing RON, according to the National Association of Secretaries of State.
The online notary verifies your identity on the call, watches you sign, and applies their electronic seal, all from the comfort of your home or other location. Best of all, online notaries work evenings and weekends, so you don’t have to schedule your appointment during the work day. Check out Are Online Notaries Open on Weekends and Holidays? for more information.
When an Online Notary May Be the Better Choice
An online notary solves the very things that make bank notaries frustrating. Consider using an online notary when:
- You’re Not a Bank Customer: No bank account means no free bank notary, but online notaries are available to anyone.
- The Bank Declined Your Document: Wills and Powers of Attorney that were refused at the bank can often be completed online. A few states restrict certain document types, so check with the institution that created the document.
- You Need Evening or Weekend Service: Online notaries operate beyond typical banking hours.
- You Can’t Travel: Illness, distance, caregiving duties, or military deployment make video appointments the practical choice.
- You’re On a Tight Deadline: Many online appointments are completed the same day, in minutes.
Important note: If your document requires notarization, drafting it isn’t enough. You’ll still need to complete the required signing and notarization process before submitting it.
Skip the trip! Book an online notary appointment and have your documents completed in minutes — no in-person appointment needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do All Banks Have a Notary on Staff? No. Some banks offer notary services, but availability varies by branch and by day. Always call before you visit.
- Will a Bank Notarize a Document for a Non-Customer? Sometimes, for a fee. But most banks don’t provide notary services to non-customers. Policies differ by bank.
- Why Won’t My Bank Notarize My Will? Liability. Estate documents are frequently contested, and banks don’t want their staff drawn into court disputes. Many banks automatically decline Wills, trusts, and Powers of Attorney as a blanket policy.
- What Should I Bring to My Notary Appointment? Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID, and your completed, but unsigned, document with all the pages. If your document requires witnesses, bring them too. They will also need a valid photo ID.
- Is Online Notarization Legal in My State? Most states permit remote online notarization (RON).
Next Step: Complete Your Documents Online
Bank notary services could leave you scrambling. Here’s what to do to finish quickly:
- Prepare your document. Make sure it’s filled out completely, but don’t sign it before your appointment.
- Gather your valid government-issued photo ID. It must be current/not expired.
- Choose your notary option. In-person, mobile, or online.
- Book your appointment. Book your online notary appointment for the fastest option and have your document notarized from any device with a Wi-Fi connection.
Conclusion
The free notary service provided by many banks is a great idea. But it’s only available if you’re a customer, if your branch actually has a notary on staff, and if your document qualifies. That’s a lot of ifs to figure out.
But you don’t need to scramble to find the notary services you need. Online notary services are available wherever you are at a time that works for you. No more running around! Meet with a notary online and complete your document in under 10 minutes.
