Which Banks Offer Notary Services?
Many major banks and financial institutions include notary services as part of their customer offerings. These services are typically available at branch locations and are provided either free of charge or for a minimal fee. Some banks have dedicated notary public staff, while others may rely on bank employees trained to perform notarizations.
Major Banks Providing Notary Services
Several well-known banks are recognized for offering notary services to their clients, including:
- Bank of America
- Chase Bank (JPMorgan Chase)
- Wells Fargo
- Citibank
- U.S. Bank
- PNC Bank
- Regions Bank
- BB&T (now Truist)
- SunTrust (now Truist)
It’s important to note that availability may vary by branch location and state regulations. Always verify with your local branch before visiting.
How to Find a Bank That Does Notary Services
Locating a bank that offers notary services can be straightforward with a few simple steps:
Step 1: Check the Bank’s Website
Most banks list their services online. Visit the official website of your bank and look for sections like "Notary Services," "Customer Services," or "Branch Services."
Step 2: Call Your Local Branch
Before making a trip, call your local branch to confirm if they provide notary services, whether there are any fees, and if an appointment is necessary.
Step 3: Use Bank Locator Tools
Many banks have online branch locators that include service details. Use these tools to find nearby branches that offer notary services.
Step 4: Consider Alternative Banks and Credit Unions
In addition to large banks, many credit unions and community banks also provide notary services to their members.
What to Expect When Using Bank Notary Services
Banks typically offer notary services with certain guidelines and expectations. Understanding these can help ensure a smooth process.
Requirements for Notarization at Banks
- Valid Identification: You will need to present a government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Presence of All Signatories: All parties involved must be present and willing to sign the documents.
- Complete Documents: Bring the documents that need to be notarized, filled out but unsigned if required.
- No Notarization of Certain Documents: Some documents, such as wills or certain powers of attorney, may require a legal professional or specific notary qualifications.
Fees and Costs
- Many banks offer free notary services to their account holders.
- Non-customers or non-account holders may be charged a fee, which varies by bank.
- Typical fees range from $0 to $15 per notarization.
Limitations of Bank Notary Services
- Banks often limit notarizations to simple documents like affidavits, acknowledgments, or loan documents.
- They may not notarize complex or legal documents such as wills or trusts.
- Notaries at banks are not legal professionals and do not provide legal advice.
Benefits of Using Bank Notary Services
Choosing a bank for notarization offers several advantages:
Convenience
- Many bank branches have multiple locations, making it easy to find a nearby branch.
- Bank hours often align with customer availability, including evenings and weekends.
Reliability
- Bank notaries are trained and held to professional standards.
- They are familiar with notarization procedures and document requirements.
Cost-Effective
- Free or low-cost services for account holders.
- No need to seek out independent notary publics, saving time and effort.
Security
- Banks require proper identification, reducing the risk of fraud.
- The process is documented and traceable.
Alternative Notary Service Providers
If your bank does not offer notary services or if you need notarization outside banking hours, consider these alternatives:
Mobile Notary Services
- Certified notaries who travel to your location.
- Ideal for large transactions or when mobility is an issue.
Shipping and Office Supply Stores
- Some FedEx Office, UPS Stores, and Office Depot locations offer notary services.
Public Libraries and Community Centers
- Certain libraries provide free or low-cost notary services.
Legal Professionals
- Attorneys and legal clinics can provide notarization along with legal advice.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Bank Notary Services
- Schedule Ahead: Some branches require appointments, especially during busy times.
- Bring Proper ID: Valid photo identification is mandatory.
- Prepare Your Documents: Fill out your documents beforehand, leaving only signature lines to be notarized.
- Understand Your Documents: Know what type of notarization is needed (acknowledgment, jurat, etc.).
- Check State Regulations: Notarization laws vary by state; ensure your documents meet local requirements.
Summary
In conclusion, many banks do provide notary services, making them a convenient and reliable option for notarizing documents. Major banks such as Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others typically offer these services at select branches, often free for account holders. Always verify availability beforehand by contacting your local branch or checking the bank’s website.
Using bank notary services can save time, provide security, and reduce costs, especially for routine notarizations like loan documents, affidavits, or acknowledgments. However, for complex legal documents or specialized notarizations, consulting a legal professional or specialized notary service may be necessary.
By understanding where and how to access bank notary services, you can ensure your documents are properly notarized with ease and confidence. Whether you're closing on a house, executing a power of attorney, or handling other legal matters, knowing which bank does notary services and how to utilize them is an essential step in your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which banks offer notary services to their customers?
Many banks such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank provide notary services for their account holders and sometimes for non-customers as well.
Is a notary public available at all branches of my bank?
Not necessarily. Availability of notary services varies by branch; it's best to check with your specific branch beforehand or schedule an appointment.
Do I need to be a bank customer to use their notary services?
It depends on the bank. Some banks offer notary services exclusively to account holders, while others provide services to the general public for a fee.
Are notary services at banks free or paid?
Many banks offer free notary services for their customers, but some may charge a small fee, especially for non-customers or for certain types of documents.
How can I find out which bank near me provides notary services?
You can check the websites of local banks, call branch locations directly, or use online directories to find branches that offer notary services.
What documents do I need to bring to get notarized at a bank?
Typically, you'll need to bring the document to be notarized, valid identification (like a driver's license or passport), and sometimes witnesses if required by the document type.
Can I get a notary service at my online or digital bank?
Most traditional banks offer in-branch notary services, but online or digital-only banks usually do not provide in-person notarization. Instead, they may offer remote online notarization options.
Are there any restrictions on the types of documents that can be notarized at a bank?
Banks generally notarize documents like affidavits, powers of attorney, and real estate documents, but they may refuse to notarize certain documents like wills or court documents.
How long does it typically take to get documents notarized at a bank?
Notarization at a bank is usually quick, often completed within 15-30 minutes, assuming all documents and requirements are in order.
Can I get a mobile notary service through my bank?
Banks typically do not offer mobile notary services; they usually require you to visit a branch. For mobile notarizations, you may need to seek independent mobile notary services outside your bank.
