Where Can I Get Something Notarized?
Updated 2026-09-19
You can get a document notarized by an independent notary public, a mobile notary who travels to you, an online notary by live video where permitted, or at places that often keep a notary on staff such as banks, credit unions, shipping and print stores, law offices, title companies and some public agencies. Availability differs by location, so confirm before you go.
Independent notaries
Independent notaries are the most flexible option. They set their own hours, often work evenings and weekends, and many will travel. Because notarizing is their business rather than a side duty, they are usually familiar with a wide range of documents.
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Banks and credit unions
Many banks offer notary service, sometimes free for account holders. The catch is availability — the notary is a staff member with other duties, so service depends on who is working that day, and branches may decline certain document types.
Shipping, print and mailbox stores
Some shipping and print stores have a notary on site during certain hours. Fees are typically posted, but hours can be limited and staffing varies by franchise location. Call the specific store before making the trip.
Law offices, title companies and real estate offices
If your document relates to property, a closing or estate paperwork, the office handling the transaction may have a notary. A notary working at a law office is not automatically an attorney and cannot give legal advice unless they are separately licensed to practise law.
Mobile notaries
A mobile notary meets you at home, at work, at a hospital, at a care facility or at a coffee shop. You pay a travel fee on top of the notarial fee, and in return you choose the time and place. This is the practical option for anyone who cannot travel, has mobility limits, or needs signatures from several people in one location.
Online notaries
Remote online notarization happens over a live audio-video session with identity checks built in. Whether it is available depends on the notary's commissioning state and on whether the party receiving the document accepts an electronic notarial certificate. Confirm acceptance first — that single question saves a lot of rework.
Which should you choose?
- Simple document, flexible schedule: an independent notary or a store with posted notary hours.
- Cannot travel, or several signers in one place: a mobile notary.
- Out of town, overseas or in a hurry: an online notary, if your document and state allow it.
- Loan or closing paperwork: a notary who lists loan signing experience.
Frequently asked questions
- Is bank notarization free?
- Some banks provide it at no charge to account holders, but this varies by bank and branch and is not guaranteed.
- Can the post office notarize documents?
- United States Postal Service locations generally do not provide notary service. Private shipping and mailbox stores sometimes do.
- Can a notary refuse my document?
- Yes. A notary must decline when they cannot verify identity, when the signer does not appear willing or aware, when the document is incomplete, or when the act is outside what their state authorizes.
- Does notarization make a document legal?
- Notarization verifies the signing, not the content. Whether a document is legally effective depends on the document and your state's law. Ask the recipient or a qualified legal professional if you are unsure.
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Read guideNotarization requirements vary by state and document type. A notary public generally cannot give legal advice, choose a document for you, draft a document unless separately authorized, tell you how to complete a form, or explain the legal effect of signing. If you are unsure whether your document needs notarization or which notarial act is required, ask the agency or person receiving the document, or consult a qualified legal professional.