Free & low-cost notary services in Boston, MA
Last checked: 2026-10-24
Short answer: Boston Public Library offers free notary drop-in hours at the Central Library and select branches, and the City Clerk notarizes walk-ins at City Hall for $5 per document.
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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
- Massachusetts has no general statutory cap on ordinary notary fees (Mass.gov summary of notary law); ask the price before you go. Confirm with the Secretary of the Commonwealth if unsure.
Where to go
Boston Public Library: Central Library (Copley Square), Jamaica Plain, Brighton, Codman Square
Public library
- Cost
- Free
- Who can use it
- Open to the public.
- Appointments & hours
- Drop-in hours at Central (Washington Room / Kirstein Business Library), Jamaica Plain (Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m. per BPL's event listing), and Brighton; check BPL's calendar for dates. Codman Square is by appointment: 617-436-8214. BPL won't notarize outside drop-in hours and may limit to 5 stamps per person when busy.
- ID & what to bring
- Current government-issued photo ID (state ID, driver's license, passport) matching the name on the document; every signer present. BPL does not provide witnesses. English-language documents only. Don't sign before the notary tells you to.
Source: Notary Public Services | Boston Public Library, last checked 2026-10-24
Boston City Clerk's Office, City Hall (Room 601)
City clerk
- Cost
- $5 per document
- Who can use it
- Walk-ins; no appointment.
- Appointments & hours
- No appointment. The Clerk's page lists 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; BPL's page lists 8-5 Mon-Fri. Go before 4:30 or call 311 to confirm.
- ID & what to bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport). All signers present; don't sign or date beforehand. Bring your own witness if needed (with photo ID). Will not notarize vital records or prenuptial agreements.
Source: Notarizing Documents in the City Clerk's Office | Boston.gov, 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 Boston?
Boston Public Library: Central Library (Copley Square), Jamaica Plain, Brighton, Codman Square: Free. Bank of America financial centers: No fee (per Bank of America). Call ahead to confirm.
What ID do I need for a notary in Boston?
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 MA?
Massachusetts has no general statutory cap on ordinary notary fees (Mass.gov summary of notary law); ask the price before you go. Confirm with the Secretary of the Commonwealth if unsure.