Where to Find a Notary Public and Why You Might Need One
A notary public witnesses document signings to prevent fraud and add legal credibility. Find out where to locate one near you — banks, libraries, shipping stores, and online — and which documents typically require notarization.
Bizee Editorial Staff
Editorial Team
Introduction
A notary public is a state-appointed official who witnesses document signings and verifies the identity of everyone involved. You'll need one for things like real estate deeds, powers of attorney, and business contracts. Most people can find a notary at their bank, a UPS or FedEx store, or a public library — often for free or a small fee.
What is a notary public?
A notary public is a public official appointed by a state government to serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary job is to prevent fraud — they verify the identity of everyone signing and confirm that each person is doing so willingly and knowingly.
After verifying identities, the notary applies their official signature and seal to the document. That seal is what gives the document its legal credibility. Notaries can also administer oaths and affirmations — formal declarations required for certain legal proceedings and sworn statements.
Becoming a notary isn't as simple as volunteering to watch people sign things. Each state sets its own requirements, which typically include an application, a background check, and a state examination. That credentialing process is what makes a notary's signature legally meaningful.
Why you might need a notary
Notarization is required when a document needs to be legally binding across parties — or when a court, government agency, or financial institution needs proof that the signing was legitimate. Most people encounter this at least once, whether they're buying property, setting up a business, or handling a family legal matter.
Common documents that require notarization include real estate deeds, mortgage documents, powers of attorney, wills, medical directives, affidavits, business contracts, and divorce papers. If you're forming a business, you may also encounter notarization requirements for certain state filings or agreements between partners.
The document itself will usually tell you whether notarization is required — look for a signature block that includes a line for a notary seal or a statement like "sworn before me." If you're not sure, a legal professional can help you figure out what's needed for your specific situation.
Where to find a notary near you
Notary services are more accessible than most people expect. Banks are the most common starting point — many offer free notarization to account holders. Shipping and print stores like UPS, FedEx, and The UPS Store typically have notaries on staff during business hours. Public libraries often provide the service for free or at a low cost.
Most states cap the fees notaries can charge, so you're unlikely to pay much even outside of free options. Check your state's Secretary of State website for the current fee cap before you go — that way you know what's reasonable and won't overpay.
If you can't get to a physical location, mobile notaries travel to you — useful for real estate closings or situations where someone can't leave home. Online notarization (also called remote online notarization, or RON) is now accepted in many states and lets you complete the process over a video call. Not every state accepts remote notarization for every document type, so check your state's rules before booking.
When you show up, bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license or passport works. Don't sign the document beforehand. The notary needs to witness the actual signing to make the notarization valid.
- Bank or credit union (often free for account holders)
- UPS Store, FedEx Office, or similar shipping and print locations
- Public library
- AAA offices (for members)
- Mobile notary services (they come to you)
- Online notarization platforms (where accepted by your state)
- Local online listings or the National Notary Association's notary locator
FAQ
It depends on where you go and which state you're in. Most states cap notary fees by law, and many common locations — banks, credit unions, and libraries — offer notarization for free or a few dollars per signature. Mobile and online notaries typically charge more, often $15–$50 or higher, because they're providing a convenience service on top of the notarization itself. Check your state's Secretary of State website for the fee cap in your state.
Your bank is usually the easiest option. Most banks and credit unions have a notary on staff and offer the service free to account holders — no appointment needed at many branches. If you don't have a nearby bank, a UPS Store or FedEx Office location is a reliable backup. Both typically have notaries available during regular business hours.
Anyone signing a document that requires legal verification of identity and intent may need a notary. This includes people buying or selling real estate, setting up a power of attorney, signing a will or medical directive, filing certain court documents, or entering into formal business agreements. The document itself will usually indicate whether notarization is required — look for a notary signature block or a "sworn before me" statement.
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license or passport is standard — and the unsigned document. Do not sign the document before you arrive. The notary must witness the actual signing for the notarization to be valid. Some documents also require witnesses in addition to the notary, so check the document's requirements ahead of time.
Yes, in many states. Remote online notarization (RON) lets you complete the process over a video call with a commissioned notary. Most states now allow it, but not every document type qualifies in every state. Check your state's Secretary of State website to confirm whether RON is accepted for your specific document before booking an online session.
