How to Schedule a Notary Appointment at Bank of America

Bank of America offers notary services at most branches, but availability and booking methods vary by location

Bank of America provides notary services through its branch network. Most branches have at least one notary public on staff during business hours. However, not every branch offers this service, and the way you book an appointment depends on which branch you contact and whether you are a Bank of America customer.

The fastest way to learn about your nearest branch has a notary and how to schedule is to call the branch directly. You can locate your branch phone number on Bank of America's website by entering your zip code. When you call, ask whether they offer notary services, whether you need an appointment, and if there are any fees.

Some branches allow walk-ins for notary services during regular business hours, while others require you to schedule ahead. A few branches may have limited notary availability or may not offer the service at all, particularly in smaller or rural locations.

Key Takeaways

• Call your local Bank of America branch directly to confirm they offer notary services and learn their booking process, since procedures vary by location.
• Bank of America notary services are typically free for account holders and may have a fee for non-customers, though fees vary by branch.
• Some branches accept walk-ins for notary services during business hours, while others require you to schedule an appointment in advance.
• You will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the document that needs to be notarized when you visit.
• If your branch does not offer notary services, you can search for public notaries in your area through your state's notary directory or a local search engine.

What to bring to your notary appointment

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The notary must verify your identity before notarizing any document. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized, not a copy. The notary will examine it and may ask you questions about its contents.

If the document requires multiple signatures or notarizations, bring it unsigned. The notary will direct you on where to sign and will then explore their seal and signature. Some documents have specific notarization requirements — for example, a power of attorney may need to be notarized in front of a notary, while an affidavit may require you to swear or affirm the truth of its contents. Ask the notary if you are unsure about what the document requires.

How to find and contact your nearest Bank of America branch

Go to bankofamerica.com and use the branch locator tool. Enter your zip code or city name. The results will show you nearby branches with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Click on a branch to see more details, including whether it has a drive-through or ATM.

Call the branch directly at the number listed. Ask to speak with someone who can tell you about notary services. Have your zip code ready and be prepared to describe what document you need notarized, since some branches may have restrictions on the types of documents they will notarize.

If you are a Bank of America customer, mention this when you call — some branches prioritize or waive fees for account holders. If you do not have an account, ask whether there is a fee and what the amount is.

Fees and whether you need to be a customer

Bank of America does not charge a fee for notary services for most account holders. Non-customers may be charged a fee, but the amount varies by branch and is not set by Bank of America corporate policy. Some branches charge $5 to $15 per notarization, while others may charge more or may decline to notarize documents for non-customers.

Call ahead to ask about the fee before you visit. If the fee is higher than you expected, you can search for independent notaries in your area, many of whom charge $5 to $10 per notarization. Your state's secretary of state office or notary board maintains a directory of licensed notaries.

Scheduling an appointment versus walk-in service

Some Bank of America branches allow you to walk in during business hours and have a notary serve you without an appointment. Others require you to schedule ahead, particularly if the branch has only one notary or if notary services are in high demand.

When you call the branch, ask whether appointments are required and, if so, how far in advance you need to book. Many branches can fit you in within a few days. If the branch is busy or if the notary is unavailable, you may be asked to come back at a different time or to schedule for another day.

If you need the document notarized urgently, ask the branch whether they have same-day or next-day availability. If not, search for independent notaries nearby — many offer evening or weekend hours and can often notarize documents the same day you contact them.

What happens during the notarization process

When you arrive at your appointment or walk in, tell the staff member you are there for notary services. You will be directed to the notary or asked to wait for one to become available. The notary will ask you to present your ID and will examine it carefully. They will also review the document you need notarized.

The notary will ask you to confirm that you are signing the document of your own free will and that the information in it is true to the best of your knowledge. For some documents, you will swear or affirm this under oath. The notary will then watch you sign the document, explore their official seal and signature, and record the notarization in their journal (a log that notaries are required to keep).

The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Once the notary has completed the notarization, the document is ready to use. Some organizations that receive notarized documents may require the original, so do not make copies before the notarization is complete.

Alternatives if your branch does not offer notary services

If your nearest Bank of America branch does not have a notary or if their hours do not work for you, search for independent notaries in your area. Many are available evenings and weekends. You can find them through your state's secretary of state office, which maintains a searchable directory of licensed notaries, or through a local search engine.

UPS stores, FedEx Office locations, and some pharmacy chains also offer notary services. Hours and fees vary by location. Call ahead to confirm availability and to ask whether you need an appointment.

If you need a notary for a real estate transaction, mortgage, or legal document, ask the organization requesting the notarization whether they have a preferred notary or whether they can refer you to one. Some title companies and law offices have notaries on staff and may notarize documents for free if you are a client.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to use their notary service?

No, but non-customers may be charged a fee. The fee amount varies by branch. Call your local branch to ask whether they notarize for non-customers and what the cost is. If the fee is too high, you can search for independent notaries in your area, many of whom charge less.

Can Bank of America notarize documents that are not in English?

Most notaries can notarize documents in any language, but they will not translate them. The notary's role is to verify your identity and confirm that you signed the document willingly. Call your branch to ask whether their notary has experience with documents in your language.

What if I need a notary on a weekend or after business hours?

Bank of America branches are typically closed on weekends and evenings, so their notaries are not available outside regular business hours. Search for independent notaries in your area — many work evenings and weekends. You can find them through your state's notary directory or a local search engine.

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes. A notary can refuse if they do not believe you are who you say you are, if you appear to be signing under duress, or if the document appears fraudulent. Some notaries also decline to notarize certain types of documents, such as wills or powers of attorney. Ask the notary about any restrictions before you visit.

How long does a notarized document stay valid?

A notarized document does not expire. Once a notary has notarized it, the notarization is permanent. However, the organization you are submitting it to may have its own rules about how old a notarized document can be before they will accept it. Check with that organization before you have the document notarized.