Does Usps Notarize Documents In 2022? (Try This Instead)

Getting something notarized is the formal process of having an action witnessed by a third party who attests to the veracity of the agreement.

This might involve custody agreements or car title transfers, as two examples. One thing is for sure, finding a notary when you’re busy or in a hurry can be a hassle.

It might make you wonder: Does USPS notarize? They have locations in nearly every town, so it would be convenient. This is what you should know.

Does USPS Notarize In 2022?

As of 2022, the United States Postal Service has stopped notarizing documents. USPS can’t perform notarizations as a federal government agency. That is done at the state-level. Instead, those interested may visit any local notary or other business offering notarization such as banks and UPS stores.

For more information on why the USPS does not notarize your documents, where you will find them, their costs, and whether it is possible to have those notarized electronically, read this!

What is the USPS’s reason for notarizing?

Let’s start by defining notarization before we go into detail about why the USPS has stopped notarizing.

According to the National Notary Association, notarization is “the official fraud deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic and can be trusted.”

NNA states there are three steps to notarizing documents: keeping records, certifying and vetting.

This requires that people are truthful and authentic, and all documents must be signed and acknowledged by all.

This document is then used to record the signing of an agreement. It may also be used in future as evidence of that agreement.

Each state establishes its own Notary Public Commissioning Authority to oversee the notarization laws.

This brings us to why USPS does not provide notary services.

As I said, notaries are supervised on a state-by-state basis. The Postal Service, like the Office of the President is part of the Executive Branch of the government.

Federal and state governments, in the instance of the USPS, are not set up to interact in this capacity.

However, there are some who mistakenly believe that USPS cannotarize. My research has shown that some notaries are located in the same building where the Postal Service is.

Some of these services might be offered by the USPS, which may allow them to offer customers convenient and adjacent services.

The connection can be seen because of the close relationship between these offices and the fact that people visit the notary often before they mail off their documents at the postal office.

The notary, however, is an individual who may be able to interact with you.

Where You Can Get Notary Services Instead Of USPS?

So you can’t get your documents notarized at the post office. You don’t know where to go?

Many places provide notarization services, beginning with local businesses.

Alternativly, you may prefer to visit a bank (including big names such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America) and check availability.

There are also libraries, AAA office locations; Universities and accounting services.

Perhaps the easiest option, if notary services are needed at USPS then you could get documents notarized in UPS.

How Much Does UPS Charge To Notarize?

UPS (or the United Parcel Service) offers notarization at over 3,900 locations throughout the U.S.

Prices for notarization services can be partially determined by the individual states. As you will see in this chart, certain states have a maximum of $2 per signature.

Some states, such as Florida, may even charge $10 for each signature. Some allow notaries total freedom over the setting of their prices.

So if you want to get an idea of how much your document with cost to notarize at UPS, you can check your state’s maximum.

It is important to think about the document you have.

UPS will notarize wills, trusts deeds contracts and affidavits. Each of these documents may require many signatures.

You can reach UPS by calling them or going into their store.

Can You Notarize Online

Although many services are available online by the Postal Service they cannot offer notarization.

However, some companies offer online notaries to help fill the void. These companies connect you to Remote Notaries Public and walk you through all the steps at an affordable price.

You can try sites like OneNotary.us or DoNotPay.com. You should exercise caution and ensure that you do not give out your credit card details to anyone.

For more information, see also our post on whether USPS requires signatures, if USPS can deliver to PO boxes and if USPS forwards IRS or government mail.

Conclusion

USPS does not notarize, as it is a federal organization, and notaries operate on a state-by-state basis.

You have many choices for receiving notary services.

.Does Usps Notarize Documents In 2022? (Try This Instead)