Notary Services

Notary services are available Monday through Saturday during normal library hours at all locations until 15 minutes before closing. Service is dependent on staff availability.

 

What to bring

  • Your completed, unsigned document(s)* to be notarized
  • A witness or witnesses, if required by your document
  • A valid, unexpired state ID, federal ID, or other government ID with signature and photos (such as a driver’s license, state ID card, US military ID, or US passport)

 

We cannot notarize

  • Documents that are already signed* (The Notary Public must witness signatures)
  • Documents that are not in English
  • Documents with blank spaces other than the space for signature
  • We cannot make certified copies of documents in which the original document is held by a governmental or other entity, a so-called vital record or public record. 
  • Additional restrictions can be found in the FAQ section below

*For Acknowledgements ONLY–Can be signed prior to appearing before a notary.

 

Other things to know

  • Missouri law regulates notaries. We will not notarize documents that do not follow such laws and regulations. Notaries will not prepare or complete documents for you, nor can they give legal advice on a matter.
  • Per Missouri law, notaries will not provide service if the document or circumstances of the request for notary service raise any question of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt, or uncertainty for the library. In this event, the notary may decline to provide notary service at their sole discretion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, notaries are available at all locations. We suggest you call before coming to the library to make sure that a notary is available.

We do not charge anyone a fee for this service.

Notary services are available from when we open until 15 minutes before closing, as long as there is a notary available.

If you need multiple documents notarized that are 10 pages or longer, we suggest calling 314-994-3300 and ask to speak to the branch you plan to visit.

A notary public acts as an impartial third-party witness to the signature of a document, and that all parties who signed a document did so willingly and under their own free will.

  • Make sure your documents are completely filled out, except for the signature blanks. We cannot notarize a document with blank spaces.
  • Do not sign your documents beforehand. The notary needs to witness you signing your document.
  • Bring a photo I.D. with you. The notary will need to verify your identity.
  • If you are bringing witnesses with you, please ask them to bring their photo I.D.s
  • Please note: In accordance with Missouri Notarial Law (Section 486.700, RSMo), the Notary will ask you to sign their Notary Public Record Book. Service for customers who decline to sign the Record Book will not be provided.
  • Government Form I-9
    • Notaries also cannot provide an Apostille (a form that certifies the authenticity of a document that is issued in one country to be used and considered valid in another).
  • Employment eligibility verification
  • Documents of conveyance of real estate, mortgages, other real estate loans, documents or transactions or property transfers, such as refinancing or other types of real estate loans, purchases, sales, and beneficial interests in land trusts.
  • We do not certify vital records (birth, marriage, divorce, death). These documents must be obtained from and certified by the issuing agencies.
  • Electronic or remote online notarization
  • Notaries may not be able to notarize documents in languages other than English.

Materials that may require notarization include legal documents such as wills, trusts, deeds, contracts, and affidavits. Other examples include: absentee ballots, mail-in ballots, powers of attorney, and depositions.

Accepted Forms of Photo ID:

  • State Driver's/Non-Driver’s License
  • U.S. Passport
  • Military ID

NOT Accepted:

  • Social security cards
  • Credit cards with picture
  • Club membership IDs
  • Birth certificates
  • Library cards

Notaries are not authorized to prepare or complete documents for others or give legal advice on any matter relating to a document.

No, we do not provide witnesses. If your document requires witnesses, please bring them with you and make sure they have proper identification with them as well. (See acceptable forms of ID above.) You may not approach strangers in the library to serve as witnesses. Witnesses must be personally known to you and be willing to stand up in court on your behalf, should that become necessary in the future.

Generally, it takes 5-10 minutes per document for a notary visit. Though the visit could take longer if there are multiple transactions.

No. Anyone can receive these services, regardless of residence.

Library Services