NOTARY SERVICES

Hours of Availability

Monday – Friday:
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Patrons should call ahead (276-645-8781) to ensure availability.

All notarial acts require that the signer present a valid and unexpired ID from the following list:

  • State issued driver’s license or official nondriver’s ID
  • U.S. passport
  • Foreign passport
  • Certificate of United States Citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Permanent resident card with photograph
  • U.S. military ID

Temporary paper IDs are not acceptable.
IDs must list the signer’s current name.

I've already signed my document. Can it still be notarized?

Notarial acknowledgements only require that the signer present an unexpired, valid ID (see list above) and acknowledge to the notary that the signature being notarized is their own. Acknowledgements can be notarized if the document has been previously signed and the notarial statement does not include wording such as “signed before me”. The following example could be notarized if the document was already signed before arriving for notarization.

 

 

 

 

Jurats must be signed in front of the notary, after providing an unexpired, valid ID and swearing or affirming that the contents of the document are true. Jurats cannot be notarized unless signed in front of the notary and typically have wording similar to the following example:

Can the Notary help me fill out or choose a form?

No. Notaries cannot help a signer choose or complete a document. It is recommended that the signer contact the recipient of the document (or an attorney for legal documents) if they have any questions about completing the document before notarization.

I've handwritten a statement or document. Can I get handwritten papers notarized?

 Library notaries do not notarize handwritten documents (on notebook paper, etc). The Homer and Ida Jones Creative Arts, Technology and Workforce Development Center can help with word processing and printing.

Can a document with empty fields by notarized?

No. All relevant fields relating to the signer must be complete before the document can be notarized.

My document requires witnesses. Can the library provide them?
The library does not provide witnesses for document signings. If a document has sections that require a witness or witnesses, the signer will need to bring their own witnesses for the notarization.
My document doesn't have a section for notarization. Can it be notarized?
Documents without notarial wording can still be notarized, but the signer must determine which type of notarial act is needed before the notarization can be performed. If you are unsure of which type of notarization your document needs, contact the issuer of the document or a legal professional. The notary cannot decide for you what type of notarial act your document needs.
Can I get someone else's signature notarized that isn't with me?

No. All notarial acts require that the signer be present, and have a valid ID (see list above).

Can I get an I-9 Form completed at the library?
I-9 forms require an authorized representative, and document signers are often instructed to come to a notary for this service. The library requires that the company or corporation send a personalized document directly to the notary establishing them as the authorized representative for the completion of the I-9 form. Contact the library at 276-645-8780 to speak to one of our notaries about getting the needed contact information to forward to your employer.
Can I get a certified copy of a birth/death/marriage certificate?

No. Notaries cannot certify copies of vital records (birth/death/marriage certificates and divorce decrees, etc). Only officials in a bureau of vital statistics or other public record office may certify original copies of such certificates.

I need a TN notary. What state are your notaries licensed in?

Notaries at the Bristol Public Library have Virginia notary commissions. Virginia notaries are able to notarize out of state documents, but the venue listed on the document will be changed to the state (Virginia) that the document is being notarized in. The Avoca Branch Library has notary services through most weekdays. It is recommended to call ahead (423-968-9663) to ensure availability.