Notary Services

Most CRRL locations offer simple notary services to our patrons as a free public service. Our notaries staff the reference desk and must give priority to patrons needing reference help, so there could be a wait for notary services. It is best to call ahead to make sure a notary is on duty. 

People seeking notarizations must bring with them their unsigned documents, valid photo identification, and any witnesses required.

Please be aware that CRRL notaries follow these guidelines:

•           Notaries may refuse to notarize if they are uncomfortable with the document, the identification of the signer, or the mental capacity of the signer.

•           Notarizations of wills, deeds and instruments that “verify facts” will be solely at the discretion of the notary, because of the higher risk of liability with these documents.

•           By law, Virginia notaries are not authorized to certify true copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates.

•           Photo identification should be provided by all signers, even if the signer is “known.”  Photo IDs should be current and written in a language the notary understands.  If an ID is not familiar to the notary, the notary has the option to refuse acceptance.

•           Notaries may notarize a signature for someone without a valid ID if two credible witnesses 1) have acceptable identification themselves, 2) have no interest in the document, and 3) swear an oath that they personally know the person.  

•           Notaries should not administer an oath to a non-English speaker.  Notaries may witness the signature of a non-English speaker.

If we are unable to provide notary services for you, we can supply a list of other notaries in the area.