Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability depends on your location and whether you have an account

Most Bank of America branches have at least one notary public on staff during business hours. The service is free for account holders at many locations, though some branches charge a small fee (typically $5 to $15 per document) for non-customers or for notarizing more than a few pages. You do not need an appointment at most branches — you can walk in during regular hours — but calling ahead to confirm a notary is available that day is a good idea, since staffing varies.

The catch is that availability is not may provide. Smaller branches or those in rural areas may not have a notary present every day, and some branches have stopped offering the service entirely. Bank of America does not publish a complete list of which branches have notaries, so your best move is to call the specific branch you plan to visit or use the branch locator on their website and then phone to ask.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bank of America branches have a notary on staff during business hours, and the service is free for account holders at many locations.
  • Non-customers may be charged a fee, and you should call ahead to confirm a notary is available on the day you plan to visit.
  • Smaller branches or those in rural areas may not offer notary services, so do not assume your nearest branch has one.
  • You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs notarizing; the notary will not notarize blank documents or ones you have not signed yet.

What documents Bank of America notaries will and will not sign

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate papers, travel consent forms for minors, and general acknowledgments. They will notarize documents related to your account or unrelated to the bank — the document does not have to involve Bank of America at all.

There are limits. Notaries cannot notarize blank documents, documents you have not yet signed, or documents that require a notary's personal knowledge of you (for example, a document stating you witnessed something). They also cannot notarize certain legal filings that require a court-appointed notary or a notary licensed in a specific state. If you are unsure whether your document can be notarized, bring it with you or describe it when you call the branch.

How to prepare before you visit

Bring the original document you need notarized — not a copy — and a valid government-issued photo ID. Your ID must be current (not expired). The notary will check your ID to confirm your identity before notarizing anything. If you are signing the document for the first time, sign it in front of the notary; do not sign it beforehand.

If the document requires multiple signatures or notarizations, bring all copies you need notarized at once. Some documents specify which state's notary must sign them; if yours does, confirm that Bank of America can notarize it in your state before you go. If you are having someone else sign the document (like a power of attorney), that person must be present in person — the notary cannot notarize a signature that is not made in front of them.

Finding a Bank of America branch with notary services

Start by going to the Bank of America website and using their branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or city, and a list of nearby branches will appear. Click on each branch to see its hours and services. The listing may say whether notary services are available, though not all branches update this information regularly.

The most reliable step is to call the branch directly. Ask for the customer service desk or a teller and say, "Do you have a notary available today?" or "Can you tell me which days your notary is in?" If the branch does not have a notary, ask if they can refer you to another nearby branch that does. Some branches will also tell you the best time to come in when the notary is least busy.

Cost and whether you need an account

If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, notary services are free at most branches. If you do not have an account, expect to pay a fee — usually $5 to $15 per document, though some branches charge per page or per signature. A few branches offer free notary services to non-customers as a community service, but this is not standard.

The fee structure can vary even between branches in the same city, so ask when you call. Some branches will notarize one or two pages free for non-customers but charge for additional pages. If cost is a concern, ask whether the branch offers a lower rate for multiple documents or whether they have any promotions running.

What to do if your local branch does not have a notary

If your nearest Bank of America branch does not offer notary services, you have several options. Other banks — Wells Fargo, Chase, and many regional banks — also offer notary services to customers and sometimes to the public. Call a few branches in your area to compare availability and cost.

You can also visit a UPS Store, FedEx Office, or Staples — many of these locations have notaries on staff and are open longer hours than banks, including some evenings and weekends. Online notary services are another route; some states now allow remote notarization, where you sign the document on a video call with a notary. Search for "online notary" plus your state name to see whether this is an option where you live. Finally, your county clerk's office or local courthouse often has a notary public on staff who will notarize documents for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to get a document notarized?

No, but non-customers usually pay a fee, while account holders often get the service free. Call the branch first to ask their policy and the cost for non-customers.

Can Bank of America notarize a document I signed before I came in?

No. The notary must watch you sign the document. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize your signature. You will need to get a new copy and sign it in front of the notary.

What if I need a document notarized but my Bank of America branch is closed?

UPS Store and FedEx Office locations often have notaries available during evening and weekend hours. You can also search for "notary public near me" online to find independent notaries in your area, many of whom offer flexible hours.

Can someone else sign a document on my behalf and have it notarized?

Only if they have a power of attorney from you that specifically allows them to sign that document. The notary will need to see the power of attorney and verify the person's identity. In most cases, you must sign the document yourself in front of the notary.

How long does notarization take?

Usually 5 to 10 minutes per document, though it can take longer if the branch is busy or if the document is complex. Calling ahead to ask when the notary is least busy can help you avoid a long wait.