Handling legal paperwork can be a bit daunting, but most of us will need to deal with it at some point. Whether you’re finishing up a business deal, sorting out your will, or buying or selling property, getting your documents notarized is often really important. Notarization is like a safeguard, making sure that the document is real, the signatures are genuine, and everyone who signed did it on purpose.

So, the big question is: do banks have a notary? Knowing about the availability and process of notary services at banks can save you time, money, and hassle. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about notary services at banks, from what they offer to how you can easily access these services.

Do Banks Have a Notary?

Yes, a lot of banks offer notary services for their customers. This is one of the benefits of banking with a trusted bank. Banks know that their customers often need to get important documents notarized for legal or financial reasons, so they provide notary services to make it convenient. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all banks or bank branches may offer this service.

Banks such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, and others usually have notaries on staff who can provide these services during regular business hours. These notaries are typically bank employees who are certified to perform notarizations, which means they have met the state’s requirements to act as a notary public.

How to Find Out if Your Bank Offers Notary Services

Finding out if your bank offers notary services is relatively straightforward.  Following are a few steps you can take:

Check the Bank’s Website:

• Visit your bank’s official website and look for information on services offered. This may be listed under customer services, account services, or a similar section.

Contact Customer Service:

• Call the customer service number provided on the bank’s website or on the back of your bank card. Ask the representative if notary services are available at your bank and, if so, inquire about the location and any associated fees.

Visit a Local Branch:

• Go to a local branch of your bank and ask a staff member directly if they provide notary services. They can provide you with details about availability, requirements, and any costs involved.

Use Online Banking or Mobile App:

• If your bank has an online banking portal or mobile app, check for information there. Some banks provide details about branch-specific services through these platforms.

Email Inquiry:

• Using your bank’s email address, contact customer service. This can be a convenient way to get a written response that you can refer back to later.

Bank Statements or Mailings:

• Sometimes, banks include information about available services, including notary services, in bank statements or other mailings to customers.

By following these steps, you should be able to determine if your bank provides notary services and any specific requirements or procedures you need to follow to use them.

Types of Documents Banks Commonly Notarize

Banks commonly notarize a wide range of documents. Some of the most frequently notarized documents include:

• Power of Attorney: A document granting someone the authority to act on behalf of another person in legal or financial matters.
• Real Estate Documents: Notarization is often required for property-related documents like deeds, mortgages, and title insurance policies.
• Financial Agreements: Loan documents, promissory notes, and other financial agreements.
• Legal Documents: Affidavits, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Immigration Documents: A notarization may be required as part of the process for certain notarize immigration documents.
• Birth Certificates: In some cases, notarized copies of the Notarized Birth Certificate are required for certain applications.
• Travel Consent Forms: Documents granting permission for minors to travel with someone other than their parents.

Notary Public vs Bank Notary: Which One Should You Choose?

While banks offer convenient notary services, you might wonder whether to use a bank notary or a notary public. Check out this comparison to see which is best for you.

Notary Public

Advantages:

• Availability: Notary Publics are independent professionals and are often more widely available. They may operate out of various locations, including dedicated notary offices, real estate offices, and more.
• Flexibility: Premier notary service often offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and some even provide mobile notary services, traveling to your location for convenience.
• Specialization: They may have more experience with a wider variety of documents, especially if they specialize in certain types of notarizations.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Notaries public usually charge a fee for their services, which can vary depending on the document and location.

Bank Notary

Advantages:

• Cost: Many banks offer notary services for free or at a reduced cost to their account holders.
• Convenience: If you already have a relationship with the bank, it can be convenient to handle notarization while you take care of other banking needs.
• Trust: Using a notary at your bank can offer peace of mind, knowing you’re dealing with a trusted institution.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Availability: Bank notaries are only available during regular banking hours, which can be restrictive if you need notarization services outside those hours.
• Appointment Needed: Some banks require appointments for notary services, which might not be ideal if you need immediate assistance.
• Service Scope: Bank notaries might have limitations on the types of documents they can notarize, often restricted to simpler documents like affidavits and acknowledgments.

Which Should You Choose?

The decision between a bank notary and a notary public depends on your specific needs. If you’re already at the bank and need a standard document notarized, using the bank’s notary services is convenient and cost-effective. However, if you need specialized notary services, flexible hours, or if the bank doesn’t offer the notary service you need, a Notary Public Agency is the better choice 

Tips for a Smooth Notarization Process at Your Bank

To ensure that the notarization process at your bank goes smoothly, follow these tips:

• Call ahead to ensure the notary is available and to minimize waiting times.
• Have a valid government-issued ID like a driver’s license or passport.
• Complete all necessary fields except for the signature before meeting the notary.
• Read through the document thoroughly to understand its contents and implications.
• Inquire about any fees associated with notarization beforehand to avoid surprises.
• Be punctual for your appointment to respect the notary’s time and ensure a timely process.
• Listen carefully to the notary’s instructions for signing and witnessing the document.
• If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to ask the notary for clarification.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the world of notarization can seem complex, but banks offering notary services provide a convenient solution for many of your document authentication needs. By understanding how to access these services, what documents banks commonly notarize, and the pros and cons of using a bank notary versus a notary public, you can make informed decisions that suit your requirements.

Whether you choose to use your bank’s notary services or seek out a notary public, ensuring that your documents are properly notarized is crucial for their legality and authenticity. Remember to call ahead, bring valid ID, and understand the document you’re notarizing to ensure a smooth process.