Banks can notarize your documents for free in 2024

We may earn a commission for purchases through links on our site, Learn more.

When you need to get a document notarized, you can often do so for free at your nearby bank branch. Notarization involves a third-party, usually a notary public, who verifies your identity, witnesses your signing of the document, and sometimes asks you to confirm that the information in the document is truthful.

This process applies to various legal documents, including letters of indemnity.

Banks frequently handle many documents requiring notarization, leading some bank employees to become notaries. They often offer free notary services to their customers. However, if you’re not a customer, you might be charged a fee or directed to visit your own bank for this service.

Key Takeaways

Here are some key takeaways regarding notarization:

• Notarization and Its Purpose: Notarization is a process that confirms your identity and ensures the authenticity of signatures on legal documents. It acts as a certification that the individual signing the document is who they claim to be.
• Documents Requiring Notarization: Several legal documents typically require notarization to add an extra layer of authentication. These include wills, sworn statements, powers of attorney, promissory notes, bills of sale, and various other legal papers.
• Availability of Notaries: Most banks offer notary services and often provide them for free to their customers. They have notaries on-site who can help customers with the notarization process.
• Possible Costs: If you’re not a customer of the bank or institution providing notary services, there might be a nominal fee associated with notarizing your documents. This fee is usually small but varies depending on the specific place offering the service.

What does a notary do and how does it work?

A notary public is responsible for confirming your identity, ensuring you’re not signing under pressure, and verifying your awareness of the document you’re signing. Here’s a breakdown of how the process typically operates:

1. Meeting the Notary: Take the document to the notary without signing it beforehand.
2. Identification Verification: Show a photo ID to the notary to confirm your identity.
3. Understanding and Voluntary Consent: The notary ensures you comprehend the document’s content and that you’re signing willingly.
4. Signing in the Notary’s Presence: You must sign the document in front of the notary. If you’ve signed it before meeting them, you might need to re-sign in their presence or bring an unsigned document for signing, depending on the type of notarization required.
5. Notarization: The notary authenticates the document by stamping it officially and signing and dating it.

This process helps certify the authenticity and legality of the document, giving it greater credibility and validity in legal and official matters.

The importance of the notary witnessing your signature

When you get a document notarized, the notary confirms who you are and that you’re the one signing that specific document. To do this, the notary must watch you sign the document itself. It’s crucial not to sign it before meeting with the notary. Notaries promise to only notarize documents they’ve seen signed by the right person.

If you accidentally sign the document beforehand, you might have to bring in an unsigned version. The notary will watch you sign this new copy and compare the signature to the one on the original document. If they match, the notary will then notarize the original document for you. Sometimes, the notary can notarize the copy and won’t need to notarize the original one.

Types of documents you may need to notarize

Notarization involves a notary public certifying the authenticity of various documents. While most documents can undergo notarization, certain types are commonly encountered and might require this service:

• Beneficiary Designation for Retirement Account or Insurance Policy: When naming someone to receive assets from your retirement account or insurance policy.
• Notice to Add or Remove a Name from a Title: For property or assets, indicating the addition or removal of a person’s name from ownership documents.
• Advanced Health Directive: A legal document outlining your healthcare wishes in case you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions.
• Power of Attorney: Granting someone legal authority to act on your behalf in financial or legal matters.
• Temporary Guardianship Agreement: Assigning temporary guardianship of a minor to someone else for a specific period.
• Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: A document confirming the sale and transfer of ownership of a vehicle from one party to another.
• Handgun Permit: Involving the authorization to legally possess or carry a handgun as per the requirements of local laws.
• Promissory Note Agreement: A written promise to repay a loan or debt according to specific terms.

These are some common examples of documents often requiring notarization, as the presence of a notary helps verify the authenticity and legality of the signatures and contents within these important papers.

Types of notarization

Notarization comes in various types, each serving specific purposes:

• Signature Witnessing: This is the most common type. The notary verifies your identity and watches you sign the document. By doing so, they confirm that the signature belongs to you.
• Acknowledgment: Used for documents involving ownership of assets like property deeds or powers of attorney. In this process, you must appear in person before the notary to declare that the signature on the document is yours. You also confirm your intent to sign it and agree to its contents.
• Copy Certification: Here, the notary makes a copy of an original document and verifies its authenticity. This is typically used for documents like academic degrees, passports, or driver’s licenses. The notary certifies that the copy is accurate and complete.
• Jurat: Applied to affidavits or depositions, this type requires you to sign the document before the notary and declare, under oath, that the statements within it are true.

