US Trends

where can i get something notarized near me

You can usually get something notarized at several common places near you, plus there are online and mobile options if you don’t want to travel.

Fast answer: where to go

Most people can get documents notarized at:

  • Banks and credit unions (often free for customers, small fee for non‑customers).
  • Shipping/postal centers like The UPS Store.
  • Law offices and real estate offices (they often have a notary on staff).
  • Some public libraries or city/county offices.
  • Mobile notaries who come to your home, office, or a café.
  • Online/remote notarization platforms where you meet a notary over secure video.

To find a specific spot near you, you can search “notary near me” in Google Maps or use a notary directory site that lists local, mobile, and walk‑in notaries.

Types of places and what to expect

1. Banks and credit unions

  • Many branches notarize documents for account holders at no extra cost during business hours.
  • Non‑customers might pay a small fee or be refused, so it’s smart to call ahead.
  • Good for routine paperwork like affidavits, basic financial forms, and simple agreements.

2. Shipping & postal stores

  • Chains like The UPS Store offer notary services at thousands of locations nationwide.
  • Often open later and on weekends than banks, which helps if you’re in a hurry.
  • You usually pay per signature and need a government‑issued ID.

In‑person vs online vs mobile

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide what fits best:

html

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Option</th>
    <th>How it works</th>
    <th>Pros</th>
    <th>Cons</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Banks / credit unions</td>
    <td>Visit a branch, meet a staff notary.</td>
    <td>Often free for customers; trusted setting.[web:6]</td>
    <td>Business hours only; may require appointments.[web:6]</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Shipping/postal stores</td>
    <td>Walk in or schedule at places like The UPS Store.</td>
    <td>Lots of locations; evening/weekend hours; easy scheduling.[web:6][web:12]</td>
    <td>Fees per notarization; not all document types accepted.[web:6][web:12]</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Law/real estate offices</td>
    <td>Staff notary handles legal or property documents.</td>
    <td>Great for real estate and legal forms; experienced with complex paperwork.[web:6]</td>
    <td>May be by appointment only; fees can be higher.[web:6]</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Mobile notary</td>
    <td>Notary travels to your chosen location.</td>
    <td>Maximum convenience; ideal if you can’t travel or need multiple signers.[web:6][web:10]</td>
    <td>Travel fees on top of notary fee; must coordinate time and place.[web:6][web:10]</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Online/remote notarization</td>
    <td>Upload documents, verify ID, and sign via secure video platform.</td>
    <td>Do it from home; often available 24/7; very fast for simple docs.[web:6][web:7][web:11]</td>
    <td>Not available for all states or document types; tech setup required.[web:6]</td>
  </tr>
</table>

Quick checklist before you go

Before you head out (or log on) to get something notarized:

  1. Make sure your document is complete but not signed yet; you sign in front of the notary.
  1. Bring valid, government‑issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
  1. Confirm the location handles your specific document type (some won’t do wills, real estate, or international forms).
  1. Ask about fees and whether you need an appointment, especially at banks and law offices.
  1. If there are multiple signers or witnesses required, arrange for everyone to be present at the same time, or check if the location can provide witnesses.

A quick “near me” example

If you searched “notary near me,” you’d typically see:

  • Dedicated notary businesses with extended hours and 5‑star reviews. These often offer both walk‑in and mobile services.
  • 24/7 or late‑evening mobile notaries who emphasize same‑day service for urgent documents.

Those are usually safe, convenient picks—just skim recent reviews and confirm prices by phone first. TL;DR: Check your bank or a nearby UPS Store first, then look at mobile or online notary services if you need late hours, same‑day help, or don’t want to leave home.