Need a document notarized?
The Fairhope Public Library is proud to offer this FREE service to the community!
A notary’s signature is required on many legal documents such as wills, trusts, deeds, contracts, and affidavits.

NOTARY SERVICE GUIDELINES

The Fairhope Public Library offers Notary Public services for no charge. The Notary witnesses the signing of a
document or signing of a sworn statement on a document. NOTE: Notary services are dependent on the Notary’s
availability. Please email director@fairhopelibrary.org to schedule an appointment.

The Library’s Notary is simply witnessing the signing of a document and is only verifying the following:

1. The signer of the document appeared before the Notary.
2. The Notary positively identified the signer.
3. The signer both acknowledged the signature is his/hers, and that the signature was made willingly.

ITEMS NEEDED

1. Bring a current/valid government issued photo ID for every person who will be signing the document. This
   requirement also applies to witnesses. Expired IDs cannot be accepted.
2. If there is more than one party signing a document, all parties must appear before the Notary at the same
   time in order for a notarization to be completed.
3. If the document is clearly meant for two separate signers to sign at different times with different
   notarizations, the signatures may be made at separate times.
4. Bring the document requiring notarization, filled out completely, with you. All blanks in the document must
   be filled in before notarization; place “N/A” in blanks if not applicable.

WITNESSES

1. If your document requires witnesses, you are responsible for providing them. Witnesses may not be solicited
   from patrons or staff in the library.
2. A witness must: Be personally known to you.
3. Be willing to stand up in court on your behalf Be at least 18 years of age Have a current/valid government
   issued photo ID.

INFORMATION AND DETAILS

1. Notary Services are dependent on the Notary’s availability. Please email to make an appointment:
   director@fairhopelibrary.org.
2. Please do not sign any documents until the Notary is present.
3. Notary Publics are prohibited from offering legal advice to the public. Please consult with your attorney, real
   estate agent, or other legal professional if you have any questions before presenting a document for
   notarization.
4. All documents to be notarized must be in English. Notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator to
   communicate with a Notary client.
5. Notaries will not provide service if the customer, document, or circumstance of the request for notary service
   raises any issues of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt, or uncertainty for the Notary. The Library’s Notary may at
   her sole discretion, decline to provide notary service.