Considering that banks work with documents that require notarization, does Wells Fargo have notary services?
It is a good question and the answer is yes, Wells Fargo can notarize your documents if you are in the right location.
If you need notary services but are not sure where to find them, the local Wells Fargo bank is a good place to start.
Does Wells Fargo Have a Notary?
Wells Fargo does offer a notary service for its customers. If you have a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, a notary public is generally free at Wells Fargo.
You can begin by visiting the Wells Fargo website and using the locator to see which is the closest location in your community. All you need to do is the following.
- Go to Wells Fargo site
- Select the “ATM/Locations” tab
- Put in your address or zip code
- Select the “notary services” box
- Click on search
This will let you know of all Wells Fargo banks in your community that offers notary services. While such services are offered at most Wells Fargo locations, not all may have them.
You should receive a list of locations that do have a notary service, so you can start the selection process at that point.
The next step is to call the location that is most convenient for you and the notary public.
Because their services are often needed in the bank and they may have other duties, you will need to schedule an appointment with them.
This way, you can ensure you will get the document signed shortly after you arrive. If you do not schedule an appointment, you may not be able to see the notary public.
You will need to bring all related documents and your photo ID for proof of identification which is part of their job.
Remember that you are going to sign the document in their presence, so do not sign it beforehand. Otherwise, the notary public will refuse to notarize it. This is because they are required by law to see you sign the document first.
Related: List of 20 Banks with Notary Service
How Much is Notary at Wells Fargo?
In general, Wells Fargo will notarize for free if you have an account with them. If you do not have a Wells Fargo account, then you will have to pay a fee.
The fees are generally small since the service is relatively straightforward. There are some instances in which the notary public’s services cannot be used by those without an account.
When you call for your appointment, ask if they will perform the notarization from someone without a Wells Fargo account. If not, you can find an independent notary public that can do the notarization with a fee.
Notary Public Outside of Wells Fargo
There are notary publics that work either independently or for several different institutions. If a Wells Fargo location is not convenient for you to visit, consider these other options.
- AAA Stores and Locations
- Financial Institutions: Credit Unions and Insurance Companies
- Local Clerk Office
- Shipping Services: FedEx, USPS, and UPS
Your local post office may have notary services available. No matter which one you choose, be sure to call ahead and verify that it is available in your area.
Alternatively, you can search through the phone book under “notary service” to see if one is available close by.
There are independent notary publics that travel to locations such as hospitals and the like. It may be possible to use their services if you cannot travel.
Most Wells Fargo locations offer notary public services. You will need to double-check to ensure that a specific Wells Fargo bank does have such services available for your needs.
Here is a list of places outside of Wells Fargo that offer notary public services:
| Places | Costs |
| Public Libraries | Free |
| Citibank | Free for customers |
| Bank of America | Free for customers |
| Wells Fargo | Free for customers |
| PNC Bank | Free for customers |
| US Bank | Free for customers $2 for non-customers |
| UPS Store | Up to $10 per signature |
| AAA | Free for members |
How Does Wells Fargo Notary Work?
Most banks’ common practice is to employ public notaries, which allow for the notarization of documents.
This helps speed up the process for Wells Fargo to utilize documents that are needed for transactions, recordkeeping, and other uses.
A notary is an official who is authorized by the government to be an impartial witness to the signing of legal documents.
Think of a public notary as someone not related to the event itself in which documents must be signed, even if they are employed or otherwise used by the bank. A notary can do the following in this regard.
- Verify Identification of those Signing the Documents
- Explain to Both Parties the Contents of the Documents to be Signed
- Establish whether Both Parties are Signing Documents of Their Own Free Will
Why Use Wells Fargo Notary?
Wells Fargo uses experienced notaries to spot potential fraud. This means that they can act to stop or not authorize the signing of documents if they believe fraud or some other unauthorized or nefarious action is taking place.
For example, if one party does not fully understand the documents being signed, the notary can refuse to verify the document as being legal by withholding notarization.
If the notary believes that everything is in order, then they will mark the contract with their stamp and sign it.
This does not mean that such contracts or documents are now free of any scrutiny, but it does means that at the time in which the documents are signed there was no visible evidence of fraud, that all parties were properly identified, and that they signed such documents without being under duress.
Does Wells Fargo Notarize?
If you have an account or any credit card with Wells Fargo, the notary is generally free at Wells Fargo.
A notary is not required for every document. The types of documents that normally require notarization are as follows.
- Affidavits
- Car Ownership Transfer
- Loans
- Real Estate Deeds
- Trusts
If the documents fall under one of these categories, then you will probably need a notary. However, specific documents may fall outside the ones on the list that also require notarization.
Such documents normally have an indication or statement that requires a notary to approve. And you can always have a document notarized even if such a service is not required, although you will have to pay a fee.
