No, USPS post offices generally do not have notaries. Notarization is not a standard service offered by the United States Postal Service. While a rare post office might have an employee who happens to be a notary, this isn’t something you can count on. Instead, go to your bank (free for customers), UPS Store ($5-$15), or use online notarization (24/7). Here’s where to actually get documents notarized.
Does the Post Office Have a Notary?
No, USPS post offices generally do not have notaries. Notarization is not a standard service offered by the United States Postal Service. While an individual postal employee might personally hold a notary commission, this is rare and not something USPS advertises or guarantees at any location.
Don’t plan on the post office for notary services. You’ll almost certainly need to go somewhere else.
What Does the Post Office Actually Offer?
USPS post offices provide mail and shipping services—not notary services. Here’s what you can do at a post office:
- Mail letters and packages
- Buy stamps and shipping supplies
- Apply for or renew a passport
- Get a P.O. Box
- Purchase money orders
- Send certified or registered mail
Notary services are not on this list. If you need to notarize a document before mailing it, you’ll need to visit a different location first.
Where to Get Notary Services Instead
Banks (Free for Customers)
Best free option. Most major banks offer notary services to their account holders at no charge.
- Bank of America: Free, most branches
- Chase: Free, most branches
- Wells Fargo: Free, select locations
- U.S. Bank: Free
- PNC: Free
- Credit unions: Free for members
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM – 5 PM. Limited Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Call ahead: Not every branch has a notary on staff every day.
UPS Store ($5-$15)
Best option if you need notarization AND shipping. Unlike USPS post offices, most UPS Store locations have notaries. You can get your document notarized and ship it in one trip.
- Cost: $5-$15 per signature
- Hours: Often until 7-9 PM weekdays, Saturdays until 5-6 PM
- Walk-ins: Welcome—call to confirm notary is working
Other Options
- FedEx Office: $5-$15, some locations have notaries
- Law offices: $10-$25, good for complex documents
- Public libraries: Free at some locations
- AAA offices: Free for members (some locations)
Online Notarization ($25-$50)
If you can’t find a notary nearby or need service after hours, BlueNotary offers online notarization—connect with a licensed notary via video call from your computer or phone.
How It Works
- Upload your document
- Verify your identity
- Connect with a notary via video
- Sign electronically while the notary watches
- Download your notarized document (about 15 minutes)
Benefits
- Available 24/7—nights, weekends, holidays
- No travel required
- Legal in most states
- Print and mail your document after
Mobile Notary ($50-$150)
A mobile notary travels to your location—home, office, hospital, or anywhere you need.
- Daytime: $50-$100
- Evenings/weekends: $75-$150
- Hospital/urgent: $100-$200+
- Find one: Search “mobile notary near me” or use Notary Rotary, 123Notary, Thumbtack
Cost Comparison
- USPS Post Office: Not available
- Banks: Free (for customers)
- Credit unions: Free (for members)
- UPS Store: $5-$15 per signature
- FedEx Office: $5-$15 per signature
- Law offices: $10-$25
- Online notarization: $25-$50
- Mobile notary: $50-$150
What to Bring for Notarization
- Valid government-issued photo ID — Driver’s license, state ID, passport, military ID (not expired)
- Your unsigned document — Don’t sign before arriving
- Payment — Cash or card (if fees apply)
- All signers — Everyone signing must be present with their own ID
Important: The notary must watch you sign. Pre-signed documents cannot be notarized. Only original documents can be notarized—not copies or faxes.
The Bottom Line
No, the post office does not have a notary. USPS doesn’t offer notary services—don’t waste a trip.
Where to go instead:
- Free: Your bank or credit union
- Notarize + ship: UPS Store ($5-$15)
- After hours: Online notarization ($25-$50, 24/7)
- Can’t travel: Mobile notary ($50-$150)
Need a document notarized now? BlueNotary offers online notarization 24/7—connect with a licensed notary in about 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the post office have a notary?
No. Notarization is not a standard USPS service. Go to your bank (free for customers), UPS Store ($5-$15), or use online notarization instead.
Why doesn’t the post office have a notary?
USPS focuses on mail delivery and shipping services. Notarization requires a commissioned notary public, which isn’t part of postal employee job duties. Private shipping companies like UPS have added notary services as a convenience, but USPS has not.
Where can I notarize and mail a document in one trip?
UPS Store is your best option. Most locations have notaries on staff, and you can ship your document immediately after notarization. FedEx Office may also offer both services at some locations.
Where can I get documents notarized for free?
Banks (for customers), credit unions (for members), some public libraries, and AAA (for members). Your bank is typically the easiest free option—call ahead to confirm a notary is available.
Can I get documents notarized online?
Yes. Online notarization is legal in most states. You connect with a notary via video call, verify your identity, and sign electronically. BlueNotary offers this service 24/7—takes about 15 minutes.
What if I need a notary on weekends?
UPS Store is often open Saturdays until 5-6 PM. For Sundays or evenings, use online notarization (available 24/7) or hire a mobile notary (extra fee for weekends).
