Staples Notary Services in 2026: Does Staples Notarize Documents?

Staples is a familiar destination for printing, copying, scanning, shipping supplies, passport photos, and other document-related services. Because many people already visit Staples with important paperwork, it is natural to ask: Does Staples notarize documents?

The answer is yes, but the service may not work the way you expect. Staples promotes an online notarization service through its partnership with Notarize, powered by Proof's Notarize Network. The process is completed remotely through a live video call rather than through a guaranteed walk-in notary employee at every Staples store.

Does Staples Have a Notary?

Yes. Staples has partnered with Notarize to provide remote online notarization to customers in the United States. According to the official Staples service page, the platform allows customers to complete eligible notarizations online from home, work, or another location with internet access.

The standard process includes:

• Uploading or scanning the document
• Verifying your identity
• Connecting with a commissioned notary through secure video
• Signing the document electronically when instructed
• Downloading and sharing the completed notarized file

Staples advertises the service as available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This can be helpful when local banks, shipping stores, and traditional notary offices are closed.

Does Staples Offer In-Store Notary Services?

You should not assume that every Staples store has a commissioned notary employee available at the service counter. The primary U.S. notary service promoted by Staples is an online notary service.

That means you generally do not need to visit a Staples location to complete the notarization. You can access the service using your own smartphone, tablet, or computer.

A physical Staples store may still be useful if you need to:

• Print your document before the notary session
• Scan paperwork into a digital file
• Make copies of the notarized document
• Purchase an envelope or shipping supplies
• Ship a paper copy after the notarization

However, printing, copying, scanning, and shipping are separate services from the online notarization itself. If you specifically want a face-to-face notary at a Staples store, call the individual location before traveling and confirm whether an on-site notary is available.

How Staples Online Notary Services Work

Staples describes a four-step online notarization process.

1. Upload or Scan Your Document

Start by uploading a PDF or image of the document using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Before uploading it, check that every page is present and readable.

Make sure the file includes all required:

• Signature fields
• Document instructions
• Notarial certificate wording
• Attachments and exhibits
• Witness sections, when required

2. Verify Your Identity

You will normally be asked to photograph a government-issued identification document and complete an identity-verification process. Your ID should be current, readable, and belong to the person appearing before the notary.

The name on your ID should also reasonably match the name shown on the document. Differences involving nicknames, initials, middle names, spelling, or changed surnames may need to be reviewed before the session can continue.

3. Connect With a Notary by Video

After completing identity verification, you connect with a commissioned notary through a secure live video call. The notary may confirm your identity, review the document for completeness, and verify that you are signing voluntarily.

Depending on the required notarial act, you may need to sign during the session, acknowledge a previously made signature, or swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true.

4. Download the Notarized Document

After the notarization is completed, the notary applies an electronic signature and seal. You can then download, save, email, or share the completed notarized file.

Staples states that many notarizations can be completed in under 10 minutes. However, the actual time may depend on identity verification, document eligibility, internet quality, witness requirements, and notary availability.

How Much Does Staples Charge for Notary Services?

Staples currently lists the following online notary pricing:

• $25 for one document requiring one notary seal
• $10 for each additional notary seal

A document with one signer and one notarial certificate may require only one seal. The price can increase when the document includes multiple notarized signatures, several separate notarial certificates, or more than one required notarial act.

It is important to understand that one document does not always mean one notary seal. Review the signature and notarial certificate sections before beginning the session.

Staples Notary vs Notary20

Staples can be a practical option for customers who prefer a large online platform. However, it is not the only way to notarize an eligible document remotely.

Notary20 provides eligible online notarization for a flat $20 per document. Customers submit the document and identification, attend the required live online session, and receive the completed notarized PDF electronically.

The better option depends on your document, deadline, number of notarizations, identification, witness requirements, and the rules of the organization receiving the document.

What Documents Can Staples Notarize?

Staples states that most documents can be notarized online through its platform, although certain documents have unique restrictions. Common document categories may include:

• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Powers of attorney
• Contracts and agreements
• Real estate documents
• Deeds and mortgage documents
• Wills and trusts
• Personal authorization forms
• Business documents

The appearance of a document type on a general service list does not guarantee that every version of that document can be completed online. Eligibility can depend on the applicable law, required certificate, receiving party, signer's location, and whether witnesses or wet-ink originals are required.

Documents That May Not Be Suitable for Online Notarization

Some documents may require a different process. Before paying for any online notary service, confirm whether your recipient accepts remote online notarization.

