Board Policy:
DATE REVIEWED: 05/19/2025
DATE APPROVED: 05/19/2025
EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/26/2025
REPLACING POLICY EFFECTIVE: 12/14/2017

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.

1. Fees
   1. Notary services are available at no charge at all library locations of the Pickerington Public Library.
2. Scheduling
   1. The library cannot guarantee notary availability at all times. Patrons seeking notary services can make an appointment online, or can contact either location to make an appointment by phone or in person. Appointments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
   2. The library does not make available its notary services in the thirty minutes before time of closing, Monday through Friday. Notary appointments are not available on the weekends. 
3. Identification Requirements
   1. Valid, government-issued photo identification is required of anyone seeking notary services. For those under the age of 18, a certified copy of their birth certificate or a current school ID, with photo, is required.
   2. The signer must be present before the notary, and documents must be signed before the notary.
   3. If a witness or witnesses are required, the library will not provide witnesses, and witnesses may not be solicited from library patrons or staff. Witnesses must know the individual whose document is being notarized. Witnesses must also have valid, government-issued photo identification.
4. Limitations of Service
   1. Library notaries cannot certify true copies of vital records and documents. Only issuing agencies can certify true copies.
   2. Library notaries will not take or certify depositions.
   3. Library staff members are not able to provide legal advice, nor can they assist in preparing or in filling out legal forms. 
   4. Library notaries are able to provide basic services only, such as witnessing signatures and sworn statements. Library notaries will not notarize documents requiring more than three signatures, nor will they notarize more than three documents per person, and they reserve the right to refer patrons to other agencies for more complex requests.
   5. Library staff will not notarize the following documents:
      • Auto titles
      • 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. Library notaries reserve the right to decline services should the circumstances surrounding an appointment raise any doubt regarding their legal obligations as outlined in Ohio Revised Code, Section 147.