Where Can I Get Something Notarized Besides UPS? Best Online and Local Options

UPS is one of the first places many people think of when they need a document notarized. It is familiar, easy to find, and often located near homes, offices, and shopping areas. But UPS is not the only place to get something notarized.

In many cases, UPS may not be the most convenient option. The store may be open, but the notary may not be available. You may need an appointment, the location may not provide notary service that day, or your schedule may not match the store's notary hours.

1. Online Notary Services

One of the easiest alternatives to UPS is online notarization. Instead of driving to a store, you can complete the notarization remotely using your phone or computer. For many common documents, this is faster and more convenient than trying to find an in-person notary.

With online notarization, you usually prepare your document, verify your identity, join a live online session, sign as instructed, and receive the notarized file electronically. This option is especially helpful if you need a document notarized after normal business hours, live far from a local notary, or want to avoid unnecessary travel.

Notary20 provides online notarization service for $20 per notarized document. For many one-document situations, this can be a simple and affordable alternative to visiting UPS in person.

2. Banks

Banks are another common place to get something notarized. If you already have an account with a bank, the branch may offer notary service to customers. Some banks may provide this service for free or at a low cost.

However, bank notary service is not always available on demand. You may need an appointment, and the branch may only have a notary available during certain hours. Some banks may also limit the types of documents they are willing to notarize.

3. Credit Unions

Credit unions may also provide notary services, especially for members. This can be a good option if you already belong to a local credit union and your document is simple.

The main limitation is availability. Some credit unions only help members, and not every branch has a notary available every day. If you need a document notarized quickly, call ahead before making the trip.

4. Public Libraries

Some public libraries offer notary services to the community. This can be a low-cost option for simple documents. In some areas, library notary service may even be free.

However, not every library provides this service. You may need to reserve an appointment, visit a specific branch, and bring acceptable photo identification. Libraries may also have limits on what they can notarize.

5. Mailbox and Shipping Stores Besides UPS

UPS is not the only mailbox or shipping store that may offer notary service. Independent mailbox centers, packaging stores, printing shops, and local business service centers may also have a notary available.

These locations can be convenient because they may also provide printing, scanning, copying, and mailing services. That can help if you need to print your document before signing or mail the notarized document after the session.

Just like UPS, availability can vary. Always call first to confirm the notary's schedule, pricing, accepted ID, and whether witnesses are required.

6. Mobile Notary Services

A mobile notary travels to you. This can be useful if you cannot easily visit a store, bank, library, or office. Mobile notaries may meet clients at homes, offices, hospitals, nursing homes, coffee shops, or other agreed locations.

Mobile notary service is convenient, but it is often more expensive than visiting a local notary. In addition to the notarization fee, you may need to pay a travel fee. The total cost can depend on distance, time, urgency, and your state.

7. Law Offices

Some law offices offer notary services, especially for documents connected to legal matters, estate planning, real estate, contracts, or business transactions. This may be a good option if your document is complicated or if you also need legal advice.

A notary public and an attorney are not the same. A notary verifies identity and notarizes signatures. A notary generally does not explain legal rights, draft legal documents, or tell you whether a document protects your interests. If you need legal advice, contact an attorney before signing.

8. Courthouses, City Offices, and County Clerk Offices

Some local government offices may provide notary services or help direct you to a notary. This may include county clerk offices, city halls, courthouses, or similar public offices.

This option depends heavily on your location. Some offices only notarize documents related to their own agency. Others may not provide general public notary service. Call ahead before visiting.

9. Real Estate Offices and Title Companies

If your document is related to a property transaction, a title company or real estate office may be able to help. Real estate closings often involve notarized signatures, so these offices are familiar with notary workflows.

This option is usually best for real estate-related documents. For a simple affidavit, authorization letter, consent form, or general personal document, an online notary service may be easier and faster.

10. Your Workplace or School

Some employers, universities, and large organizations have staff members who are commissioned notaries. This can be convenient if your document is related to employment, school records, business paperwork, or internal administration.

However, workplace or school notaries may only notarize organization-related documents. Ask your HR department, administrative office, or student services office whether notary service is available.

Best Alternatives to UPS for Notarization

What Should You Bring to Get Something Notarized?

No matter where you go, you should prepare carefully before the notarization. Most notaries will need to verify your identity before notarizing your signature.

• A valid government-issued photo ID
• The complete document, not only the signature page
• Any required witnesses, if your document needs them
• A clean, unsigned document if the notary must witness your signature
• Any instructions from the receiving party

For many notarizations, you should not sign too early. If the notary needs to witness your signature, you should sign during the notary session.

Should You Use UPS or an Online Notary?

UPS can be useful if a participating location near you has a notary available at the right time. It may also be convenient if you need to print, copy, or ship documents at the same location.

However, online notarization may be a better fit if you want to avoid travel, need evening or weekend service, or want the completed notarized file returned electronically. For many common documents, online notarization is the more convenient path.

Compare Online Notary Pricing

If you want to understand online notary pricing before choosing a service, read this guide:

Online Notary Cost Guide

Start Your Online Notarization with Notary20

If you do not want to visit UPS, search for a local branch, or wait for a notary to become available, Notary20 can help you notarize your document online. The service is simple, remote, and affordable.

Notary20 charges $20 per notarized document. You can complete the process from home and receive your notarized file electronically.

FAQ