Free Notary Public Near Des Moines, IA
96 places to get a document notarized in the greater Des Moinesarea — public libraries, credit unions that notarize free for members, and UPS Store walk-in locations. Notaries are needed for power of attorney, affidavats, title transfers, name changes, and many expungement and reentry forms. Here's where to find one without paying more than you have to.
Last updated:
Des Moines at a Glance
38
Free/low-cost options listed
14
Public libraries
24
Credit union branches
$0–15
Typical cost per signature
Public Libraries in Des Moines (14)
Many public libraries offer free or $1–2 notary service during staffed hours — always call first, since it depends on which staff members are commissioned notaries.
DES MOINES PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 283-4152[library — call to confirm notary service]
FOREST AVENUE LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 283-4152[library — call to confirm notary service]
NORTH SIDE LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 283-4941[library — call to confirm notary service]
FRANKLIN AVENUE LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 283-4271[library — call to confirm notary service]
SOUTH SIDE LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 283-4940[library — call to confirm notary service]
PLEASANT HILL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 266-7815[library — call to confirm notary service]
HARBACH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 453-2221[library — call to confirm notary service]
URBANDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 278-3945[library — call to confirm notary service]
WEST DES MOINES PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 222-3400[library — call to confirm notary service]
EAST SIDE LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 265-8555[library — call to confirm notary service]
JOHNSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 278-5233[library — call to confirm notary service]
CLIVE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 453-2221[library — call to confirm notary service]
NORWALK EASTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 981-0217[library — call to confirm notary service]
ANKENY KIRKENDALL PUBLIC LIBRARY
Phone: (515) 965-6460[library — call to confirm notary service]
Banks & Credit Unions in Des Moines (24)
Most banks and credit unions notarize free (or cheap) for account holders — often walk-in at the branch. No account? Credit unions usually have easy community-membership options, including for people on ChexSystems lists.
Polk County Credit Union
Phone: (515) 244-8647[credit union — free for members]
Des Moines Fire Dept Credit Union
Phone: (515) 288-2521[credit union — free for members]
Locust Experience Center
Phone: (515) 334-8100[credit union — free for members]
Main Office
Phone: (515) 243-2677[credit union — free for members]
Court Avenue Branch
Phone: (319) 393-9000[credit union — free for members]
Ingersoll
Phone: (319) 236-5600[credit union — free for members]
Main Office
Phone: (515) 283-4195[credit union — free for members]
1400 2nd Avenue
Phone: (515) 243-8735[credit union — free for members]
Ingersoll
Phone: (515) 274-4100[credit union — free for members]
2930 SE 14th Street
Phone: (515) 282-3606[credit union — free for members]
Park Avenue Hy-Vee
Phone: (319) 236-5600[credit union — free for members]
First Class Community Credit Union-E
Phone: (515) 224-4300[credit union — free for members]
Des Moines SW 9th
Phone: (515) 237-5139[credit union — free for members]
Beaverdale
Phone: (515) 237-5596[credit union — free for members]
East Des Moines Branch
Phone: (515) 232-6310[credit union — free for members]
Merle Hay
Phone: (309) 793-6200[credit union — free for members]
Merle Hay Road
Phone: (319) 339-1000[credit union — free for members]
UPS Store Notary in Des Moines (7)
The reliable paid fallback: walk-in, no account needed, ~$5–15 per signature. Best when the bank is closed or you don't have an account anywhere.
The UPS Store #1983
Phone: (515) 285-0113[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
The UPS Store #2597
Phone: (515) 277-5001[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
The UPS Store #1720
Phone: (515) 221-9744[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
The UPS Store #2528
Phone: (515) 225-1066[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
The UPS Store #4709
Phone: (515) 334-0753[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
The UPS Store #4842
Phone: (515) 965-8412[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
Before You Go — the Notarization Checklist
- Bring valid photo ID — driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Expired IDs are rejected; if yours is gone, start with how to replace a state ID.
- Do NOT sign the document ahead of time. The notary must watch you sign. Fill in everything else first.
- Bring your own witnesses if the form requires them — the notary usually can't be your witness.
- Know which notarization type you need (acknowledgment vs. jurat) — it's usually printed on the form; if not, the notary can help.
- Call ahead for free options — library and bank notary availability changes with staff schedules.
- Documents we get asked about most: power of attorney, vehicle title transfers, affidavits of identity, name-change petitions, and some state expungement forms — see your state's expungement guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get a free notary in Des Moines, IA?
Start with a bank or credit union — most notarize for free (or a small fee) for account holders, and you don't need an appointment at many branches. Our list above tracks 24 credit union branches and 14 public libraries in the Des Moines area; many libraries offer free or $1–2 notary service. Always call before you go — notary availability depends on staff schedules. No bank account? See our second chance banking guide — many credit unions on this page are open to membership regardless of past account problems.
How much does a notary cost if I have to pay?
State law sets maximum fees — typically $2–15 per signature, with most states under $10. UPS Store and other walk-in services commonly charge $5–15 per notarized signature. If you're paying more than $15 per signature, you're overpaying almost everywhere. Banks and credit unions remain the cheapest real option: free for members at most institutions.
What do I need to bring to a notary?
Three things: (1) a valid, unexpired government photo ID — driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID (the #1 reason notarizations fail is an expired ID — see our state ID replacement guide if yours is); (2) the document UNSIGNED — a notary must watch you sign it, so never sign ahead; (3) any required witnesses who are not named in the document. If your ID is lost and you have no backup, some states allow credible identifying witnesses — ask the notary what your state allows.
Can a document be notarized for someone who is incarcerated?
Yes, but it takes planning: the notary must meet the signer in person, so you need a notary approved by the facility (often a staff notary, a traveling notary on the facility's visitor list, or — increasingly — remote online notarization where the state and facility allow video notarization). Power of attorney forms for incarcerated family members are the most common case. Ask the facility counselor which route they accept before paying anyone.
Does the UPS Store notarize documents?
Yes — UPS Store is the most reliable walk-in paid option. We track 7 UPS Store locations in the Des Moines area above. Expect $5–15 per signature, no appointment needed at most stores, photo ID required. Bring the document unsigned.
Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?
Yes — a notary must refuse if the signer can't produce acceptable ID, appears coerced or not mentally aware, the document is blank or incomplete, or the notarization type requested isn't legal in that state. A notary cannot refuse because of who you are — a record, bankruptcy, or the document's subject matter are not valid reasons. If you're refused, ask specifically why; if it's an ID problem, most states have a workaround (credible witness or ID verification through state records).
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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Notary availability, fees, and state rules vary — call a location before visiting. Listings are compiled from the IMLS Public Libraries Survey, NCUA registry, UPS Store locator data, and OpenStreetMap as of the date above. Notary service at a library or bank is never guaranteed — it depends on commissioned staff.
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