Notary Service

The Ruby B. Archie Public Library offers notary services; the fee is $2 per official signature.

Patrons are strongly encouraged to call prior to visiting the library. Services are subject to staff availability. Walk-in or same-day service is not guaranteed. Appointments are available from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

For more information or to set up an appointment, call (434) 799-5195.

Please review the following information prior to scheduling your appointment.

Patrons seeking notarizations must bring:

  • Unsigned documents to be notarized
    • Documents must contain a notary public acknowledgement and/or signature line
  • Valid photo identification for all signing parties
    • Photo IDs must be current and in a language the notary understands. If an ID is not familiar to the notary, the notary has the option to refuse acceptance.
  • Any witnesses required
    • Library staff or patrons cannot serve as witnesses
    • In order to serve as a witness, the witness must be personally known to the individual whose documents are being notarized
    • All witnesses must bring valid photo identification

Notaries will NOT

  • Notarize copies of any kind
  • Notarize birth, marriage, or death certificates
  • Perform marriages or any other act that constitutes the practice of law
  • Pre-date or post-date an action, prepare a legal document or give advice on legal matters, or notarize documents in which they have a personal interest
  • Notarize documents in a language they do not understand

Please be aware that Ruby B. Archie Public Library notaries follow these guidelines:

  • Notaries may decline to notarize unfamiliar documents or any notarization that would exceed the appointment parameters
  • Notaries may decline to notarize a document if they are uncertain of the identity or mental capacity of the signer

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.

A library notary may refuse to notarize a document for any reason.