Notary Services at the Library

Notary Service

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. There is no charge to use this service.

Availability

WDM Library has a few staff members registered as Notaries*.  Service is generally available M-F, 9am-4pm, but please call ahead to 515-222-3403 to request an appointment or verify a notary is available, or complete the Notary Appointment Request Form at the bottom of this page.  Responses to requests may take up to 72 hours, please plan accordingly.  We will try to honor your preferred day and time, but we will contact you to set up the appointment.

Other options:  

• West Des Moines City Hall offers free Notary services – please contact them ahead of time to arrange an appointment.
• You can also search for Notaries in your area through the State’s Notary Search tool.

Notary Guidelines 

Notarization is the ‘act of witnessing’ by the notary public in accordance with specifications of state law. Notarization involves signing documents requiring a signature or signatures before a disinterested party (the notary) who can attest to the authenticity of the signature(s) and the individual’s willingness to sign.  

Before coming to the library for a notarization, please: 

• Call to ensure a notary is available or complete the form below and wait for a confirmation notification.  
• Bring a current photo ID that includes a signature.
• Complete all documents EXCEPT for the signature and date fields. Signers MUST sign the document in front of the notary.
• If the document requires disinterested witnesses (people who have no stake in the outcome of the document) consider bringing them with you. Library staff may not be available to be witnesses.

Important Points for Notarizing Documents: 

• The notary will establish the identity of each signer through personal knowledge or with current, signed,  I.D. documents.
• All document signers must personally appear before the notary and sign the document in front of 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 notarial certificate will be completed. This may include requiring the signer to give a verbal oath or acknowledgment.
• The notary will use their stamp on the document.
• Notary staff have the right to decline any notarization that does not meet state or library guidelines.
• Notary staff will NOT administer thumbprints nor fingerprints. 

The notarization of a document WILL: 

• Detect and deter fraud when the proper steps of notarization are followed. 

However, a notarization WILL NOT: 

• Prove the truthfulness of statements contained in the document.
• Legalize or validate the document.
• By itself protect a person’s rights to his/her artistic creations or inventions. 

*Library staff are not attorneys licensed to practice law in this state; are not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities. (Disclaimer required by Iowa Code 2018, Section 9B.25)