Bossard Memorial Library provides limited notary public services during regular business hours. The library cannot guarantee that a notary will be on staff at all times and restrictions may apply regarding the notarization of specific types of documents. Notaries are subject to Ohio Revised Code, Section 147.
Library staff can notarize a variety of documents free of charge for those with a regular (non-digital) Bossard Library card in good standing. For those without a good-standing library card, a fee of $5.00 will be charged per each notarial act.
Patrons should call ahead to ensure a notary is available and to also confirm that the Library's notaries are able to notarize the type of documents that the patron wishes to have notarized. Patrons should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the Library's closing so that staff have adequate time to process the necessary paperwork. Notary service is one of many services provided by the Library and not the notary's only duty, and, as such, patrons may be asked to wait while the notary attends to other matters.
The Library reserves the right to limit the number and length of documents able to be notarized at any given time.
In the State of Ohio, notaries cannot certify documents. Library notaries cannot certify copies of passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce certificates, and similar documents.
Ohio law requires that the person(s) signing the document(s) to be notarized appear in person and present proper identification. Valid forms of identification are:
- Current driver's license
- State-issued ID
- US Passport
- US Military ID, or
- US Permanent Resident Card
For those under the age of 18, a certified copy of the individual's birth certificate must be presented or a current school ID (with photo).
International identification cards and/or international driver's licenses cannot be accepted.
Patrons must be accompanied by any witnesses that are needed to complete the notarization of the document. Witnesses cannot be provided by the Library, nor can they be solicited from Library patrons. The witness must personally know the person whose document is being notarized and must be in possession of valid photo identification.
Documents to be notarized must be signed by all document signers in front of the notary. Library notaries cannot provide legal advice or assist in document preparation. The name on the notarized document must match the patron's identification. Patrons should complete all information on the document, except for the signature line, leaving no blanks. Notaries may not notarize any document with blank spaces.
Ohio law requires that the notary and customer seeking notarization be able to communicate directly with each other and with witnesses. The Library is not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with a notary service customer. At this time, notary staff speak English only.
A notary's role is limited to authenticating the signature presented. Patrons should be aware that notarizing a document does not constitute a legal reveiwe of the document's contents. The Library's notaries will not provide service if the customer, document, or circumstances of the request for notary service raise any issues of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt, or uncertainty for the Library. In this event, the notary may, at his or her sole discretion, decline to provide notary service.