Public notary services are available at banks (free for customers), UPS Store ($5-$15), shipping centers, and law offices. A notary public witnesses your signature, verifies your identity, and makes your document legally valid. Most notarizations cost $2-$15 per signature depending on your state. Here’s where to find public notary services near you, what they cost, what documents need notarization, and what to bring.
Where to Find Public Notary Services Near You
Free Notary Services
- Banks: Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, PNC—free for account holders
- Credit unions: Free for members
- AAA offices: Free for AAA members (some locations)
- Public libraries: Free at some locations (limited hours)
- Courthouses: Free or low-cost notary services
Note: Banks only notarize for their own customers. Always call ahead—not every branch has a notary available every day.
Paid Notary Services ($5-$15)
- UPS Store: $5-$15 per signature, most locations have notaries, walk-ins welcome
- FedEx Office: $5-$15 per signature (notary availability varies by location)
- PostalAnnex: $5-$15 per signature
- Pak Mail: $5-$15 per signature
- Law offices: $10-$25, may notarize documents others refuse
- Real estate offices: Often have notaries for closings
- Insurance agencies: Some have notaries available
Mobile Notary Services ($50-$150)
A mobile notary travels to your location—home, office, hospital, nursing home, or anywhere you need them.
- Regular hours: $50-$100 (includes travel)
- Evenings/weekends: $75-$150
- Hospital/urgent: $100-$200+
Best for: Can’t leave home, mobility issues, hospital visits, nursing homes, after-hours needs, or complex documents.
Online Notary Services ($25-$50)
BlueNotary offers online notarization—connect with a licensed notary over video call from your computer or phone.
- Available 24/7—nights, weekends, holidays
- Complete in about 15 minutes
- No travel required
- Legal in most states
- Notarizes documents some in-person notaries refuse
Need a notary now? Visit BlueNotary.us—available 24/7.
What Services Does a Public Notary Provide?
Acknowledgments
The notary confirms that you are who you say you are and that you signed the document voluntarily. Used for deeds, mortgages, powers of attorney, and contracts.
Jurats (Sworn Statements)
You swear or affirm under oath that the contents of the document are true. The notary administers the oath and witnesses your signature. Used for affidavits, depositions, and sworn statements.
Copy Certifications
The notary certifies that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original. Used for diplomas, passports (copies), and other records. Note: Some states don’t allow notaries to certify copies of certain documents.
Signature Witnessing
The notary witnesses you signing a document and confirms your identity. Used for various legal documents requiring a witness.
Documents That Typically Need Notarization
Legal Documents
- Power of Attorney (financial or healthcare)
- Wills and trusts
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Court documents
Real Estate Documents
- Property deeds
- Mortgage documents
- Refinancing paperwork
- Title transfers
Financial Documents
- Loan applications
- Vehicle title transfers
- Business contracts
Personal Documents
- Travel consent for minors
- Immigration documents
- Name change documents
- School enrollment forms
How Much Do Public Notary Services Cost?
Cost by Location
- Banks: Free for customers
- Credit unions: Free for members
- UPS Store: $5-$15 per signature
- Shipping centers: $5-$15 per signature
- Law offices: $10-$25
- Online notarization: $25-$50 per session
- Mobile notary: $50-$150 (includes travel)
State Maximum Fees (Per Signature)
Most states cap what notaries can charge:
- California: $15 maximum
- Florida: $10 maximum
- Texas: $6 maximum
- New York: $2 maximum
- Note: Travel fees for mobile notaries are separate and not capped by most states.
What to Bring to a Notary
- Valid government-issued photo ID — Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID (not expired)
- Your unsigned document — Do NOT sign before arriving; you must sign in front of the notary
- Payment — Cash or card (confirm payment methods)
- All signers present — Everyone who needs to sign must be there with their own ID
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing before you arrive: The notary must witness your signature. Pre-signed documents cannot be notarized.
- Expired ID: Notaries cannot accept expired identification.
- Incomplete documents: All blanks must be filled in before notarization.
- Not calling ahead: Notaries aren’t always available—confirm before making the trip.
How to Find Public Notary Services Near You
Step 1: Check Your Bank
If you have a bank account, call your bank first. Ask: “Do you have a notary available today?” This is free if they have one available.
Step 2: Search Google Maps
Search “notary near me” or “UPS Store near me” on Google Maps. Look at hours, reviews, and call to confirm a notary is available.
Step 3: Try Walk-In Locations
UPS Store is your most reliable walk-in option. Most locations have notaries and charge $5-$15 per signature.
Step 4: Use Online Notarization
If you can’t find an in-person notary or need after-hours service, BlueNotary offers online notarization 24/7.
What a Notary Cannot Do
- Provide legal advice: Notaries can’t tell you what to write in a document or explain legal implications
- Notarize pre-signed documents: You must sign in front of the notary
- Notarize incomplete documents: All blanks must be filled in
- Notarize documents in a language they can’t read: The notary must understand the document
- Notarize if signer appears coerced or incompetent: The signer must be willing and mentally competent
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get public notary services near me?
Banks (free for customers), UPS Store ($5-$15), credit unions (free for members), shipping centers, law offices, and some libraries. You can also use online notarization services 24/7 or hire a mobile notary to come to you.
How much do public notary services cost?
Free at banks (for customers) and credit unions (for members). UPS Store and shipping centers charge $5-$15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge $50-$150 including travel. Online notarization costs $25-$50 per session.
What do I need to bring to a notary?
Bring valid government-issued photo ID (not expired), your unsigned document (don’t sign before arriving), and payment. If multiple people are signing, everyone must be present with their own ID.
Do I need an appointment for notary services?
UPS Store and shipping centers accept walk-ins. Banks may require appointments. Mobile notaries require scheduling. Online notarization connects you immediately—no appointment needed.
What’s the difference between a notary public and a lawyer?
A notary public witnesses signatures and verifies identities but cannot provide legal advice. A lawyer can draft legal documents, provide legal advice, and represent you in court. Notaries authenticate documents; lawyers provide legal counsel.
Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?
Yes. Notaries must refuse if: the document is incomplete, it’s already signed, you don’t have valid ID, you appear to be signing under duress, or you don’t seem to understand what you’re signing. Some notaries (especially at banks) also refuse certain document types like wills or deeds.
The Bottom Line
Public notary services are available at banks (free for customers), UPS Store ($5-$15), and other locations. Notaries witness your signature, verify your identity, and make your document legally valid.
Quick reference:
- Free: Banks, credit unions, AAA (for customers/members)
- $5-$15: UPS Store, FedEx Office, shipping centers
- $25-$50: Online notarization (24/7)
- $50-$150: Mobile notary (comes to you)
Bring valid ID and your unsigned document. Call ahead to confirm availability.
If you need notary services now or can’t find one nearby, BlueNotary offers online notarization 24/7—connect with a licensed notary in about 15 minutes.
