Introduction

People look for a Notary Public in Philadelphia for one simple reason: certain documents aren’t considered “real” (or fully enforceable) until the signer’s identity is verified and the signature is notarized. In a busy city with constant real estate closings, business filings, school forms, and immigration-related paperwork, notarization is a frequent need—not an occasional one.

This guide explains what notaries do, what they typically cost in Philadelphia, and how to choose the right notary option for your situation (walk-in, mobile, bank-based, or online).

Because notary availability changes quickly (hours, staffing, and appointment rules), this list is based on publicly available information when known. Where details aren’t publicly stated, the entry clearly says so—so you can call ahead and confirm before you go.


About Notary Public

A Notary Public is a state-commissioned official who verifies a signer’s identity, confirms willingness and awareness, and completes a notarization (such as an acknowledgment or jurat) on documents. Notaries help deter fraud by ensuring the person signing is who they claim to be and is signing voluntarily.

Common situations where people need a Notary Public in Philadelphia include real estate documents, powers of attorney, affidavits, sworn statements, parental consent forms for travel, business authorizations, and vehicle-related paperwork. Some documents also require witnesses in addition to notarization.

Average cost in Philadelphia

In Pennsylvania, notary fees are generally set/limited by the state for standard notarial acts (often cited as $5 per notarial act), while other charges—like travel for a mobile notary, after-hours appointments, printing, or couriering—vary / depend and should be agreed upon in advance.

Licensing or certifications required

Notaries in Philadelphia are commissioned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Requirements commonly include an application process, education/training, passing an exam (where applicable), a background check, and obtaining a bond. Some notaries also register to perform remote online notarization (RON) if they meet Pennsylvania’s requirements for that service.

Key takeaways

  • A Notary Public verifies identity and completes a lawful notarization—this is not the same as legal advice or document drafting.
  • Bring acceptable ID and don’t sign until you’re in front of the notary (unless instructed otherwise for your document type).
  • Standard notarial fees are typically low; convenience fees (travel, rush, after-hours) are what usually change the total.
  • Availability varies by location—especially for bank branches and retail shipping centers.

How We Selected the Best Notary Public in Philadelphia

We used practical, consumer-focused criteria to select commonly used notary options in Philadelphia:

  • Years of experience (when publicly stated)
  • Verified customer review signals (publicly available only, when confidently known)
  • Service range (walk-in vs appointment, mobile vs online, document types supported)
  • Pricing transparency (clear fee schedules or clear “call for quote” expectations)
  • Local reputation (brand presence, consistency, and known reliability signals)

This guide uses only information that is publicly available when known. If a specific detail (like an email address, exact pricing, or review summaries) wasn’t publicly stated, it’s marked as such rather than guessed.


About Philadelphia

Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city and a major hub for higher education, healthcare, legal services, and real estate activity. That mix drives steady demand for notarization—especially for housing transactions, court-related documents, family forms, and business paperwork.

Notary service demand in Philadelphia is often highest around business corridors and high-density residential areas where walk-in convenience matters, as well as neighborhoods where mobile service is preferred for seniors, hospitals, and time-sensitive signings.

Key neighborhoods served (varies by provider)

  • Center City
  • University City
  • South Philadelphia
  • Fishtown / Northern Liberties
  • West Philadelphia
  • Northeast Philadelphia
  • Germantown / Mount Airy
  • Manayunk / Roxborough

Some city-specific operational details (like exact after-hours availability by neighborhood) are not publicly stated and typically depend on the individual notary or location.


Top 5 Best Notary Public in Philadelphia

#1 — The UPS Store (Philadelphia Locations)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: In-person notarization at participating locations; copying/printing services may be available at the same location (varies / depends)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (often based on Pennsylvania notary fee rules; additional retail service fees may apply)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.theupsstore.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Convenience (walk-in retail setting), bundled printing/shipping needs

#2 — FedEx Office Print & Ship Center (Philadelphia Locations)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: In-person notarization at participating locations (availability varies / depends); printing/scanning and shipping may be available
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (confirm notary availability and fees by location)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.fedex.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Same-day errands (notary + print), extended retail hours (location-dependent)

#3 — NotaryCam (Remote Online Notarization Option for Philadelphia Residents)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: Remote online notarization (RON) where legally supported; identity verification and online session-based notarization (details vary / depend)
  • Price Range: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.notarycam.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Online convenience, people who can’t travel, time-sensitive remote signing (eligibility varies)

#4 — PNC Bank (Philadelphia Branches; Notary Availability Varies)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: Notary services at some branches (often for customers; availability varies / depends by branch and staffing)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (may be free or discounted for some customers at some branches; not publicly stated)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.pnc.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Existing bank customers seeking low-cost notarization during banking hours

#5 — TD Bank (Philadelphia Branches; Notary Availability Varies)

  • Rating: Not publicly stated
  • Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
  • Services Offered: Notary services at some branches (often for customers; availability varies / depends by branch and staffing)
  • Price Range: Varies / depends (may be free or discounted for some customers at some branches; not publicly stated)
  • Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
  • Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
  • Website (if available): https://www.td.com/
  • Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
  • Google Reviews Summary (summarized, not copied; if unknown write “Not publicly stated”): Not publicly stated
  • Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Weekend/extended banking hours (branch-dependent) and existing customer convenience

Why only 5? While Philadelphia has many individual commissioned notaries and local storefronts (tag/title, mailbox centers, and mobile notaries), comprehensive, confidently verifiable public details (official websites, consistent contact info, and clearly attributable review signals) are not publicly stated for many individual notaries without using directory/map listings. To avoid publishing inaccurate information, this guide lists only options that are widely established and verifiable by official websites.


