Hours

Availability of Notary Services is dependent on the availability of our Library Notary staff. No appointment is necessary, but please call ahead at (231) 937-5575 to ensure a notary is available.

What to Bring

• Unsigned document(s)
• Valid driver's license, passport, or state-issued personal identification card. Government-issued photo identification must be provided by all signers.
• Witnesses, if needed

Other Things to Know

• Notaries are regulated by Michigan law (Michigan Notary Public Act 238 of 2003)
• Notaries cannot prepare or complete documents for you, nor can they give legal advice on any matter.
• A notary may refuse to perform a notarial act at any time, for any reason.
• The notary will maintain a journal in which each transaction will be noted, along with identification provided.
• Notaries cannot give professional advice on legal matters about notarizing documents.
• Notaries cannot act as a witness to, and notarize the same document. To serve as a witness, the witness must personally know the person whose documents are being notarized, and must also provide valid photo identification.
• Notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with a notary service patron.
• Documents to be notarized must be signed in person, in front of the notary who will certify the signature.

Exclusions

• Electronic/digital notary services
• Documents that are already signed
• Real estate transactions including mortgages, deeds, closing documents, etc.
• I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification forms
• Blank documents or documents not filled out completely
• Documents in languages other than English
• Michigan Vital Records: birth, death, marriage, divorce (these are done by State and County officials)
• Certify or notarize that a document/record is an original or true copy of another record. In Michigan, a notary can only acknowledge the signature of the issuer or holder (person on the document) making a true copy statement on, or attached to, the document.