Does Walmart Have A Notary In 2023? (Do This Instead)
If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner like me, chances are you’ll eventually need to get important documents notarized. Rental agreements, affidavits, invoices, and other business paperwork often require notarization to be considered valid and legally binding.
So when you suddenly need something notarized, your first instinct may be to run to your local Walmart since it’s quick and convenient. But does Walmart actually offer notary services in its stores?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Walmart does not provide any built-in notary services at its over 4,700 US store locations.
However, there is still hope if your local Supercenter hosts a bank or other service provider that may have notary availability. And plenty of alternative places exist to get documents notarized affordably and efficiently.
As a seller for over 10 years, I’ve been caught without access to a notary more times than I can count. So I’ve learned the ins and outs of navigating notarization at Walmart and beyond.
Here’s my guide to answer common questions about Walmart’s notary services, where to get documents notarized locally, typical fees and requirements, plus tips to avoid issues as a small business owner.
Does Walmart Offer Notary Services?
Walmart itself does not employ any notary publics or provide official notarization services in its thousands of stores across the US.
With no dedicated notaries on staff, you cannot just walk into any Walmart location and expect to get a document stamped and certified on the spot. This used to catch me off guard until I understood Walmart’s notary policy.
However, some of the larger Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Market locations do host separate businesses like banks, credit unions, or other service providers that may have notary services available.
For example, my local Supercenter in Columbus, Ohio has a Chase bank branch right inside the store. This bank keeps several public notaries on staff that I can access during branch hours for notarization needs.
Other Walmarts may lease retail space to:
- Financial service providers like Wells Fargo or tax prep companies
- Mailbox services like UPS Store or FedEx Office
- Title companies and insurance providers
Around 25% of Supercenters nationwide house one of these third-party businesses, though not all confirmed to employ notaries. The availability, requirements, and fees vary significantly by location.
So I always recommend calling your specific Walmart ahead to verify if notary services are available before making a trip. Some customer service reps can even check if the hosted businesses have notaries on staff before you go.
What Documents Can Be Notarized at Walmart?
In my experience as an entrepreneur, some of the most common important documents that require notarization include:
- Rental or lease agreements
- Loan and financing contracts
- LLC operating agreements
- Invoices and billing notices
- Power of attorney forms
- Affidavits and declarations
- Supply/reseller permits
- Apostilles for international paperwork
However, the types of documents a Walmart-based notary can legally handle will depend on their specific credentials.
Some state laws have restrictions around notarizing certain documents like wills, deeds, or marriage certificates without proper certification. And some affiliated businesses prohibit employees notarizing particular paperwork like car titles or mortgages.
That’s why I always call ahead to verify the on-site notary can stamp and sign the exact document I need notarized. Nothing is more frustrating than taking an hour round trip to Walmart only to find out your document can’t be notarized there.
Some examples I’ve encountered first-hand:
- The Wells Fargo notary at my old Tampa, FL Walmart couldn’t notarize my boat bill of sale.
- A tax prep service in Maryland wouldn’t notarize my business partner’s affidavit due to company policy.
Saving that pre-trip confirmation call could prevent major headaches!
Average Notary Fees at Walmart
Most businesses hosted in Walmart locations will charge a small fee for notary services, though some do offer free notarization.
Here are typical notary public rates to expect:
- Banks and credit unions: $0 to $15 per signature for customers; $2 to $20 for non-customers
- Tax prep services: $5 to $20 per document/signature
- UPS, FedEx, mailbox shops: ~$10 per signature
- Insurance and title companies: ~$5 per signature, sometimes free
The exact fees vary based on state regulations (see section below) and the company’s policy. Having an account relationship typically guarantees the lowest rates or free service.
I’ve also found fees to be generally cheaper than stand-alone notaries and mailing/shipping stores, making Walmart-based notarization more affordable overall.
But always confirm specific notary costs for your location by calling ahead and verifying with the service provider.
Where Else Can You Find Notary Services?
