How Long Does It Take to Notarize a Document?
Quick Answer
5–15 minutes once you are in front of a notary, though finding an available notary and traveling to their location may add 30 minutes to several hours.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
The notarization process itself takes 5–15 minutes per document. The notary verifies your identity, confirms you understand the document and are signing willingly, watches you sign, and then applies their official seal. The total time including travel and wait times is typically 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on where you go.
Time Breakdown by Method
| Method | Process Time | Total Time (Including Travel/Wait) |
|---|---|---|
| Bank or credit union | 5–10 minutes | 20–45 minutes |
| UPS Store / shipping center | 5–15 minutes | 20–60 minutes |
| Mobile notary (comes to you) | 10–20 minutes | Scheduled appointment |
| Remote online notarization | 10–25 minutes | No travel needed |
| Law office / real estate closing | 5–15 minutes | Part of larger appointment |
What Happens During Notarization
- Identity verification -- The notary checks your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). This takes 1–2 minutes.
- Signer awareness check -- The notary confirms you understand the document and are signing voluntarily, not under duress.
- Signing -- You sign the document in the notary's physical presence.
- Notary seal and signature -- The notary completes their journal entry, stamps the document with their official seal, and signs it.
Where to Find a Notary
Banks and credit unions are the most common and often most convenient option. Many banks offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm a notary is available.
UPS Stores and FedEx Office locations typically offer notary services for $5–15 per signature. Walk-ins are usually accepted but calling ahead is recommended.
Mobile notaries travel to your location for a fee, typically $25–$75 on top of per-signature fees. They are ideal for real estate closings, hospital visits, or people with mobility issues.
Remote online notarization (RON) allows you to notarize documents via video call. Services like Notarize.com and Rocket Lawyer offer RON in states that permit it. As of 2024, over 45 states have enacted permanent RON laws.
Factors That Affect Total Time
Number of documents: Each document adds 2–5 minutes. Real estate closings with multiple documents can take 30–60 minutes.
ID issues: If your ID is expired, damaged, or does not match the name on the document, the notary cannot proceed. Always bring valid, current identification.
Notary availability: At banks and retail locations, the notary may be assisting other customers. Call ahead to check availability or schedule an appointment.
Document completeness: The document must be complete before notarization -- notaries cannot notarize blank or incomplete documents. Having everything filled in before your appointment saves time.
What to Bring
- The document(s) to be notarized -- unsigned (you must sign in front of the notary)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (not expired)
- Any additional signers who need to be present
- Payment (if applicable -- fees range from $2–15 per notarization in most states)
Tips for a Quick Experience
- Call ahead to confirm a notary is available and ask about fees
- Check your ID matches the name on the document exactly
- Do not sign the document before arriving -- the notary must witness your signature
- Use online notarization if your state allows it and you need it done immediately
- Bring all required parties -- if multiple people need to sign, everyone must be present