Free & low-cost notary services in Philadelphia, PA
Last checked: 2026-10-24
Short answer: Pennsylvania sets maximum notary fees (generally $5 per act). We could not confirm a free notary service at the Free Library of Philadelphia or a City office; banks are the most reliable free option for customers.
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Hours and staffing change often. Call before you go, and don't sign your document until the notary tells you to.
State fee rules
- Pennsylvania Department of State maximum fees: $5 to take an acknowledgment (first name), $2 per additional name; $5 per oath/affirmation, verification, witnessed signature, or certified copy. Electronic and remote notaries may charge additional amounts; see the Department's page.
Where to go
Free Library of Philadelphia
Public library
- Cost
- Unconfirmed
- Who can use it
- Unconfirmed
- Appointments & hours
- The Parkway Central Library page does not list notary service. Call 1-833-825-5357 to ask about any branch.
- ID & what to bring
- N/A
Source: Parkway Central Library | Free Library of Philadelphia, last checked 2026-10-24
City of Philadelphia
City office
- Cost
- N/A
- Who can use it
- N/A
- Appointments & hours
- The City's notary page is about recording a notary commission, not notarizing documents for the public. We found no City office offering public notary service.
- ID & what to bring
- N/A
Source: Record a notary commission | City of Philadelphia, last checked 2026-10-24
Bank of America financial centers
Bank policy
- Cost
- No fee (per Bank of America)
- Who can use it
- Bank of America's notary page does not say whether non-customers are served. Call the financial center to ask.
- Appointments & hours
- Schedule a financial center appointment; Bank of America says a typical appointment takes about 30 minutes; not every location offers it ('many of our financial centers').
- ID & what to bring
- State-acceptable ID for every signer (e.g., state driver's license or ID card, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID). Bring all pages; don't sign beforehand; bring your own independent witness if one is required.
Source: Notary Services | Bank of America, last checked 2026-10-24
Banks in general (e.g., Chase)
Bank policy
- Cost
- Varies
- Who can use it
- Chase's own guidance says banks may notarize free for account holders, some charge non-customers a fee, and some limit service to customers; availability differs by location. Chase does not publish a specific non-customer policy on that page.
- Appointments & hours
- Call the branch first to confirm a notary is on duty.
- ID & what to bring
- Government-issued ID; accepted IDs vary by state.
Source: What Are Notary Services? | Chase, last checked 2026-10-24
Credit unions
Many credit unions notarize for members, but we have not yet verified a specific credit union's notary policy in this city from its own website. Ask yours, or check before joining.
Can't get there in person? Online notarization
Remote online notarization (a live video session with a commissioned notary) is an option for many documents, usually for a fee. Check first that whoever receives your document accepts an online notarization. [Partner link not yet active]
Disclosure: Free and low-cost in-person options are always listed first. The online notary slot below is a placeholder; if a partner link is ever added it may be an affiliate link that pays us a fee, and it will be labeled. It never changes what we list or recommend.
FAQ
Where can I get a free notary in Philadelphia?
Bank of America financial centers: No fee (per Bank of America). Call ahead to confirm.
What ID do I need for a notary in Philadelphia?
Bring a current government-issued photo ID for every signer, and don't sign the document in advance. Accepted IDs vary by location; see each listing.
How much can a notary charge in PA?
Pennsylvania Department of State maximum fees: $5 to take an acknowledgment (first name), $2 per additional name; $5 per oath/affirmation, verification, witnessed signature, or certified copy. Electronic and remote notaries may charge additional amounts; see the Department's page.