A “Notary Public” is a public officer whose duty it is to attest to the genuineness of any deeds or writings in order to render them available as evidence of the facts they contain.
A notary public's term of office in Ohio is for five (5) years.
The library has a notary on staff at the Ashtabula Library and the Geneva Library. The Library does not charge a fee to notarize documents. Patrons should call ahead to make sure the notary is available at that library, and to confirm that they and their documents can meet the library's requirements for notary service.
Required for notary service:
- Photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport
- Form of ID with current address such as driver’s license, utility bill, etc.
- (Completed) Original document(s) to be notarized. (Do not complete vehicle title transfers in advance.)
- Original signer(s) must be present and sign in the presence of the notary
The notary public will complete an official register (Journal of Notarial Acts) for each transaction and keep in a safe and secure manner for the term of commission. This Journal is the property of the individual notary only and will be kept/maintained until certification expires and not renewed or upon death, at which time all the journals will be transferred to the Secretary of State. Employers may photocopy the logs related to employment, but not possess them.
The Journal of Notarial Acts will include:
- Date
- Signer’s Printed Name
- Signer’s Current Address
- Proof of verification ID (document[s] used to ID signer)
- Document title notarized
- Was oath or affirmation given, and which one
- Signer’s signature
- Notary's name, position and library location
The Library will:
- Provide Errors & Omission Insurance
- Pay for background check, initial and renewal, with successful notification of background check
- Pay fee for class (new or renewal)
- Purchase initial and renewal Notary Stamp and/or Seal, with successful completion of requirements
The notary cannot explain document content, provide advice or assist in document completion.
Note: A notary reserves the right to decline his/her services.
Documents the library notary will not notarize:
- Legal documents (such as Wills, Trusts, Advanced directives, Executorships, Custody and guardianship agreements, detailed Power of Attorney, Court documents, Loan signing documents)
- Power of Attorney (POA) for a car title (refer to local title bureau)
- Car title that is unusual or has already been signed by the Seller who is not present, or a title with erasures, cross outs and/or white out
- I-9 Certifications (not considered a notarial act)
- Medallion notary services (banks only)
- Financial transactions
- Copies of vital records such as birth, marriage or death certificates. The notary can notarize an Affidavit from the principal stating the record is a true and accurate copy of the real one.
- Documents when the notary is named as a party to the underlying transaction, has a financial or beneficial interest in the transaction, is a signatory to a document, or is the document’s originator.
The library does not provide online notarization.
A notary cannot refuse to assist a disabled individual seeking services. For signers who cannot speak English, use of a translator is permissible, but not recommended. However, notary may use a translator app or professional translator. The notary must be able to communicate directly with the signer.
