Board Policy:
DATE REVIEWED: 04/20/2026
DATE APPROVED: 04/20/2026
EFFECTIVE DATE: 04/27/2026
REPLACING POLICY EFFECTIVE: 05/26/2025

Pickerington Public Library (PPL) is pleased to offer free notary services at all library locations for the benefit of the community and as part of its ongoing commitment to providing dynamic customer services.

Notary service must be scheduled and is only available during regular hours. While we strive to offer consistent availability, the presence of a notary cannot be guaranteed at all times. Services are subject to the Ohio Revised Code, Section 147, and any applicable guidance from the Ohio Secretary of State. Other restrictions may apply depending on the nature of the documents.

Library notaries may refuse service for legal, ethical, safety, or operational reasons.

A. Fees

1. Notary services are provided at no charge at all Pickerington Public Library locations.

B. Scheduling

1. Customers may request notary appointments online, by phone, or in person. Appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to staff availability…
2. The Library reserves the right to accommodate same-day requests at its discretion when staffing permits.
3. Notary services are not available during the last 30 minutes before closing, Monday through Friday, and are not available on weekends.
4. While we strive to meet customer needs, notary availability is not guaranteed and may depend on staff scheduling and availability.

C. Identification Requirements

1. Valid, government-issued photo identification is required of anyone seeking notary services. Identification must be current and unexpired. For those under the age of 18, a certified copy of their birth certificate or a current school ID, with photo, is required. Identity must be verified through personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence as defined by Ohio law.
2. The signer must appear in person and sign the documents in the notary’s presence.
3. If a witness or witnesses are required, they must be arranged by the signer, and must also have valid, government-issued photo identification. Library staff and customers may not serve as witnesses. Witnesses must be competent adults. D.

D. Limitations of Service

1. Library notaries cannot certify true copies of vital records and documents. Only issuing agencies can certify true copies.
2. Library staff members are not able to provide legal advice, nor can they assist in preparing or in filling out legal forms.
3. Library notaries are able to provide basic services only, such as witnessing signatures and sworn statements. Services are limited to standard notarial acts, including acknowledgments, jurats, and oaths or affirmations.
4. Library notaries may limit the number of documents or signatures processed during a single appointment based on operational capacity. And they reserve the right to refer customers to other agencies for more complex requests.
5. Library staff will not notarize the following documents:
   • Auto titles (due to specific legal requirements and liability considerations)
   • I-9 forms
   • Real estate transactions
   • Last wills and testaments
   • Corporate/business documents. Notary services are for individuals only.
   • Documents in a language other than English
   • Documents for which the signer cannot communicate directly with the notary
   • Documents that require an electronic signature
6. Documents must be complete at the time of notarization and may not contain blank spaces.
7. Library notaries will not notarize documents in which they have a financial or beneficial interest or where a conflict of interest exists.
8. Library notaries reserve the right to decline services should the circumstances surrounding an appointment raise any doubt regarding ethical concerns or their legal obligations as outlined in Ohio Revised Code, Section 147.

E. Remote and Online Notarization

1. Pickerington Public Library does not offer online or remote notarization services. Customers may be referred to state-approved online notary providers as needed.

F. Accessibility

1. The Library strives to make notary services accessible to all customers. Customers needing accommodations due to a disability should contact the Library in advance to discuss available options.
2. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

G. Notary Recordkeeping

1. Library notaries are expected to maintain a notary journal or log of all notarizations performed in accordance with Ohio law and best practices.
2. The notary journal should include sufficient detail to document the transaction and may include, but is not limited to:
   • Date of notarization
   • Type of notarial act (e.g., acknowledgment or jurat)
   • Type or description of document
   • Name and signature of the signer
   • Method of identification, including type of identification presented
   • Expiration date of identification
   • Any relevant notes regarding the notarization
3. Notary records should be maintained securely and in accordance with applicable records retention and privacy considerations.