For decades, banks were the go-to place to get something notarized. Customers could simply walk in, ask a teller, and have their paperwork stamped — often for free.
But if you’ve tried recently, you may have discovered that many banks no longer provide notary services, or only offer them under strict conditions.
So, what changed? Let’s explore why traditional bank notarization is becoming harder to find — and what reliable options you have instead.
1. Notary Services Are No Longer a Core Banking Function
Banks used to see notarization as a courtesy service for their customers. But today, with rising regulatory requirements and staff training needs, many financial institutions have decided it’s no longer part of their core business.
Bank employees must be commissioned notaries — and maintaining that status involves testing, fees, and ongoing compliance. For many banks, the cost and liability outweigh the convenience offered to customers.
2. Limited Staff Availability
Even when banks still have notaries, not all branches do — and not every employee is authorized.
That means if the one certified notary is on break, out sick, or unavailable, you’ll have to come back later or visit another branch.
With many branches reducing staff after the pandemic and moving services online, in-person notarization is no longer a daily priority.
3. Liability and Compliance Concerns
Notaries have legal responsibilities — they must verify IDs, prevent fraud, and ensure proper record-keeping.
If a bank employee makes an error during notarization, it could expose the institution to legal and financial risk.
As a result, some banks have quietly discontinued public notarization altogether, preferring to notarize only bank-related documents (like loan or mortgage paperwork).
4. Customer Restrictions
If you’re not an existing account holder, many banks will now refuse to notarize your documents.
This change is largely due to security and privacy policies. Banks can’t always verify non-customers’ information or record-keeping needs, so they limit the service to known clients.
Even customers may face restrictions on what can be notarized — for instance, some banks only notarize their own financial forms, not personal or legal documents.
5. The Rise of Independent and Online Notaries
The decline in bank-based notarization has opened the door for independent and online notaries to thrive.
These professionals are flexible, trained, and often available outside traditional business hours.
With Remote Online Notarization (RON), you can now complete your notarization from anywhere in the U.S. — no need to visit a branch, schedule an appointment, or stand in line.
At Looking Glass Runners Notary, we make the process simple, secure, and legally compliant — whether you need in-person or online notarization.
6. The Convenience Shift: Why Modern Notarization Wins
Today’s consumers expect fast, on-demand service — and notarization is no exception.
Mobile and online notaries provide:
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Flexible hours — evenings, weekends, and holidays
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Nationwide accessibility — no state borders for RON
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Secure digital seals that meet U.S. legal standards
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Personalized service from certified professionals
In short, notarization has evolved from a slow, bank-based errand to a modern digital service that fits your schedule.
The Bottom Line
While banks once made notarization easy, times have changed.
Limited staff, stricter compliance rules, and shifting priorities have made it harder to rely on banks for notarial services.
Fortunately, you have better, faster, and more flexible options with trusted notary professionals like Looking Glass Runners Notary.
Whether online or in person, we’re here to make notarization simple, secure, and stress-free — no bank line required.
