Places to Get Documents Notarized

A notary seal is used by notary publics in their work.

Documents are notarized to ensure their proper execution and deter fraud. Many people don't think about where or how to get a document notarized until it's time for them to do so, leaving them scrambling in situations that can be time sensitive. Knowing where to find a notary public can help you be prepared for this situation whenever it arises.

Banks

Banks often require customer service associates and loan agents to become notary publics. This is because a large number of legal documents are handled by these institutions on a daily basis. If you have an account at a particular institution, chances are it will notarize documents for you at no charge. If you use a bank where you don't have an account, that institution may charge a small fee for this service. Many times, notarizing documents can be done on a walk-in basis.

Courthouses

Court clerks also serve as notary publics in most areas. For this reason, it's possible to get documents notarized at a local courthouse. It is a good idea to call ahead for an appointment before taking documents to the courthouse to be notarized, even if you have done so previously since the workload in a particular office can determine whether clerks will perform their services for the public.

Insurance Agencies

Like banks, insurance agencies also handle a large number of legal documents. This means agents and office administrators often obtain notary public certification. Your agent will certainly be able to notarize insurance-related documents, but you can also ask him if he'd be willing to notarize documents for you that aren't related to your insurance policy.

Mobile Notaries

In the event you're unable to locate a notary public through other means, you may be able to find someone who'll come to your location. These individuals, mobile notaries, may be listed as such in a telephone directory. Some notaries may respond the same day, while others need one to two day's notice. A fee is associated with this type of service and can include a charge for mileage as well. This is perhaps the most convenient notary option, but may be the most expensive.

References

• Notary Public: Notary Public National Registry
• American Society of Notaries: America's Notaries Trust Association