If you‘ve ever needed to get a document notarized, you know that finding a convenient and affordable notary public can sometimes be a challenge. Many people rely on their local bank or credit union, but notary hours are often limited to standard business hours on weekdays. This can be frustrating if you work full-time or have other scheduling conflicts.
In recent years, some unexpected places have started offering notary services to give consumers more options – including major pharmacy chains like CVS. But does CVS have a notary at every location? What types of documents can you notarize there? How much will it cost? We‘ll answer all these questions and more in this comprehensive guide to CVS notary services.
The Basics: What Is a Notary and What Do They Do?
Before we dive into the specifics of getting a document notarized at CVS, let‘s ensure we‘re clear on the role of a notary public. In simple terms, a notary is a state-appointed official who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents. Their primary duty is to verify the identity of the person signing the document and ensure that they are doing so willingly and under their own free will.
There are several common types of notarial acts, including:
- Acknowledgments: The signer appears before the notary and acknowledges that the signature on the document is theirs.
- Jurats: Similar to an acknowledgment, but the signer also swears under oath that the contents of the document are true.
- Signature Witnessing: The notary observes the document being signed.
- Copy Certification: The notary certifies that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.
- Oaths and Affirmations: The notary administers an oath or affirmation, often in connection with an affidavit or other sworn statement.
When notarizing a document, the notary will typically require the signer to present a valid form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver‘s license or passport. They will then observe the signing, administer any necessary oaths, and affix their official notary seal to the document. This seal serves as legal proof that the notarization was performed properly.
CVS Notary Services: An Overview
Now that we understand the basics of notarization, let‘s take a closer look at the notary services offered by CVS. According to data from CVS corporate, around 80% of CVS stores nationwide have a notary public on staff. This means that the vast majority of consumers have access to notary services at their local CVS pharmacy.
However, it‘s important to note that not every CVS location offers notary services, and even those that do may have limited availability. Most CVS notaries are store employees who have other primary duties, so they may only be available to notarize during certain shifts or hours. It‘s always best to call your local CVS ahead of time to confirm whether notary services are offered and when the notary will be available.
What Can You Notarize at CVS?
Assuming your local CVS does have a notary on staff, you can notarize a wide variety of documents there. Some common examples include:
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Property deeds and other real estate documents
- Trusts and estate planning documents
- Powers of attorney
- Contracts and business agreements
- Prenuptial agreements
- Child custody agreements
- Passport application documents
- Certified copies of diplomas, marriage licenses, birth certificates, etc.
Essentially, if a document requires notarization to be legally valid, you can likely get it done at CVS. However, there may be some state-specific limitations or rules around certain types of documents. For example, some states don‘t allow notaries to certify true copies of vital records like birth certificates. If you‘re unsure whether CVS can notarize your specific document, it‘s best to call and ask.
CVS Notary Pricing
One of the biggest advantages of getting a document notarized at CVS is affordability. While notary fees can vary by location and document type, most CVS stores charge a flat fee of around $5-15 per notarized signature. This is on par with or slightly cheaper than other popular notary options. For comparison, here are the typical price ranges for notary services at several major retailers and service providers:
| Provider | Typical Notary Fee Range |
|---|---|
| CVS | $5 – $15 |
| The UPS Store | $5 – $15 |
| FedEx Office | $5 – $25 |
| Banks (non-customers) | $5 – $25 |
| Independent notaries | $10 – $30 |
| Mobile notaries | $30 – $75 |
Note: Prices are per signature notarized and may vary by location. Some banks offer free notary services for account holders.
As you can see, getting a document notarized at CVS is one of the most affordable options available in most cases. However, for more complex notarizations or documents with multiple signatures, the total cost may be higher.
Finding a CVS Notary Near You
With around 80% of CVS locations nationwide offering notary services, chances are there is a CVS notary near you. The easiest way to find out is to use the CVS store locator on their website. Simply enter your city, state or zip code to pull up a list of nearby CVS pharmacy locations.
Once you have a list of stores, you‘ll need to contact them individually to confirm notary availability, hours, and pricing. Look for the "Store Details" link for each location to find their phone number. When you call, be sure to ask:
- Does this CVS location offer notary services?
- What are the hours when a notary is typically available?
- Is an appointment required or are walk-ins accepted?
- What is the fee per notarized signature?
- Are there any specific requirements or restrictions I should know about?
