Free Notary Public Near Washington, DC
510 places to get a document notarized in the greater Washingtonarea — 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:
Washington at a Glance
40
Free/low-cost options listed
2
Public libraries
38
Credit union branches
$0–15
Typical cost per signature
Public Libraries in Washington (2)
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.
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Phone: (202) 727-0321[library — call to confirm notary service]
WEST END NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY
Phone: (202) 724-8707[library — call to confirm notary service]
Banks & Credit Unions in Washington (38)
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.
Treasury Annex
Phone: (202) 289-1950[credit union — free for members]
Main Office
Phone: (202) 808-3600[credit union — free for members]
Branch - NW
Phone: (202) 876-2121[credit union — free for members]
DC Branch
Phone: (202) 208-3936[credit union — free for members]
RRB
Phone: (202) 289-1950[credit union — free for members]
JACK WELTY FINANCIAL SERVICE CENTER
Phone: (301) 929-7990[credit union — free for members]
VA Central Office
Phone: (202) 737-6969[credit union — free for members]
1319 F ST NW
Phone: (800) 822-6875[credit union — free for members]
OAS Staff FCU
Phone: (202) 458-3834[credit union — free for members]
MC BRANCH
Phone: (202) 212-6400[credit union — free for members]
Main Office IDB Global FCU
Phone: (202) 623-3363[credit union — free for members]
Bank Fund Staff FCU
Phone: (202) 212-6400[credit union — free for members]
Main Office
Phone: (202) 452-2800[credit union — free for members]
IMF BRANCH
Phone: (202) 212-6400[credit union — free for members]
SDFCU State Branch
Phone: (703) 706-5010[credit union — free for members]
South Building
Phone: (202) 479-2270[credit union — free for members]
National Financial Service Center
Phone: (301) 699-6100[credit union — free for members]
City Center - 1101 NY Ave
Phone: (301) 933-9100[credit union — free for members]
Main Justice Branch #2
Phone: (703) 480-5300[credit union — free for members]
FBI Branch #1
Phone: (703) 480-5300[credit union — free for members]
1717 DeSales St NW
Phone: (202) 222-7444[credit union — free for members]
PMI Credit Union
Phone: (202) 785-9191[credit union — free for members]
Records location
Phone: (202) 785-9191[credit union — free for members]
Pepco FCU
Phone: (202) 872-3085[credit union — free for members]
Main
Phone: (202) 318-1991[credit union — free for members]
PAHO WHO Federal Credit Union Columbia Plaza
Phone: (202) 974-3453[credit union — free for members]
DOE Independence Ave.
Phone: (202) 796-1604[credit union — free for members]
FAA Branch
Phone: (202) 385-6053[credit union — free for members]
Lee Federal Credit Union
Phone: (202) 289-7580[credit union — free for members]
L'Enfant Plaza
Phone: (301) 856-5000[credit union — free for members]
Washington Navy Yard DC
Phone: (888) 842-6328[credit union — free for members]
DC Branch
Phone: (301) 817-1200[credit union — free for members]
UPS Store Notary in Washington (5)
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 #6205
Phone: (202) 503-2440[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
The UPS Store #0740
Phone: (202) 785-3604[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
The UPS Store #0404
Phone: (202) 457-8166[UPS Store — paid, ~$5–15]
The UPS Store #1736
Phone: (202) 371-0065[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 Washington, DC?
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 38 credit union branches and 2 public libraries in the Washington 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 5 UPS Store locations in the Washington 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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