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

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 signature — whether you bank there or not. Not every branch keeps a notary available every day, and hours vary by location, so calling ahead is the only way to know if a notary will be there when you need one.

Bank of America does not advertise notary availability on its main website or through its customer service line in a way that tells you which specific branches have notaries or their schedules. You have to contact the branch directly by phone to confirm someone is available before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bank of America branches have a notary public on staff, but availability is not may provide at every location or every time.
  • Account holders often receive free notary services, while non-account holders may pay a fee that varies by branch.
  • You must call your local branch directly to confirm a notary is available before visiting, since schedules are not published online.
  • Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs notarization when you visit.
  • If your branch does not have a notary available, you can find other notaries through your state's notary directory or local title companies.

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

Use the Bank of America branch locator on its website to find the phone number for your nearest branch. Call that number directly and ask whether a notary is available and what the fee is for your situation — account holder or non-account holder. Ask what hours the notary works, since it may not be the same as branch hours.

Some branches have a notary only on certain days or during certain hours. If the branch you call does not have one available when you need it, ask if another nearby branch does. Bank of America operates thousands of branches, so there is often another location within a few miles.

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 notarizing; notaries cannot notarize copies or documents you sign electronically.

If the document requires multiple signatures or notarizations, bring it unsigned. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them. Some documents, like powers of attorney or affidavits, have specific notarization language that must appear on them — check your document before you go to make sure it has the right wording, or ask the notary whether it does.

What Bank of America notaries can and cannot do

A Bank of America notary can witness your signature, verify your identity, and place a notary seal on a document. They can notarize affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, and many other common papers. They cannot give legal information about what document you need, whether a document is correct, or what it means.

Notaries also cannot notarize documents where they have a financial interest or a conflict of interest. For example, a notary cannot notarize a document if they are a party to the transaction or if they stand to gain or lose money based on the document's contents.

When Bank of America notary services may not work for you

If you need a notary outside of business hours — evenings, weekends, or early mornings — Bank of America branches will not be open. If your nearest branch does not have a notary or their schedule does not match yours, you will need to look elsewhere.

Some documents require a notary who is bonded or insured, or who has specific training in real estate or loan documents. Bank of America notaries are public notaries but may not carry additional certifications. If your document has special requirements, ask the notary when you call whether they meet them.

Other places to get documents notarized if Bank of America does not work

Title companies, real estate offices, and law firms often have notaries on staff and may have more flexible hours than banks. UPS stores and FedEx Office locations have notaries at many locations, though fees are typically higher — $10 to $25 per signature. Some states maintain online directories of notaries public that you can search by zip code.

If you need a notary regularly or outside normal business hours, ask whether your employer offers notary services through their HR or legal department. Some credit unions also offer notary services to members. Online notarization services exist in some states, though they work only for documents that state law permits to be notarized remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is notary service free at Bank of America?

It is free for most account holders at most branches. Non-account holders usually pay a fee of $5 to $15 per signature, though the amount varies by branch. Call your local branch to ask what they charge for your situation.

Can I notarize a document online through Bank of America?

Bank of America does not offer remote notarization through its website or app. You must visit a branch in person with your ID and the document that needs notarizing.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

A notary cannot notarize a document without verifying your identity using a valid government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one before visiting. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.

How long does notarization take?

Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if the document is in order and you have your ID with you. If the notary has questions about the document or your identity, it may take longer. Arrive early if you are in a hurry.

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

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the document unsigned and sign it in front of the notary.