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
PAID ($5-$15/signature)
- 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:
- Your identity (with ID)
- 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:
- Regular notary signs + seals
- Then apostille the document (see apostille document)
- Send to receiving country
Related information
Source: American Society of Notaries
Last verified: 2026-05-24.
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.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections
- FBI background check for use abroad — identity history summary for foreign agencies
