You can get papers notarized at your bank (free for customers), UPS Store ($5-$15), credit unions, shipping centers, or online (24/7). Start with your bank if you have an account—it’s free and takes about 10 minutes. For after-hours or weekends, online notarization is available anytime. Here’s where to get papers notarized, what each option costs, and what you need to bring.
Where to Get Papers Notarized: Best Options
- Your bank: Free for customers
- Credit union: Free for members
- UPS Store: $5-$15, walk-ins welcome
- Online notarization: $25-$50, available 24/7
- Mobile notary: $50-$150, comes to your location
Free Places to Get Papers Notarized
Banks
Best free option if you have a bank account. Most major banks notarize papers for their customers at no charge.
- Bank of America: Free, most branches
- Chase: Free, most branches
- Wells Fargo: Free, select locations
- U.S. Bank: Free
- PNC: Free
- TD Bank: Free, some locations
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM – 5 PM. Limited Saturday hours. Closed Sunday.
Call first: Not every branch has a notary on staff. The notary works specific shifts and may not be available when you arrive.
Credit Unions
Most credit unions offer free notary services to members. Navy Federal, PenFed, and local credit unions typically have notaries. Credit unions are often more willing to notarize papers that big banks refuse.
Other Free Options
- AAA: Free for members (some locations)
- Public libraries: Free at some locations
- Courthouses: Free or low-cost
Paid Notary Locations
UPS Store ($5-$15)
Most reliable walk-in option. No bank account required. Most locations have notaries and offer extended hours.
- 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 Shipping Centers ($5-$15)
- FedEx Office: Some locations have notaries
- PostalAnnex: Most locations
- Pak Mail: Most locations
Law Offices ($10-$25)
Law offices charge more but will notarize papers that banks and retail stores refuse—wills, trusts, deeds, and complex legal documents.
Online Notarization ($25-$50)
Best for evenings, weekends, or when you can’t find a notary. BlueNotary connects you with a licensed notary over video call—available 24/7.
How It Works
- Upload your papers
- Verify your identity
- Connect with a notary via video
- Sign electronically while the notary watches
- Download your notarized papers (about 15 minutes)
Benefits
- Available 24/7—nights, weekends, holidays
- No travel required
- Legal in most states
- Notarizes papers banks often refuse
Mobile Notary ($50-$150)
A mobile notary travels to your location —home, office, hospital, nursing home, or anywhere you need them.
- Daytime: $50-$100
- Evenings/weekends: $75-$150
- Hospital/urgent: $100-$200+
- Find one: Search “mobile notary near me” or use Notary Rotary, 123Notary, Thumbtack
How to Get Papers Notarized: Step by Step
- Gather your papers — Make sure all blanks are filled in, but don’t sign yet
- Bring valid ID — Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID (not expired)
- Go to the notary location — All signers must be present with their own ID
- Show your ID — The notary verifies your identity
- Sign in front of the notary — They must witness your signature
- Notary applies seal and signature — This completes the notarization
- Pay (if applicable) — Free at banks for customers, $5-$15 at shipping stores
The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID — Not expired
- Your unsigned papers — Don’t sign before arriving
- Payment — Cash or card
- All signers — Everyone signing must be present with their own ID
Important: If you sign before arriving, the notary cannot notarize your papers. You must sign in front of them.
Cost Comparison
- Banks: Free (customers only)
- Credit unions: Free (members only)
- Libraries/Courthouses: Free or low-cost
- UPS Store: $5-$15 per signature
- Shipping centers: $5-$15 per signature
- Law offices: $10-$25
- Online notarization: $25-$50
- Mobile notary: $50-$150
State Fee Caps
Most states limit what notaries can charge per signature:
- California: $15 maximum
- Florida: $10 maximum
- Texas: $6 maximum
- New York: $2 maximum
The Bottom Line
Where to get papers notarized depends on your situation:
- Free: Your bank or credit union
- Walk-in friendly: UPS Store ($5-$15)
- After hours: Online notarization ($25-$50, 24/7)
- Can’t travel: Mobile notary ($50-$150) or online
- Complex papers: Law office, mobile notary, or online
Bring valid ID and your unsigned papers. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Need to get papers notarized now? BlueNotary offers online notarization 24/7—connect with a licensed notary in about 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get papers notarized for free?
Banks (for customers), credit unions (for members), some public libraries, and courthouses. Your bank is the easiest free option—call ahead to confirm a notary is available.
Where can I get papers notarized on weekends?
UPS Store is often open Saturdays until 5-6 PM. For Sundays or late nights, use online notarization (available 24/7) or hire a mobile notary (extra fee for weekends).
How much does it cost to get papers notarized?
Free at banks and credit unions (for customers/members). $5-$15 at UPS Store and shipping centers. $25-$50 for online notarization. $50-$150 for mobile notaries.
Do I need an appointment?
Most places accept walk-ins, but call ahead to confirm a notary is available. Mobile notaries require appointments. Online notarization connects you immediately—no appointment needed.
What if a notary refuses my papers?
Banks and retail notaries often refuse wills, deeds, and complex documents. Try a law office, mobile notary, or online notarization—these handle papers others decline.
Can I get papers notarized online?
Yes. Online notarization is legal in most states. Connect with a licensed notary via video call, verify your identity, and sign electronically. BlueNotary offers this 24/7, and it takes about 15 minutes.
