Notary Services
As part of our commitment to serving our community, we offer notary services at our Main and South locations to assist patrons with a variety of legal and personal documents. We encourage patrons to review the Frequently Asked Questions below prior to their visit to ensure a smooth and efficient notarization process.
FAQs
Q: What is a notary public?
A: A Notary Public is an official appointed by the State of Indiana to certify the signing of documents of private citizens. As ministerial officials, they are expected to follow statutory rules without the exercise of significant personal discretion. The primary role of the notary is to verify the signer’s identity and intent to sign.
Q: What types of documents can be notarized?
A: We offer general notary services. We can notarize documents such as affidavits, powers of attorney, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, divorce paperwork, and more.
Q: How much do notaries cost?
A: Library notary services cost $2.00 per document. Even if a document requires multiple signatures, that one document will only cost $2.00.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: KHCPL Main offers notary services on a walk-in basis, however patrons are encouraged to call ahead of time to confirm a notary will be available when they plan to come. KHCPL South offers notary services on an appointment-only basis. To schedule an appointment at KHCPL South, call 765.453.4150.
Q: What do I need to bring with me for a notary service?
A: All signers must present a valid, physical photo ID. Digital copies or photos of IDs are not accepted. If a document has multiple signers, all signers must appear in-person to sign the document in the notary’s presence. In addition, all pages of the document must be present at the time of notarization.
Q: What if I don’t have a valid photo ID?
A: If the signer cannot present a valid form of ID, a credible witness can serve as an alternative form of identification. In order to use a credible witness as identification, the following must be met: (1) the notary must personally know the witness or identify the witness through a valid form of photo ID; (2) the witness must know the signer; (3) both the witness and the signer must be present during the notarization; and (4) the witness must take a verbal oath swearing to the identity of the signer.
Q: Can you help me fill out my forms?
A: No. Per Indiana code, notary publics cannot provide legal advice or assist in the completion of documents for notarization. The primary role of the notary is to verify the signer’s identity and intent to sign. If you are unsure how to complete a document, please seek assistance from the issuer of the document (i.e. see the Recorder’s Office for help with completing a Quit Claim Deed).
Q: Can I sign my document before I arrive?
A: Please wait until you are in the presence of a notary to sign your document. You should complete the rest of your form beforehand, but wait to sign until you are with a notary and they have verified your identity.
Q: Do I need to bring my own witnesses?
A: Bringing your own witnesses is not required, but it is helpful if your document requires it. Please note, if your document requires signatures from witnesses AND a notary public, the notary public cannot sign for both. In these cases, the notary’s signature would only serve to fulfill the notarial signature, and the witness signatures would need to be completed by other individuals.
Q: Can you notarize documents in languages other than English?
A: For any non-English documents, the best option is to locate a notary public who reads and writes the language of the document. If that is not possible, a notary public should only proceed if the notarial certificate itself is in English or another language the notary reads and writes. The signer and notary must be able to directly communicate and understand one another in the same language for the notary to properly discern the intent of the signer.
Q: Do you offer remote notary services?
A: The library does not offer remote notary services. All signers must appear in-person for the notarization.
Q: Is a notary public signature the same as a medallion signature?
A: No, these are two different types of signatures. Common documents requiring a notary public signature include deeds, affidavits, and some contracts. A medallion signature is a specialized signature verification used exclusively for the transfer of financial securities like stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. A medallion signature must come from a financial institution and is not available through the general notary services offered at the library.