Notary Public
The Milne Public Library has a Notary Public on staff who will notarize your documents free of charge. It is recommended that you make an appointment first using the button below or or call first to confirm that they are on duty when you want to visit.
Please read below for information on what we can and cannot notarize and other questions you may have.
Service Requirements
Document signers and witnesses (if required) must bring valid identification documents (ID). Government-issued photo identification is required of any patron seeking notary service. A Staff Notary will decline to notarize a document if the signer cannot provide acceptable identification.
Be sure documents are complete and ready for signature. Many notarizations require the signer to sign in the presence of a Staff Notary. Staff Notaries are prohibited from helping you to prepare, complete, or understand documents.
Document signers must be present at the time of notarization. If your document requires a witness or witnesses, please be advised the Notary cannot act as a witness. The Milne Public Library will not provide witnesses, and witnesses may not be solicited from patrons using the Library.
Our Notary can only notarize documents in English. Massachusetts law requires that the Notary and the person seeking notarization must be able to communicate directly with one another. Interpreters cannot be used.
For your appointment, you will need:
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Your unsigned, completed document(s). During your appointment, the notary will tell you when to sign.
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A government-issued photo ID (state-issued identification card, driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID).
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The name(s) on your document(s) to match the name(s) on your photo ID(s).
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All signers must be physically present and have proper ID. If you require witnesses, they also must have proper ID. The library does not provide witnesses.
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To be mentally aware, alert, and willing to sign. If you, or anyone in your party, do not understand the details of your transaction, or if you are uncertain about signing the document(s), please resolve this before your appointment.
Proper forms of identification include:
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State ID or Driver’s License
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U.S. Passport
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U.S. Military Card
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Foreign Passport, validated by INS
If you do not have a means of proper identification (or if your identification is expired), the Notary cannot notarize your documents. All documents must be signed in front of the Notary. Documents cannot be notarized if they are not signed in the presence of the Notary. All signatories must be present with proper forms of ID.
Notary services are provided free of charge by the library; donations to support library services are always welcome but not required.
Up to five (5) documents can be notarized per visit.
Service Restrictions
Staff Notaries will decline to provide service if the patron, document, or circumstances of the request for notary service raises any issue of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt, or uncertainty. In any of these events, the Notary may, at their sole discretion, decline to provide Notary service.
If a document does not contain a notarial certificate, a Staff Notary may explain the purpose of certain basic notarizations so that the signer may make the best choice for their document. The signer is responsible to consult their own legal counsel or the document’s creator or recipient prior to their appointment to determine the notarial act required.
Staff Notaries will not notarize documents written in languages they do not read.
Staff Notaries will not complete a USCIS Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form.
Staff Notaries are not attorneys licensed to practice law and will not notarize documents that require specialized legal, financial, or technical knowledge. We cannot provide copy certifications of vital records, including birth, death, and/or marriage certificates. Massachusetts prohibits non-attorney Notaries Public from performing real estate closings (MGL c. 222, § 17 (e)). As such, Notaries at the library will not notarize any sort of real estate document, including deeds, disclosures, or mortgage and loan documents. Milne Public Library notaries may not act as a representative for any third party. Staff Notaries are not permitted to notarize documentation requiring a Medallion Signature Guarantee or Apostille Certifications.
Staff Notaries may not give you legal advice or advise you about immigration policies or procedures. You should seek the advice of a qualified attorney to assist you with any legal questions or with questions about legal status under immigration law.
Staff Notaries will not pre-date or post-date any document.
For more information on state guidelines, click HERE.
If our Notary is not available, please note that notary services may be available at Town Hall. Many banks and shipping stores also offer notary services but may charge a fee.