UPS Notary Services: Everything You Need to Know

Getting important documents notarized is a common but often confusing task. Many people don‘t fully understand what notarization is, why it‘s necessary, or where to get it done. One option you may not have considered is The UPS Store. Yes, in addition to shipping services, most UPS stores also offer notary services for a variety of personal and business documents.

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In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting documents notarized at UPS—including how the process works, which documents they can and cannot notarize, typical pricing, and helpful tips to make your appointment go smoothly. We‘ll also discuss some alternative options like online notary services. By the time you finish reading, you‘ll be an expert on all things notary-related!

What Is Notarization and Why Is It Important?

First, let‘s clarify what notarization actually is. In simple terms, notarization is the official process of having a trained, state-appointed person (a notary public) verify the identity of the person signing a document. The notary confirms that the signer is who they claim to be and is willingly signing the document, without being forced or pressured. The notary then applies their official stamp and signature to the document.

The purpose of notarization is to deter fraud and ensure documents are authentic and legally binding. Many important documents require notarization to be official, such as:

Deeds and titles
Wills and trusts
Legal affidavits
Powers of attorney
Some medical paperwork
Loan documents
Contracts and agreements

Basically, notarization provides an extra layer of credibility and security for high-stakes documents. Think of it like the "verified blue check mark" for paperwork.

Does UPS Offer Notary Services?

Yes, most UPS Store locations have one or more notaries on staff and can notarize documents for you. According to The UPS Store website, they are able to notarize the following types of documents:

Acknowledgements
Jurats
Oaths and affirmations
Copy certifications
Signature witnessing

However, there are a couple limitations to be aware of. Most UPS stores will not notarize I-9 employment eligibility verification forms, as the legal requirements for these vary widely by state. Rules around notarizing wills also differ, so some locations may not offer this service.

It‘s best to contact your local UPS Store ahead of time to verify that they can notarize your specific document(s). You can find contact info for nearby stores using the UPS Store locator tool.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Something Notarized at UPS?

The cost of notary services at UPS varies quite a bit, as each store is independently owned and operated. Pricing typically depends on a few factors:

Your state‘s maximum allowable notary fee
The number and type of documents being notarized
Whether you need additional services like copying or printing
Appointment vs. walk-in service

As a ballpark estimate, expect to pay around $10-$15 per signature for notarization at UPS with an appointment. This fee may be higher for specialized documents or if you don‘t make an appointment ahead of time. Some states also allow notaries to charge a travel fee if they have to commute to your location.

The best way to get an accurate price is to call your local UPS Store and provide details about what you need notarized. They can then give you a more specific quote for your situation.

How to Get a Document Notarized at The UPS Store

So, what does the notarization process actually entail at UPS? Here‘s a step-by-step guide:

Locate a UPS Store that offers notary services using the store locator.
Contact the store to make sure they can notarize your specific document(s) and to get a price quote. It‘s also a good idea to ask if you need to make an appointment or can walk in.
Gather the document(s) you need notarized, along with a valid, government-issued photo ID like a driver‘s license or passport. Some states require additional proof of identity like a credible witness or other supporting documents.
Visit the UPS Store at your scheduled appointment time, or walk in if allowed.
Present your documents and ID to the notary. They will check that your ID is valid and matches the name on the document.
Sign the document in front of the notary. Some types of documents also require that you verbally acknowledge your signature or swear an oath.
The notary will then affix their official seal and signature to your document, making it legally certified.
Pay the notarization fee via cash, check, credit card, or debit card.
Receive your notarized document and store it in a safe place!

The whole process is relatively quick and painless as long as you‘re properly prepared with the right documents and ID. However, there are a few important tips to keep in mind:

Tips for a Smooth UPS Notary Appointment

Make an appointment if possible to avoid waiting. Many UPS stores only have one notary on staff at a time.
Double check that you have all required documents and a valid, unexpired photo ID. Some states are very particular about the type of ID they accept.
Ensure any document pages are clean, unwrinkled, and organized in the correct order.
Don‘t sign your document ahead of time! The notary needs to witness you signing in most cases.
Bring cash or a checkbook in case the store doesn‘t accept credit/debit for notary fees.
Allow extra time in case there‘s a line or delay at the store.

Are Online Notary Services Legit?

In our increasingly digital world, you can now also get documents notarized remotely via online notary services like Notarize or NotaryCam. These platforms let you upload documents, verify your identity, and connect with a notary via live video call to complete the notarization.

Online notarization is 100% legit when done through a reputable service. In fact, a federal law passed in 2012 makes electronic notarizations legally valid in all 50 states. However, only 38 states have adopted fully remote online notarization so far. The remaining 12 states still require the signer to be physically in the presence of the notary, even if the notarization is done online. So online notary services may not be an option depending on your location and document type.

How to Become a Notary (And Offer Services!)

Perhaps you‘re reading this article not because you need something notarized, but because you want to become a notary yourself. Offering notary services can be a great side gig or addition to your business‘s offerings. The process to get licensed as a notary varies by state but generally involves:

Meeting eligibility requirements (e.g. age, residency, criminal background check)
Completing a training course and exam
Submitting an application and paying a fee to your state‘s notary regulating office
Purchasing notary supplies (official stamp, embosser, journal)
Getting E&O insurance and a surety bond

The startup costs to become a notary typically range from $100 to $500 depending on your state‘s requirements. But once you‘re official, you can begin advertising your services and charging for notarizations. Many notaries earn $25-$50 per hour working part-time!

To learn more about becoming a notary, check out the NNA‘s step-by-step guide for your state.

The Bottom Line on UPS Notary Services

Getting documents notarized is a critical but often misunderstood task. The UPS Store is one of the most convenient and affordable places to get notarization done, with nearly 5,000 locations across the U.S. Just remember to check that your local store offers the specific services you need and come prepared with a valid ID to your appointment.

While UPS is a solid choice, don‘t forget the other options out there as well—from banks and libraries to remote online notarization services. And if you‘re looking for a flexible side hustle, consider becoming a notary public yourself! You can offer your services through platforms like Notary Rotary or Signing Agent to help people in your community get their important documents certified.