Potential restrictions may apply when:

• The recipient requires an original wet-ink signature
• The document must be notarized in a particular state or country
• The signer cannot complete the required identity verification
• The document requires witnesses who are not available
• The form contains special notarial instructions
• The document is intended for international use
• The receiving agency does not accept electronic notarization

The notary can perform an authorized notarial act, but the notary cannot guarantee that a court, government agency, bank, foreign authority, or private organization will accept the document.

Can Staples Notarize a Document for Use Outside the United States?

Staples states that its Notarize platform is designed for documents being used in the United States. Its official FAQ says the platform does not provide notarization for documents intended for use outside the United States.

International document use may require additional steps such as:

• A wet-ink notarized original
• An apostille
• Authentication by a secretary of state
• Embassy or consular legalization
• A certified translation
• A specific notarial certificate

Before notarizing an international document, ask the receiving organization exactly what it requires. Do not assume that an electronically notarized document will automatically qualify for an apostille or be accepted in another country.

What Should You Prepare for the Session?

Prepare the following items before beginning an online notarization:

• A complete and readable digital copy of the document
• A valid government-issued photo ID
• A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera
• A working microphone
• A stable internet connection
• A quiet and well-lit location
• Any required witnesses
• Instructions from the document recipient

Do not sign the document too early unless you have confirmed that a previously signed document can be acknowledged. If the document requires a jurat, oath, or affirmation, you will generally need to sign while appearing before the notary.

You should also complete all required non-signature fields before the session unless the document instructions say otherwise. A notary cannot provide legal advice, choose the notarial certificate for you, or tell you how to complete the legal contents of the document.

Advantages of Staples Online Notary Services

Staples online notary service offers several practical benefits.

No Store Visit Required

You can complete the process from home or another suitable location instead of driving to a branch and waiting for an employee to become available.

24/7 Availability

Staples advertises its online notary partner as available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This may be useful for urgent, evening, weekend, or time-zone-sensitive requests.

Electronic Document Delivery

The completed document can be downloaded and shared electronically after the session. This can be useful when the recipient accepts a notarized PDF.

Document Preparation Services Nearby

If you need help printing, scanning, copying, or shipping the document, a Staples retail store may provide those separate services.

Potential Limitations of Staples Notary Services

Staples may not be the best option for every customer or every document. Possible limitations include:

• The starting price is $25
• Additional notary seals cost extra
• Not every document is eligible for online notarization
• Some recipients require paper originals
• The platform is not designed for documents used outside the United States
• Some signers may have difficulty completing automated identity verification
• Witnesses may need to participate in the session
• A Staples store visit does not guarantee access to an in-person notary

Checking these issues before starting can help you avoid delays, rejected documents, and unnecessary expenses.

Is Staples the Best Place to Get a Document Notarized?

Staples can be convenient when you want a recognized brand, 24/7 platform access, and an electronic workflow. It may be a good option for a straightforward domestic document that is accepted through remote online notarization.

A different online notary service may be a better fit when:

• You want a lower flat price
• You want direct communication before paying
• You need night or weekend assistance
• Your document has unusual instructions
• You are experiencing identity-verification problems
• You want help confirming whether the document appears ready for the session

The most important step is to confirm that your document is eligible and that the receiving organization will accept a remotely notarized electronic file.

Compare Online Notary Pricing

Notary pricing can vary based on the provider, number of seals, number of signers, witness requirements, and document type. For a broader comparison, read our complete pricing guide:

Online Notary Cost in the U.S.: Complete Pricing Guide

Official Staples Service Information

Prices, service terms, and eligible document rules may change. You can review the current service details on the official Staples Online Notary Services page.

Start Your Online Notarization

If you have an eligible document and want a direct online notary option for a flat $20 price, submit your document and identification to begin.

FAQ

Final Answer

Staples does offer notary services, but its primary U.S. service is remote online notarization through Notarize rather than guaranteed walk-in notarization at every Staples store.

You can upload an eligible document, verify your identity, connect with a commissioned notary by live video, and download the completed notarized file. Staples currently lists a starting price of $25 for one document with one notary seal, plus $10 for each additional seal.

For customers who want a simpler flat price, direct assistance, or night and weekend availability, Notary20 offers eligible online notarization for $20 per document. Before choosing any provider, confirm that your document is eligible and that the receiving organization accepts remote online notarization.