The Myth of Free Notarization

04-Oct-2022

The Myth of Free Notarization

All too often I hear it said that you can just get a free notarization if you go to your bank. While on the surface this statement may be generally regarded as true, if we scratched just below the surface to a deeper layer, we will discover this is simply not the case in many circumstances.

In my journey as an entrepreneur, I can safely say that I performed thousands upon thousands of notarizations. I’ve met a lot of people and learned to read the room quite well. You see in my day-to-day I will periodically find myself at a bank conducting a closing, or at a UPS store, Safe ship, or some other similar outlet to drop off high-priority documents.

More times than I can count or accurately recall I have seen the distraught, confused, frustrated, and slightly angered look on fellow citizens’ countenances that I know all too well. It’s the look of somebody who has been on a mission (at this point) to get a document authenticated. No one it seems will do what they are asking.

While I am glad to come to the rescue, why is this happening? The reality is that Banks, UPS Stores, Amscot, and many the like simply do not want to, or have a strict policy against notarizing highly sensitive documents. More often than not these are estate planning forms, wills, and deeds of transport. These rules and regulations I can only assume deem them too high risk for that particular outlet to involve themselves in the transaction.

As you can imagine these poor folks would have saved themselves an awful lot of frustration and time if they had simply employed the services of a professional notary. At some point, they have to ask themselves what is their time actually worth? Is it worth saving the $10, $20, or $30 going from bank to bank and driving around on a hunt to get some forms stamped? Most certainly it is not! What’s more, they are actually supporting a local small business rather than the big banking cartels.

Additionally, the professional notary will carry Errors and Omission insurance as well as be highly familiar with the proper execution of your documents. This pretty much ensures that they will be executed without flaw. The busy bank teller or the crew member at the local packaging store simply will not give the attention to detail it’s your forms may require. Improper execution of these forms could of course cause additional delays and even cost you additional money.

As I stated previously, I am often in these large banks conducting a closing with their customers, on their loans! Why is Wells Fargo paying me a lump of money to close a loan they originated? Don’t they have a notary on staff? Well, two things:

1. It’s more than likely a conflict of interest to have staff do this.
2. They want it DONE RIGHT!

While in the bank performing this duty, I will invariably see someone turned away with “papers” and a look of dismay. If the opportunity presents itself I will offer to help this unlucky individual out. I am even inclined to do it “pro-bono” for the sake of spreading goodwill and the chance to educate the public. Usually, the person Is overcome with enough gratitude that they want to stuff cash in my pocket anyway.

My hope is that this little piece has given you some insight into the processes of getting documents notarized. I intend to save you time and money by not wasting your time in a bank line only being turned away because your forms are simply too sensitive. Like I said I’ve seen this scenario played out so many times I can see it on the faces of the people that have fallen victim to the “free notary” charade.

But also, like I said before you get to support a small business by looking up someone local whose specific job is to perform notary work on a daily basis. You will be in good hands!

My business performs a variety of legal services in the Volusia County and Central Florida area, as well as educates and mentors new notaries to maximize their business and income. we regularly put out useful and informative content on our YouTube channel. Give us a like & subscribe!