Does USPS Offer Notary Services?
The short answer: no. The US Post Office does not offer notary services at any location. But there are 7 convenient alternatives — many of which are free.
This is a very common misconception. The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not employ notaries and does not offer notarization at any Post Office location in the US. This has been USPS policy since at least 2019 and has not changed. The confusion likely stems from the fact that USPS does authenticate signatures for certain postal forms — which is a different, much more limited service.
What USPS Does Offer (Not a Notary)
USPS employees can witness your signature on certain USPS-specific forms — most commonly the PS Form 1583 (authorization form for a CMRA/mailbox). This is not notarization. It's a specific postal service witnessing function that has no legal standing outside of USPS documentation.
If a document or institution is asking for "notarization," USPS cannot fulfill that requirement. You need a commissioned notary public — which USPS employees are not.
7 Alternatives to USPS for Notary Services
All of the following can notarize legal documents. Several are free.
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, and virtually every credit union offer free notary service to account holders. Call your branch first to confirm a notary is available and whether you need an appointment. Most branches accommodate walk-ins during business hours.
With 5,000+ locations open 7 days a week, UPS Store is the most accessible paid notary option. Fees vary by state and franchise location. No appointment usually needed. Call ahead to confirm notary availability.
Learn more →Services like Proof let you get any document notarized via video call in under 15 minutes — no driving, no waiting rooms, available 24/7. One $25 fee covers multiple signatures in the same session. Legal in 40+ states.
Many public library systems have a commissioned notary on staff who offers free or very low-cost service to community members. Hours are usually limited to 1–2 days per week. Check your library's website for notary service days.
AAA offers free notary services at member center locations for AAA members. Particularly useful for vehicle title transfers, bill of sale, and personal legal documents.
FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers offer notary services at many (though not all) locations. Availability varies more widely than UPS Store — call ahead. Fees are comparable to UPS.
A mobile notary travels to your location. The fee is the state notary cap plus a travel fee of $25–$75. Best for real estate closings, hospital patients, or when multiple signers need to be together.
Learn more →Notarize Any Document Online — No Post Office Needed
from $25/signingProof connects you with a commissioned notary via secure video call. $25 per session, available 24/7, legally valid in 40+ states. Done in under 15 minutes.