Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability varies by location and you may need to be a customer

Many Bank of America branches have notaries on staff, but not all. The service is typically free for account holders and may cost $5 to $15 per signature if you are not a customer. Before you go to a branch, call ahead to confirm a notary is available that day — staffing changes and some smaller branches do not have one.

Bank of America does not advertise notary availability on its website or through a central phone line. You will need to contact your local branch directly to ask whether they offer the service and whether you can walk in or need an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bank of America branches have notaries, but you must call your specific branch to confirm availability before visiting.
  • The service is free for Bank of America customers and typically costs $5 to $15 per signature for non-customers.
  • You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and the document that needs to be notarized.
  • Some branches require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins, so ask when you call.
  • If your branch does not have a notary, you can find one through your state's notary public directory or at UPS stores and FedEx locations.

How to learn about your Bank of America branch has a notary

Call your local Bank of America branch directly. The branch phone number is on your debit card, in your online banking portal, or on the Bank of America website under "Find a Branch." When you call, ask whether the branch has a notary and whether you need to make an appointment.

Do not call the main Bank of America customer service line — they cannot tell you about individual branch services. You need the branch itself. If the branch does not answer or you cannot reach them, try visiting in person during business hours and asking at the desk.

What you need to bring to get a document notarized

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary will check your identity before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized. The notary cannot notarize a copy or a digital image.

If the document is a power of attorney, deed, or affidavit, bring all pages. The notary will need to see the entire document and may ask you questions about what you are signing. Bring a pen in case you need to sign the document in front of the notary — many documents must be signed after the notary witnesses your signature.

Cost and whether you need to be a customer

Bank of America customers get notary services free at most branches. Non-customers typically pay $5 to $15 per signature, though the exact fee varies by branch. Some branches may charge differently or have different policies, so ask about the cost when you call.

Being a customer does not may provide free service — some branches charge all customers a small fee, and some do not charge at all. The best way to know is to ask when you call the branch.

What happens if your branch does not have a notary

If your Bank of America branch does not have a notary, you have several other options. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries and are open longer hours than most banks. Costs vary but typically run $10 to $25 per signature. You can search for a UPS store or FedEx Office near you on their websites.

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a directory of notary publics you can search online. Many libraries, law offices, and title companies also offer notary services. Some charge a fee and some do not. If you need the document notarized quickly, calling ahead to confirm availability is faster than showing up and waiting.

Documents Bank of America notaries can and cannot notarize

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, travel consent forms for minors, and general acknowledgments. They cannot notarize documents that require a certified copy — a document that has been officially copied and stamped by a government office. They also cannot notarize documents they believe you do not understand or documents you are signing under pressure.

If you are unsure whether a document can be notarized, bring it with you or describe it when you call the branch. The notary will tell you whether they can help. If they cannot, they can usually point you toward someone who can.

Appointment versus walk-in at Bank of America

Some Bank of America branches take notary appointments and some accept walk-ins. Larger branches in cities are more likely to accept walk-ins during business hours. Smaller branches or branches in rural areas may require an appointment or may not have a notary at all.

When you call the branch, ask whether you can walk in or whether you need to schedule a time. If you need the document notarized on a specific day, making an appointment ensures the notary will be there and ready for you. Walk-in service is faster if the notary is available, but you may wait or be turned away if they are busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized at Bank of America on a Saturday?

Some Bank of America branches are open on Saturday, and some of those have notaries available. Call your local branch to ask about Saturday hours and whether a notary will be there. Many branches close early on Saturday or do not open at all, so calling ahead is important.

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

No. Non-customers can use the notary service at most branches for a fee, usually $5 to $15 per signature. Call your local branch to confirm they notarize for non-customers and ask what they charge.

What if the notary says they cannot notarize my document?

Ask the notary why. Common reasons are that the document is a certified copy (which requires a government office, not a notary), that you do not have the right ID, or that the document appears to be fraudulent. If the reason is unclear, ask for a referral to someone who can help. Your state's Secretary of State office can also tell you what type of notarization your document needs.

How long does notarization take at Bank of America?

Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have everything you need and the notary is available. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer. Bringing your ID and the original document ready to sign speeds up the process.

Can Bank of America notarize documents I need to send to another country?

A standard notarization from Bank of America works in most cases, but some countries require an apostille — an official certification that the notary's signature is real. Bank of America notaries cannot provide an apostille. You will need to take the notarized document to your state's Secretary of State office to request one. Ask the organization requesting the document whether they need an apostille before you get it notarized.