NOTARY SERVICES

The Coeur d’Alene Public Library offers a Notary Service by appointment. Call the Library 208-769-2315 to make an appointment.

Types of Notary Services offered:

• Taking an acknowledgment
• Witnessing a signature
• A verification upon oath or affirmation (jurat)
• Administer an oath
• Certifying a copy of a record

At this time the Library is only taking one appointment, per patron, at a time and it is not necessary to have a library card.

The Library’s free notary service is intended for simple documents (auto titles, etc.) that do not require special expertise.

Schedule Your Appointment

Call the Reference Desk: 208-769-2315

Prepare for Your Appointment

The library and notary public cannot provide legal advice and cannot help you prepare your documents. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.

• Have all documents complete and ready for signature.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, which can be an 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)
• Consult with an attorney to determine if signature witnesses are needed. If yes, bring witnesses with you.

Prepare Your Document

• The name on the notarized document must match the name on the ID.
• Complete all information above the signature line completely leaving no blanks. Blank spaces not used in a document should have a line drawn through them so that no one can add to the terms of the document after it was signed.
• Documents to be notarized must contain a Notary Public jurat or acknowledgment certificate. If the document(s) does not include this, the Notary will have to attach a certificate to the document before it can be notarized.
• All document signers must be present at the time of signing and must sign in the presence of the notary.
• Some documents require that the signer take an oath. The notary will administer the oath.

Notice

• A notary public is not duly trained or certified to practice law. Therefore, notaries are unable to provide assistance in prescribing or determining the particular document a customer may need; selecting the type of notarization or certificate for a given document; preparing a document or giving advice on how to fill out, draft, or complete a document; providing legal counseling or advice in a legal matter that may or may not involve a notarial act.

We Cannot Notarize the Following

• 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

Other Things to Know

• Idaho 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 Idaho 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.

FAQ

What is the fee for getting a document notarized?

• The Coeur d’Alene Public Library does not charge for this service.

When can I come to the Library to get my documents notarized

• An appointment must be made to have documents notarized. Ask at the Reference Desk for an appointment or call here: 208-769-2315

What does a notary do?

• A notary public is a public official commissioned by the Idaho Secretary of State to administer oaths and affirmations, take acknowledgments, witness signatures, and perform other duties as permitted by state law. A notary should be familiar with Idaho notary laws and to follow the standards of reasonable care for performing a notarial act.

What do I need to bring with me?

• 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

What is a valid form of ID?

• Accepted Forms of Photo ID:
  • State Driver’s/Non-Driver’s License
  • S. Passport
  • Military ID
• NOT Accepted:
  • Social security cards
  • Credit cards with picture
  • Club membership IDs
  • Birth certificates
  • Library cards

Can the notary help me fill out or complete my document?

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

Can Library staff serve as a witness?

• No, the library does not provide witnesses. If your document requires witnesses, please bring them with you. Make sure they have proper identification with them as well. (See above, valid photo ID) 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.

Do I need to be a Coeur d’Alene resident to use the Library’s notary service?

• Anyone can receive these services, regardless of residence.