A United States passport.

Image: Tony Webster · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

How to find a notary public in the US (free and paid)

Where to find notaries public in US for signing documents: banks (free for customers), UPS Store, FedEx, libraries, AAA, mobile notaries. Costs $5-$15.

How to find a notary public in the US (free and paid)

In the US, a notary public certifies you signed a document in their presence. Need notary for: powers of attorney, sworn declarations, sales contracts, I-864 forms (in some cases), mortgage contracts.

Where to find a notary public

FREE (for customers)

  • Your bank — Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc. offer FREE notarization to customers
  • Credit unions — generally same, free for members
  • AAA (Automobile Association) — free for members
  • Public libraries — some have notary
  • Your workplace — if HR available
  • UPS Store — national locations, $5-$10/signature typically
  • FedEx Office — similar
  • Mobile notaries ($25-$100 — travel to you)
  • Notaries in law/accounting offices ($10-$20)
  • Online (NotaryCam, OneNotary) — video notarization, $25-$45

What to bring

  • ☐ Unsigned document (DO NOT sign before arriving)
  • ☐ Valid photo ID: driver’s license, passport, state ID
  • ☐ Required witnesses (some documents need 1-2 witnesses beyond notary)
  • ☐ Cash or card for fee

Can undocumented immigrants use notary?

YES. Notary only verifies:

  1. Your identity (with ID)
  2. That you sign freely and understand what you’re signing

Does NOT verify immigration status.

Notary for documents in Spanish

For document to be legally valid if in Spanish:

  • Notary must understand what they’re notarizing or have translator
  • Some states require notary be bilingual (CA, TX, FL for Spanish documents)

Notary for use in another country

If document is to send to home country:

  1. Regular notary signs + seals
  2. Then apostille the document (see apostille document)
  3. Send to receiving country

Source: American Society of Notaries

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Frequently asked questions

What does a US notary public do?
A US notary verifies the identity of signers and witnesses signatures on documents — that is all. A notary does not give legal advice, prepare immigration forms, or represent you before any agency.
Is a US notary the same as a Latin American notario?
No, and this is a critical difference. In many Latin American countries a ’notario’ is a highly trained lawyer; in the US a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal services. Do not rely on a US notario for immigration help.
How much does notarization cost?
Notary fees are capped by each state and are usually small — often a few dollars to about $15 per signature. Banks, shipping stores, and libraries frequently offer notary service, sometimes free for customers.
Where can I find a notary public?
Banks and credit unions (often free for account holders), shipping/print stores, public libraries, courthouses, and many real-estate or insurance offices. Mobile and online notaries are also available in many states.

Major federal procedures

Detention and constitutional rights

Finances for immigrants

General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.