Comparison Table

Professional Rating Experience Price Range Best For
The UPS Store (Philadelphia Locations) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated Varies / depends Retail walk-in convenience + print/ship
FedEx Office Print & Ship Center (Philadelphia Locations) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated Varies / depends Same-day notary + printing/scanning
NotaryCam (Remote Online Notarization) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated Not publicly stated Remote/online notarization convenience
PNC Bank (Philadelphia Branches) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated Varies / depends Bank customers during business hours
TD Bank (Philadelphia Branches) Not publicly stated Not publicly stated Varies / depends Bank customers; branch hours may help

Cost of Hiring a Notary Public in Philadelphia

For standard notarizations in Pennsylvania, the commonly cited base fee is around $5 per notarial act (per signature/notarization). In real-world Philadelphia scenarios, the total cost often depends less on the stamp itself and more on convenience factors—especially if you need someone to travel to you or meet outside normal hours.

Average price range

  • Walk-in notarization: often near the state-allowed rate per act, but retail locations may have additional service charges (varies / depends).
  • Mobile notary travel: total cost varies / depends based on distance, time, and urgency.
  • Remote online notarization: pricing varies / depends by platform and document type; confirm before booking.

Emergency pricing (if applicable)

After-hours, same-day rush requests, hospital visits, or multi-signer appointments often cost more due to scheduling and travel time. Whether a provider offers true emergency or 24/7 service is not publicly stated in many cases and should be confirmed by phone.

What affects cost

Cost is typically influenced by:

  • Number of notarizations (each notarial act may be a separate fee)
  • Travel distance and parking/tolls (mobile notary)
  • Time of day (evening/holiday appointments)
  • Whether witnesses are required and who provides them (varies / depends)
  • Document printing/scanning needs
  • Waiting time or complex multi-signer coordination (still not “legal complexity,” but logistical complexity)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a Notary Public cost in Philadelphia?

For standard notarizations in Pennsylvania, the base fee is often around $5 per notarial act. Total cost can increase with travel, after-hours appointments, printing, or other convenience add-ons.

How do I choose the best Notary Public in Philadelphia?

Start with your use case: walk-in convenience (retail), customer perks (banks), mobile travel (on-site), or online notarization (RON). Then confirm ID requirements, document readiness, fees, and appointment rules before you go.

Are licenses required in Philadelphia?

Yes. Notaries in Philadelphia are commissioned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and must meet state requirements (application, training/exam where applicable, bond, and related steps).

Who offers 24/7 service in Philadelphia?

24/7 availability varies / depends and is not consistently publicly stated. Some mobile notaries may offer after-hours appointments by request, while retail and bank options are limited to posted hours.

Can I notarize a document at a bank in Philadelphia?

Sometimes. Many banks offer notary service at select branches, often for customers, but availability depends on staffing and hours. Call the specific branch before visiting.

Do I need an appointment for a Notary Public in Philadelphia?

It depends. Some retail locations allow walk-ins, but staffing can change. Banks may require you to come during certain hours. Online notarization requires scheduling through the platform.

What ID do I need for notarization in Philadelphia?

Typically, you’ll need a valid government-issued photo ID (exact acceptable forms vary by notary and document requirements). If you’re unsure, confirm with the notary before your visit.

Can a Notary Public help me fill out or change my document?

A Notary Public’s role is to verify identity and perform the notarization. Whether they can help complete forms varies / depends, and notaries generally do not provide legal advice unless separately qualified to do so.

Are remote online notarizations valid for Philadelphia documents?

Remote online notarization may be valid when performed according to Pennsylvania law and the receiving party accepts it. Always confirm acceptance with the organization requesting the notarized document.

What’s the difference between an acknowledgment and a jurat?

In general terms, an acknowledgment confirms the signer’s identity and that they signed willingly. A jurat involves the signer swearing/affirming the truthfulness of the document contents. Your document usually specifies which one is required.


Final Recommendation

If you want the simplest walk-in experience, start with The UPS Store or FedEx Office—especially when you also need printing, scanning, or shipping. Call ahead to confirm a notary is on site and what identification you must bring.

If you’re budget-focused and already have a banking relationship, check PNC Bank or TD Bank branches near you; notary availability can be a strong value for customers, but it’s highly dependent on staffing and branch policies.

If you can’t travel or need a fully online process, NotaryCam is a practical route—best when your document and recipient accept remote online notarization and you want to avoid in-person logistics.


Get Your Business Listed

If you’re a Notary Public in Philadelphia and want your details added or updated (services, fees, contact info, and official website), email contact@professnow.com. You can also registe & Update yourself at https://professnow.com/