The UPS Store as a notary location

The UPS Store is a private business that offers notary public services at many of its locations across the United States. Not every UPS Store provides notary services, so you need to check whether your local branch does before you visit. You can search for notary availability on the UPS Store website by entering your zip code, or call the location directly to confirm they have a notary on staff and ask about their hours.

The UPS Store notaries are commissioned by their state and perform the same duties as notaries working elsewhere — they witness signatures, verify identity, and certify that a document was signed in their presence. They do not provide legal information about which documents need notarizing or whether a notary is the right service for your situation.

Pricing for notary services at The UPS Store varies by location and by the number of signatures that need witnessing. Most locations charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though some charge a flat fee per document. Call ahead to ask about the exact cost, since prices are set by individual store owners rather than by a corporate rate.

Key Takeaways

  • The UPS Store notary service is available at some locations but not all, so search online or call your local store to confirm before visiting.
  • Notaries at The UPS Store charge per signature or per document, with costs typically ranging from $5 to $15 per signature depending on the location.
  • You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID to have a document notarized, and the notary will not sign anything unless they see you sign it in person.
  • Hours for notary service may differ from store hours, so confirm availability when you call, especially if you need service on a weekend or evening.

What documents The UPS Store notaries can and cannot notarize

The UPS Store notaries can notarize most common documents: powers of attorney, affidavits, loan documents, real estate paperwork, travel consent forms for minors, and general business documents. They witness your signature, confirm your identity through photo ID, and certify that you signed the document willingly and in their presence.

There are documents notaries cannot notarize, regardless of where you go. A notary cannot notarize a document they themselves are signing as a party to the agreement — for example, a notary cannot notarize their own will or a contract they are entering into. Some states also prohibit notaries from notarizing certain family law documents or documents related to their own financial interests. If you are unsure whether a document can be notarized, describe it to the notary when you call or visit, and they can tell you whether it falls within their authority.

What to bring to The UPS Store for notarization

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The notary must see your ID before they will notarize anything. Bring the unsigned document itself, not a copy. The notary will watch you sign it in front of them; they cannot notarize a document you signed before arriving.

If the document requires multiple signatures or if multiple people need to sign, everyone must be present at the same time. The notary will not notarize a signature they did not witness. Bring any additional documents the notary may need to verify the facts in the main document — for example, if you are signing a power of attorney, bring identification for the person you are naming as your agent if they are also present.

Some documents come with specific notary language or a notary block — a section at the end where the notary writes their name, commission number, and the date. Bring the document as it is; the notary will fill in their section. If your document does not have a notary block, the notary can add one or attach a separate notary certificate.

Hours and how to find a notary at your local UPS Store

The UPS Store locations operate independently, so hours vary widely. Many locations are open Monday through Friday during business hours and have limited Saturday hours; some are closed on Sunday. Notary service hours may be shorter than store hours — for example, a store might be open until 7 p.m. but only offer notary services until 5 p.m.

Search for notary availability at theupsstore.com by entering your zip code. The search results will show which stores near you offer notary services. Click on a location to see its hours and contact information. Call the store directly to confirm the notary is available at the time you plan to visit, since notaries may take breaks or be with other customers.

If no UPS Store near you offers notary services, look for notaries at banks, law offices, title companies, or your county clerk's office. Some libraries and government offices also have notaries available to the public, often at no charge or for a small fee.

Cost and payment methods at The UPS Store

The UPS Store notary fees are set by individual store owners and are not standardized across locations. Most charge between $5 and $15 per signature, though some charge a flat fee per document regardless of how many signatures it contains. A few locations may charge more, particularly in high-cost urban areas. Call your local store to ask about their specific pricing before you visit.

The UPS Store accepts cash and card payments. Ask when you call whether they take the payment method you plan to use. If you are notarizing multiple documents or multiple signatures, ask whether the store charges per signature or per document, since that affects your total cost.

Differences between The UPS Store and other notary locations

The UPS Store notaries are commissioned by their state and have the same legal authority as notaries working at banks, law offices, or government offices. The main differences are convenience, cost, and availability. The UPS Store is often more convenient because many locations are in retail areas with extended hours and parking. However, not all locations offer notary services, and you may find notary services at your bank at no charge if you are a customer.

Government offices like your county clerk's office often charge less than The UPS Store — sometimes nothing at all — but may have shorter hours or longer wait times. Banks typically offer notary services free to account holders but may charge a small fee for non-customers. Law offices and title companies have notaries but usually only notarize documents related to their business. Choose based on what is most convenient for you and whether you need the service urgently.

What happens after notarization

Once the notary signs and stamps your document, it is notarized. You receive the original document with the notary's signature, seal, and commission information on it. Some institutions require the original notarized document; others accept a photocopy. Check with whoever is asking you to have the document notarized — your lender, court, employer, or government agency — to find out whether they need the original or a copy.

Keep the notarized document in a safe place. You may need it later, and notarization is not permanent — if you lose the document, you will need to have it notarized again. Some documents, like powers of attorney, may need to be notarized again if they are very old or if the institution receiving them has specific requirements about how recent the notarization must be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a document notarized if I do not have a photo ID?

No. A notary must see a valid government-issued photo ID before notarizing anything. This is a legal requirement, not a store policy. If you do not have a photo ID, you will need to obtain one before you can have a document notarized anywhere.

What if I need a document notarized but The UPS Store near me does not offer that service?

Check your bank — many offer notary services free to customers. Call your county clerk's office or courthouse to ask whether they have a notary available to the public. Some libraries also have notaries. If you need notarization urgently and no other option is nearby, search online for "notary public near me" to find private notaries in your area.

Can The UPS Store notarize a document I signed before I came in?

No. A notary must watch you sign the document in front of them. If you have already signed it, the notary cannot notarize it. Bring the document unsigned and be prepared to sign it at the store in the notary's presence.

Do I need an appointment for notary services at The UPS Store?

Most UPS Store locations do not require appointments for notary services, but it is wise to call ahead to confirm the notary is available and to ask about wait times. Some locations may ask you to schedule an appointment during busy periods.

How long does notarization take?

Notarization usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have your ID and the document is ready to sign. If the notary needs to verify information or if there are multiple signatures, it may take longer. Call ahead if you are in a hurry.