It‘s also a good idea to ask if the store‘s notary can perform the specific type of notarization you need (e.g. an acknowledgment vs. a jurat). While most CVS notaries will be equipped to handle standard notarial acts, it‘s always better to confirm ahead of time to avoid an unnecessary trip.
Tips for a Smooth CVS Notarization
To help your CVS notary appointment go as smoothly as possible, keep these tips in mind:
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Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID like a driver‘s license or passport. You‘ll need this to prove your identity to the notary.
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Make sure you have all necessary document signers present. In most cases, anyone whose signature needs to be notarized will need to appear before the notary in person.
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Fill out your document completely before your appointment, but don‘t sign it ahead of time. Most notarizations require the document to be signed in the notary‘s presence.
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Double-check that you have all pages of the document and that there are no missing attachments, exhibits, etc.
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Bring cash or a checkbook to pay the notary fee, unless you‘ve confirmed ahead of time that the store accepts credit or debit payments for notary services.
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Remember that a notary cannot give you legal advice or tell you what type of notarization you need. If you‘re unsure, consult with an attorney before your appointment.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a quick and efficient notarization process without any unhappy surprises or wasted time.
Notarization in the COVID-19 Era: What‘s Changed?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot about the way we conduct important transactions and legal matters, and notarization is no exception. To promote social distancing and reduce the risk of virus transmission, many states have temporarily allowed the use of remote online notarization (RON).
With RON, document signers can appear before a notary via secure audio-video technology rather than in-person. The notary verifies the signer‘s identity through a knowledge-based authentication process and then witnesses the signing electronically. While not all states have authorized RON yet, it‘s becoming increasingly common and has been a major convenience for many during pandemic-related lockdowns and restrictions.
Some states have also loosened requirements around in-person notarizations to facilitate social distancing. For example, they may temporarily allow notaries to witness a document signing through a window or from a safe distance, rather than requiring the signer to be in the same room.
At the same time, the pandemic has also reduced notary availability in some cases. Many banks and credit unions have restricted lobby access and eliminated or reduced in-person services like notarization. Some mobile notaries and independent notary businesses have also suspended service for safety reasons.
If you need notary services during the pandemic, your best bet is to call ahead to any potential notary location and ask about their current policies and availability. Depending on your state‘s regulations, you may be able to take advantage of remote notarization options. Or, you may need to follow special protocols like wearing a mask or meeting the notary outdoors for an in-person notarization.
Alternatives to CVS Notary Services
While CVS is a great option for many consumers seeking notary services, it‘s not the only game in town. Here are a few other places you can check for notaries:
- Other pharmacies and drugstores – Walgreens and Rite Aid also offer notary services at select locations, as do some independent pharmacies.
- Banks and credit unions – Many financial institutions have a notary on staff for customer convenience. Notary services are often free for account holders.
- Shipping stores – The UPS Store, FedEx Office, and many independent mail and shipping centers offer notary services.
- Libraries – Some public libraries have a notary on staff or host a volunteer notary on specific days/times.
- Law offices – Many lawyers are also notaries and can assist with notarizing documents related to legal matters they are handling for clients.
- Courthouses – The county clerk‘s office will usually have a notary available during business hours.
- Mobile notaries – In many areas, you can find notaries who will come to you to perform notarizations. This is especially helpful for signers who are homebound or in medical facilities.
- Online notary services – As mentioned, a growing number of states are allowing the use of remote online notarization. Services like Notarize and NotaryCam connect signers with notaries via secure video chat for fully online notarization.
Ultimately, the best notary option for you will depend on your location, budget, and scheduling constraints. But with a little research and planning, you should be able to find a convenient and affordable way to get your documents notarized.
The Bottom Line: Is CVS Notary Service Right for You?
Getting a document notarized may not be an everyday occurrence, but when the need arises, it‘s important to know your options. For many consumers, the convenience and affordability of CVS notary services make it an attractive choice. With notaries available at most CVS locations nationwide and typically charging just $5-15 per signature, it‘s a solid alternative to more traditional options like banks and law offices.
However, CVS isn‘t the right choice for every notarization need. Availability may be limited to certain hours, there may be restrictions on the types of documents that can be notarized, and some signers may have special requirements that CVS notaries can‘t accommodate.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if CVS notary service is right for you is to do your research and plan ahead. Call your local CVS to confirm service availability and pricing, make sure you have all necessary documents and signers ready to go, and don‘t be afraid to explore other options if CVS doesn‘t quite fit the bill.
With a bit of savvy shopping and preparation, you can find the perfect notary solution for your needs – and maybe even save a few bucks in the process. Happy notarizing!
