A bank notary is a state-commissioned notary public who works at a bank branch and witnesses the signing of documents that need notarization. Their job is to confirm who you are, confirm you are signing willingly, and then stamp and sign a notarial certificate on the document. Most banks offer this service free to their own account holders and may charge non-customers a fee set under state law.
What a Bank Notary Actually Does
A notary public is an official appointed or commissioned under state law to serve the public during notarizations.1Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 117.01 At a bank, that role is filled by a staff member who has been commissioned by the state. The point of the service is to deter fraud: the notary verifies your identity, checks that you are signing of your own free will, and confirms you understand what you are signing.2Florida Department of State. Refusing Notary Services FAQ – Section: May I ever refuse to provide notary services?
Once that is done, the notary completes a notarial certificate on the document. That means dating it, signing it, and applying an official notary seal.3Florida Department of State. Notary Education FAQ – Section: When notarizing a signature, what elements must be included in my notarial certificate?
What It Costs
Many banks provide notary services at no cost to their own account holders. People without an account may be charged. Fees for notary services are generally regulated by the state and can vary depending on the specific task or whether the service is performed online.4Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 117.275 Call the branch before you go; not every location has a notary on duty every day.
Documents You Can Bring
Banks see the same handful of documents over and over. Affidavits, which are sworn statements of fact, are common. So are power of attorney forms, which give legal authority to another person to act on your behalf. Real estate paperwork comes up often too: deeds and mortgages typically must be acknowledged by a notary before they can be officially recorded.5Florida Senate. Florida Statutes § 695.03
What to Bring and How It Works
Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, unless the notary already knows you personally. Bring the full document, and make sure it is complete. A notary cannot work on paperwork with blank spaces.2Florida Department of State. Refusing Notary Services FAQ – Section: May I ever refuse to provide notary services?
Depending on the type of notarization, you may need to sign the document in the notary’s presence, or you may be able to sign it beforehand and then confirm your signature to the notary in person.2Florida Department of State. Refusing Notary Services FAQ – Section: May I ever refuse to provide notary services? If anyone else needs to sign the same document, bring them along with their ID. After confirming identity and willingness, the notary dates, signs, and seals the certificate, and you are done.