Why Your Bank Might Say 'No

Claudia Mitchell-McLeod • April 22, 2025

“I’m sorry—we can’t notarize that.”

It’s a phrase many people are surprised to hear at their local bank. You walk in with a document in hand, expecting a quick signature and stamp—maybe even for free—only to be turned away. But why does this happen? And what can you do when it does?

The truth is, while many banks offer free notary services to their customers, they often can’t notarize certain documents due to liability concerns, staffing limitations, or internal policies. Some documents are simply too complex or carry too much risk for them to handle.

Others turn to shipping centers like UPS, assuming they can notarize anything—but they have limitations too. Certain legal forms, estate documents, and Power of Attorney paperwork may fall outside their permitted scope.

As a mobile notary, I provide an accessible, flexible, and professional solution. I come to you—where and when it’s convenient. Whether it’s your home, workplace, hospital room, or a quiet local café, I’m available weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays to help ensure your important documents are completed with care.

Documents Often Declined by Banks & Shipping Centers:

  • Power of Attorney forms (especially for estate planning)
  • Wills and living trusts (commonly referred out due to legal complexity)
  • I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
  • Documents involving third-party liability or emotional sensitivity
  • Guardianship and custody-related paperwork

These are the moments when people often feel stuck—and that’s where I can help. I bring professionalism, patience, and compassion to every signing.

Just recently, I visited several local banks and credit unions in my area. Not only did they confirm there are many documents they cannot notarize, but they were happy to accept my business cards and agreed to share my information with customers in need of services they can’t fulfill.

Whether you’re assisting a loved one with end-of-life planning, finalizing an adoption, or managing personal legal paperwork, I’m here to support you with a calm, caring presence—and the convenience you deserve.

And if the document you need notarized happens to be your marriage license—congratulations! While you probably weren’t planning to take it to the bank, you can bring it to Notary Near Me Florida.


As a commissioned notary and an ordained minister who also serves as a wedding officiant, I can both notarize your marriage license and lead your wedding ceremony with warmth, purpose, and meaning—helping you begin your journey toward a marriage grounded in love and filled with Joy for a Lifetime.



  • Serving the Tampa Bay area
  • Mobile appointments available: weekdays, evenings, weekends & holidays
  • Call or text (813) 239-4117 to schedule your notary service
  • So, the next time your bank says no, say yes to Notary Near Me Florida—your mobile notary.


By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod April 24, 2025
You’ve heard the phrase a million times: “Location, location, location.”
An apostille is sitting on a map next to a stamp.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod April 23, 2025
Apostille? It’s not a typo—and it’s definitely not a sermon.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod April 22, 2025
Most people think notarization is just about signatures—until it’s too late.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod April 18, 2025
It started with a stamp—but it’s never just about the paper.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod April 7, 2025
Need a mobile notary in Tampa Bay or Zephyrhills? Learn how mobile notary services can help with Power of Attorney, estate documents, and more—at your convenience.
A woman in a red shirt is sitting at a table holding a cell phone.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod March 10, 2025
A Notary and Officiant Who Puts People First
A group of four women are posing for a picture together.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod March 1, 2025
As we acknowledge Black History Month and the contributions of African Americans throughout history, it's important to recognize Black notaries who have made significant contributions to the profession, playing an essential role in legal and business transactions for centuries. While often overlooked, their impact has been crucial in shaping the notary profession and expanding access to legal services.
A bride and groom are holding hands and the groom is putting a wedding ring on the bride 's finger.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod March 1, 2025
1. Introduction: More Than Just "I Do"
A person is signing a document with a fountain pen.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod March 1, 2025
When it comes to notarizing important documents, convenience and reliability matter. Mobile notary services bring certified notarization to your location , whether it’s your home, office, a hospital, a coffee shop, or another agreed-upon place in the Tampa Bay area. If you’re considering using a mobile notary , you likely have questions about the process. Here are the top five questions people ask about mobile notary services—answered! 
A man and a woman are holding hands on a dirt road.
By Claudia Mitchell-McLeod February 4, 2025
Once upon a time, in a charming small town, two young people—Destiny and Eric—crossed paths most unexpectedly. At first, there was no spark. Destiny thought Eric was too serious, while Eric found Destiny too carefree. Perhaps one felt slightly attracted, but the other was completely uninterested. Yet, as the years passed and life wove their paths together, they discovered common values, dreams, and a deep appreciation for each other. Slowly, a friendship blossomed into love. Their journey followed the classic romantic arc: love grew, challenges arose, a painful breakup occurred, and then—reconciliation. They realized their love was worth fighting for and ultimately married, riding off into the sunset, full of hope for the future. But what happens after the wedding? Fast forward 3, 10, 20, even 50 years—Destiny and Eric are still together. The question is, how did they do it?
More Posts