PDA

View Full Version : Banks notarize documents for the customers for free....right?



ufcrusher
12-15-2005, 09:47 AM
For those members who live outside of the state of California, you saw the subject line and said, Yeah. Those people in California probably said, I dont know or I think so. Well, let me tell you the answer. NO.

I have a BUNCH of things that I need notarized for a total of 12 signatures/stamps. Every notary in the area wants $10+ per signature, even though its 9 of the exact same page. No discounts, nothing off. I seemed to remember my bank back east included free notary service, so I figured I should try. First call, WAMU - where customer service comes first. Nope, only for bank matters anymore, they have a "limited certification". I thought that was weird because how could they have a limited certificiation, I thought there was only 1 way to be a notary which was to sit through that day long class and pay the fee. Second call, our credit union -- she would have done it BUT her certification had lapsed and she wouldnt get it back until Feb. Finally, used a connection at a AXA, since I know they have them. Once again the person had let their certification lapse and was waiting to get it reinstated until next year.

Given the choice of paying $100+ for something that should be nowhere near that price, I decide its time to think outside the box. I am going home to Florida, so I contacted my friend to find out if he had someone who could do it. While waiting for the response, I asked my dad. He proceeded to tell me his bank does it for free for him and tells me that mine should too.

I checked with the same bank that he used back there, BoA, and found out that they didnt do it. They used to but due to "losses" had stopped doing it for anything except bank matters. I decided to call my bank branch in Florida...sure enough they will do it for me for free! I also found out that there are at least 2 other places where I can get it done for free at home.

Thus -- the moral of the story, they dont do it in California anymore. Sad.

kgsilvas
12-15-2005, 10:12 AM
Most Credit Unions in CA still notarize for free. Some CUs notarize free for everyone, not just members. You should check.

chadlnc
12-15-2005, 10:16 AM
I'm a notary here in NC and by state law I can charge $3 per signature and no more. But if you have several pages I can charge for each one of those. I however have never charged anyone for it, I don't do it enough to really make anything off of it so I just don't charge anything.

Jenny
12-15-2005, 10:36 AM
Yeah, our grocery store here has one that charges $3 I think...

Markel
12-15-2005, 10:55 AM
I think AAA offers a free notary service for members.

Our company keeps someone on staff who is a notary, so I can just run over to the HR department and get it done.

angl2b
12-15-2005, 11:20 AM
I'm a notary for MD but no more than $3 per notary either

attgig
12-15-2005, 11:42 AM
I'm a notary for MD but no more than $3 per notary either
you are?! man, I'll go to you from now on =)

Jcranmer
12-15-2005, 11:50 AM
I don't know if it's in all areas but in southern IN any UPS Store will charge you $2.00.

That's what I do anymore, since most of the banks (even banks I have an account at) seem to be a bit hit or miss anymore as to if they will even do it, or how much they will charge me.

ufcrusher
12-15-2005, 11:51 AM
UPS store here wants $10 per signature!

jstreet
12-15-2005, 12:11 PM
How does one become a notary? Can one notarize one's own documents?

angl2b
12-15-2005, 12:42 PM
you can get the forms from the state you are in - for DC to become a notary you have to take a test as well. You have to go in and pick up the forms - none online.
You can not notarize your own documents or for family members.

But the process is simple - you fill out the form - they send out a letter to each of the people you use as reference for your character - you go in after you get your letter - swear in - pay the fees - and there you are a notary - then you buy the stamp thing and stuff.


you are?! man, I'll go to you from now on =)


sure travel over and I can do it - it has to be legit and not get me in any trouble.... :|

:laugh:

chadlnc
12-15-2005, 12:55 PM
you can get the forms from the state you are in - for DC to become a notary you have to take a test as well. You have to go in and pick up the forms - none online.
You can not notarize your own documents or for family members.

But the process is simple - you fill out the form - they send out a letter to each of the people you use as reference for your character - you go in after you get your letter - swear in - pay the fees - and there you are a notary - then you buy the stamp thing and stuff.

Its a little different here to become one.

In NC you can notarize family documents as long as you are not named in them. It is frowned on, but not against the law.

Jcranmer
12-15-2005, 01:29 PM
UPS store here wants $10 per signature!

WTH?? Wow, must be state law driven. I think the legal max changes per state.

If you work in a large or medium office, you might want to ask around. One of your co-workers is bound to be one and will hopefully do it for nothing.

InfiniteNothing
12-15-2005, 01:46 PM
Banks are for keeping money not for free notarizations. All these extra services add to the bottom line (eg. I'd rather have a lower APR on my loans or a higher APR on my savings/investments)

Itsme
12-15-2005, 01:52 PM
Postal Annex here in the San Diego area charges $8.

Yes, it sure was annoying when the banks stopped doing it for free. I need something notarized about once a month, so it can get costly.

RIVERWIDOW
12-15-2005, 02:00 PM
My daughter-in-law was a notary here (Callif) and did mobile signings about twice a week. She made hefty money because the banks were paying.
Now she has become one in Colorado. All she had to do was fill out a paper and prove who she was. No class, no test nothing! Once again she is a mobile
notary doing loan apps etc. She makes about $75 for every signing she does. Once again being paid by the bank. Its good as a little extra job and doesn't take that much time. I have accounts in 2 banks. Reg bank charges. Credit Union is free. I think the CU does it free to try and pick up customers from reg banks.