Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and cost vary by location

Most Bank of America branches have at least one notary public on staff during business hours. However, not every branch offers this service, and you cannot assume your nearest location has a notary available. The cost is typically free for Bank of America customers, though some branches charge a small fee — usually $5 to $15 per document — and non-customers may pay more. The best approach is to call your specific branch before visiting, because staffing and policies differ.

Bank of America does not advertise notary availability on its main website or in branch locators. You will need to contact the branch directly by phone to confirm whether a notary is present that day and whether they can notarize your specific document type.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bank of America branches have a notary on staff during regular business hours, but this is not may provide at every location.
  • The service is usually free for Bank of America customers, though some branches charge $5 to $15 per document, and fees for non-customers vary.
  • You must call your branch directly to confirm notary availability, because the bank does not list this information online or in branch locators.
  • Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents, but they cannot notarize certain types like wills or documents where they have a financial interest.

How to find a notary at your Bank of America branch

Start by calling the branch where you want the notarization done. Ask to speak with someone who can confirm whether a notary is available and whether they can handle your document type. Have your document ready to describe, because some notaries refuse certain paperwork — for example, they typically cannot notarize wills, powers of attorney that grant financial authority, or documents related to real estate transactions where the bank has an interest.

If your branch does not have a notary or cannot notarize your specific document, ask whether another nearby Bank of America location can help. Some branches in the same area share notary staff or can refer you to a partner location. If no Bank of America branch can information, you can search for independent notaries through your state's notary licensing board or through services like the National Notary Association's locator tool.

What documents Bank of America notaries can and cannot notarize

Bank of America notaries can notarize most common documents: affidavits, powers of attorney for healthcare decisions, loan documents, travel consent forms for minors, and general acknowledgments. They can also notarize copies of documents you already own, such as birth certificates or diplomas.

Notaries at Bank of America branches cannot notarize wills, testamentary documents, or powers of attorney that grant financial authority over bank accounts or real estate. They also cannot notarize documents where the bank itself is a party — for example, a mortgage or loan agreement where Bank of America is the lender. In these cases, you will need to find a notary outside the bank, often through a title company, attorney's office, or independent notary service.

Cost and who qualifies for free notary service

Bank of America customers typically receive notary services for free. Non-customers may be charged a fee, which varies by branch but often ranges from $5 to $15 per document. Some branches charge customers a small fee as well, particularly if the notarization is complex or involves multiple pages.

The bank does not publish a standard fee schedule for notary services, so the cost at your branch may differ from another location. Call ahead to ask about the specific fee, if any, before you visit. If cost is a concern, ask whether the branch offers free notarization for certain document types or whether they have a reduced rate for customers.

What to bring when you visit for notarization

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing any document. Bring the original document you need notarized, not a copy, because notaries must see the original to perform the notarization. If you are unsure whether your document is the right version, bring any related paperwork so the notary can review it.

Arrive during the branch's regular business hours. Notary availability is typically best during mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays, when staffing is highest. Avoid the end of the business day or busy times like the first and last days of the month, when notaries may be occupied with customer transactions. If you need notarization on a weekend or evening, Bank of America branches do not offer this service — you will need to find an independent notary or a service that operates outside standard banking hours.

Alternatives if your Bank of America branch cannot help

If your branch does not have a notary, cannot notarize your document type, or charges a fee you want to avoid, several other options exist. Many title companies offer notary services, often for free if you are using them for a real estate transaction. Attorney offices typically have notaries on staff and can notarize documents related to legal matters. UPS stores and FedEx locations in many areas employ notaries and charge a per-document fee, usually $10 to $25.

Your state's Secretary of State office maintains a directory of licensed notaries in your area. You can also search the National Notary Association's website for notaries near you, filtered by location and availability. Some states allow online notarization through remote notary services, where you can have a document notarized via video call — this option is growing but is not yet available in all states and not all document types may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to get a notary there?

No, but non-customers may be charged a fee while customers typically receive the service for free. Call your nearest branch to ask about their policy for non-customers, because fees and willingness to serve non-customers vary by location.

Can Bank of America notarize a power of attorney?

Bank of America notaries can notarize a healthcare power of attorney or a limited power of attorney that does not grant financial authority. They cannot notarize a financial power of attorney or one that gives authority over bank accounts or real estate. Ask the notary to review your document before you assume they can handle it.

How long does notarization take at Bank of America?

The notarization itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, but you may wait longer if the notary is busy with other customers. Arriving during slower times — mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday — typically means shorter wait times than visiting on a Friday afternoon.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or after hours?

Bank of America branches do not offer notary services outside regular business hours. You will need to find an independent notary, a UPS store or FedEx location that employs a notary, or an online notary service if your state and document type allow it.