Each type of notarization serves a distinct purpose and involves specific steps to validate the authenticity and truthfulness of the document or statement.

Notarize free at your bank

When you bank at a physical branch, you might have access to notary services without paying a fee. This means the bank can help verify and stamp important documents as legitimate. Although most banks offer this service, it’s not always available at every branch or at all times.

It’s a good idea to call ahead to a branch that offers notary services to check if a notary is available and what documents you need to bring. Sometimes, banks can also provide a Medallion Signature Guarantee, which is different from notarization and is used for financial transactions involving securities.

Notaries can’t provide this guarantee; it requires specially authorized bank personnel, although sometimes a bank employee can be both a notary and provide the Medallion Signature Guarantee.

Other places to find a notary near you

If you’re looking for a notary, there are several places beyond banks where you can find their services. Many businesses that deal with financial services, shipping, or title transfers usually have a notary public available. However, expect to pay a fee if you’re not already a customer of these businesses. Some places where you might find a notary include law offices, real estate offices, tax preparers, photocopy shops, shipping stores, colleges, universities, and libraries.

Moreover, both AAA and UPS stores often provide notary services for a fee. If you can’t find a notary nearby, you can hire a mobile independent notary who will come to your location, such as your home or office. However, this convenience typically comes with a higher fee. You can locate a mobile notary through national or state notary public databases or by conducting an internet search for notaries near your area.

Does every bank offer notary services?

Not every bank is obligated to provide notary services. However, the majority of banks, especially those within a chain, typically have notaries available at least in some of their branches. If you require notary services, you might need to arrange an appointment with a notary at the bank.

Can I be notarized via live streaming?

Being notarized via live streaming refers to the process of having a document officially verified and certified by a notary public using online tools and live video conferencing instead of an in-person meeting.

For individuals using online banking services where physical branches aren’t available, they might not have the option of meeting with a notary in person. In these cases, online notarization, which involves utilizing digital platforms and live video technology, is becoming increasingly popular.

While there is typically a fee associated with this service, it can be incredibly beneficial for those who lack access to traditional brick-and-mortar banks or individuals who are unable to leave their homes for various reasons. This method allows them to get their documents notarized conveniently and securely from their location using the internet and live video conferencing tools.

How do I become a notary public?

Becoming a notary public involves a process that differs based on the state you’re in. Typically, you’ll need to pay a state filing fee, complete training, pass a notary exam, undergo a criminal background check, and submit commission paperwork. Here’s a breakdown of these steps:

1. State Filing Fee: You’ll need to pay a fee to your state’s notary division or commission when applying for a notary commission.
2. Training: Many states require aspiring notaries to complete a training course. This training may cover notary laws, duties, and best practices.
3. Notary Exam: Passing a notary exam is often a requirement. The exam tests your knowledge of notary laws and procedures.
4. Criminal Background Check: A clean criminal record is typically necessary to become a notary. States usually conduct a background check as part of the application process.
5. Commission Paperwork: Once you’ve completed the necessary requirements, you’ll need to fill out and submit paperwork to apply for your notary commission. This paperwork includes your application, proof of training, exam results, and any other required documents.

It’s important to check your state’s specific guidelines and requirements for becoming a notary public, as these can vary significantly. Contact your state’s notary division or commission for precise information and guidance tailored to your location.

The bottom line

When you require a document to be notarized, your bank is often a reliable place to seek notary services. Banks commonly offer this service to their account holders. Utilizing this service through your bank offers convenience as it’s accessible, and usually doesn’t incur any fees for account holders. However, it’s essential to be well-prepared before visiting the bank’s notary public.

Before heading to the bank, ensure you’re clear about the specific requirements for your document. Understanding the type of notarization needed and having all necessary paperwork and identification in order will streamline the process.

Additionally, it’s crucial to confirm the availability of the notary public at your bank. Check the bank’s hours of operation and verify if the notary will be present when you plan to visit. This step is essential to avoid any inconvenience or delays in getting your document notarized.

By preparing beforehand and confirming the notary’s availability, you can ensure a smooth and efficient notarization process at your bank, making it a hassle-free experience for you.

In summary, notarization is a process used to validate signatures on legal documents, including wills and contracts, confirming identity and authenticity. Banks commonly offer this service to their customers for free, while non-customers might incur a small fee for notary services.