Notary Public Services
A notary is available at the library most daytime weekday hours
and some evenings and weekends. Please call 515-278-3945 option 3
to make sure someone is available to notarize your document. There is
no charge to use this service. Notarization Defined:
Notarization is the 'act of witnessing' by the notary public in accordance with specifications of state law. Notarization involves signed documents and requires the notary to ensure the signer's identity and willingness to sign.
The notarization of a document WILL:
- detect and deter fraud when the proper steps of notarization are followed.
- prove the truthfulness of statements contained in the document
- legalize or validate the document or
- by itself protect a person's rights to his/her artistic creations or inventions.
When notarizing, the document will be skimmed for blanks. If the blanks are intended to be left unfilled, the signer needs to line through each space or write 'not applicable'. Also, all signatures must be original and made in black ink.
Important points for notarizing documents:
- All document signers must personally appear before the notary.
- The notary will assess whether each document signer is competent.
- While not responsible for the content of a document, the notary will alert the signer to any blanks.
- The notary will establish the identity of each signer through personal knowledge or with I.D. documents.
- All parties will sign the document in front of the notary.
- The notarial certificate will be completed. This may include requiring the signer to give a verbal oath or acknowledgment.
- The notary will use their stamp or seal on the document.