Notary Policy

The Amityville Public Library provides on-site notary services to the public as a courtesy during its regular hours of operation. Notary services are offered by Library employees who possess a valid New York State Notary Public license.

Appointments are recommended; however, walk-ins are welcome and will be accommodated based on the availability of a licensed notary.


General Guidelines

  • Effective January 1, 2026 – The Library will notarize the first two (2) documents free of charge. After the first two, a fee of $2.00 per document (cash only) will apply.
  • All documents requiring notarization must be in English. The Library will not notarize documents written in any other language.
  • Documents must be fully completed prior to arrival at the Library. The notary cannot notarize incomplete documents that contain blank spaces.
  • Documents must not be signed before being presented to the notary. All signatures must be made in the presence of the notary.
  • All signers must appear in person and present a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
  • The entire document must be present at the time of notarization. Partial or incomplete documents will not be accepted.
  • Notaries will not provide services off Library premises or outside of Library hours.

Restrictions

Library notaries will not:

  • Notarize marriage certificates or related documents.
  • Notarize any handwritten documents.
  • Notarize documents written in a language other than English.
  • Certify or verify that a copy of a document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.
  • Notarize depositions.
  • Provide or solicit witnesses from Library staff or patrons.
  • Notarize wills, trusts, living wills, codicils, or any similar documents establishing the disposition of property after death.
    • Note: A “Consent to Probate” or “Waiver of Process” may be notarized.

Witness Requirements

  • If a document requires witnesses, the signer must provide their own witness(es), each of whom must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Each witness must present valid identification.
  • All witnesses must be present at the time of notarization.

Additional Information

  • Library notaries are not attorneys and are not authorized to provide legal advice or interpret documents.
  • Library notaries must be able to communicate directly with the signer without the use of a translator.
  • The Library and its notaries reserve the right to refuse notary service for any reason, at their discretion, including but not limited to: insufficient identification, incomplete documents, uncertainty of a signer’s comprehension or willingness, or other circumstances permitted under New York State law.

Approved: November 19, 2025