If your local Walmart falls short on notary availability, plenty of options exist nationwide for convenient, affordable notarization:
Place | Details |
---|---|
Banks and credit unions | Nearly all major banks and credit unions employ notaries and offer services to account members, often for free or under $5. |
Post offices | Select USPS locations have notaries available, but call ahead to confirm. Fees are ~$10-15 per signature. |
UPS Store, FedEx Office | Most locations provide walk-in notary services for ~$10 per signature. Many are open weekends and some offer 24 hour service. |
Public libraries | More libraries now offer notary services by appointment for nominal fees around $5. |
City/county clerks | Government clerks can usually notarize court documents for small fees around $5-10. |
Courthouses | Court clerks provide notary services for legal filings and may offer general notarization for the public. Fees vary by courthouse. |
Mobile notaries | Independent mobile notaries travel directly to customers to notarize documents on-site for added convenience, with fees averaging ~$25 per signature depending on travel. |
Don’t limit yourself to just Walmart. Banks, shipping stores, libraries, and mobile notaries can also meet your on-demand notarization needs in most areas.
I recommend researching options in your city and keeping a list of trusted providers to call for future notarization needs.
Notary Requirements and Verification
When using a new notary service, be prepared to provide proper identification and documentation:
Government-issued photo ID: Most notaries require valid picture ID like a driver‘s license or passport to verify your identity. Some even record your ID number in their notary journal.
Document originals: Notaries will only certify original documents or certified copies. Faxes or photocopies generally cannot be notarized.
Notary journal: Many states mandate that notaries maintain journals documenting details from each notarization. You may need to provide personal information like your address and date of birth for the journal.
Signature witness: You‘ll need to sign documents in the notary‘s presence so they can witness and then notarize your signature. Notaries cannot validate pre-signed documents.
Notary seal/stamp: Always ensure the notary uses their official seal or stamp on your documents. Avoid any notaries without proper certification.
Following these rules helps validate the notarization process and prevent future document issues. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to verify a notary‘s legitimacy.
State Notary Fee Regulations
Maximum allowable notary fees charged vary widely by state:
- States with fee limits
- California: $15 per signature
- Florida: $10 per signature
- New York: $2 per signature
- Pennsylvania: $5 per signature
- Texas: $6 for first signature, $1 more for each additional signature
- States with no fee limits
- Massachusetts
- Kentucky
- Iowa
In states with no limits, I‘ve seen some notaries attempt to charge $25+ per signature, capitalizing on urgent notarization needs. Always research your state‘s regulations to avoid price gouging.
Many states also permit small administrative fees for recordkeeping or travel. For example, notaries in Florida can charge an extra $20 for traveling to meet a mobile notarization customer.
I typically bring a few extra dollars just in case when visiting a new notary. But don’t hesitate to push back on any suspicious charges or fees that contradict your state‘s rules. Knowing the regulations as a customer is key to avoiding upcharges.
Notarizing Documents Remotely Online
Remote and electronic notarization through online services has also grown in popularity in recent years.
This allows customers to get documents notarized entirely online via video chat without needing to meet face-to-face. eNotary services are legal in ~25 states currently and offer solid convenience for urgent virtual notarization.
I personally use Notarize.com and have been impressed with the user experience:
- Simple ID verification and document upload
- Quick connection to licensed eNotaries via video call
- Legally valid notarization with electronic seal and signature
- Rates as low as $25 for a 5-minute video session
For anyone needing a document notarized digitally, eNotary services are worth considering when in-person options are limited.
Key Takeaways on Walmart‘s Notary Services
As a small business owner, properly notarizing important documents is a regular need I’ve learned to navigate inside and beyond Walmart.
Here are my top tips after years of trial and error:
Call ahead – Always verify your local Walmart has an affiliated notary before making a trip. Don’t assume or you may waste a visit.
Bring photo ID – Valid government-issued ID like a license is required for most notarizations. Bring an original document as well – no photocopies.
Confirm document type – Ensure the notary can certify your specific paperwork before going. Certain documents have restrictions.
Check state regulations – Research your state’s max notary fees so you don’t overpay. Many limit fees between $2-$15 per signature.
Consider mobile or eNotaries – If your Walmart lacks notary services, specialized mobile or online options offer worthwhile convenience.
Properly preparing your documents, calling ahead to validate notary availability, and following key rules will ensure a smooth notarization experience at Walmart locations. But also have backup options available across banks, shipping outlets, libraries, and online services when needed.
With a bit of research and preparation, getting your documents notarized without a hitch is totally doable, even when Walmart falls short. Let me know if you have any other notary questions!