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A notary public is a public officer of the state, authorized by law to certify documents, take affidavits, and administer oaths.
Beginning March 1, 2024, the Goffstown Public Library offers free notary services to Goffstown residents, cardholders, and employees. Library notaries are on staff during the library’s hours of operation, and it is recommended to call ahead to ensure a notary will be available at that time. Notary service is available until thirty (30) minutes before closing.
The Notary and the person seeking notarization shall be able to communicate directly with each other. Library notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with the person seeking notarization.
Notaries cannot provide advice on legal documents, prepare legal documents, or determine the correct documentation. Library staff can only direct visitors to resources and offices that can answer their legal questions.
Library Notaries will not notarize:
- Documents in any language other than English
- Children’s signatures or fingerprints
- Deeds, Wills, Living Wills, Living Trusts, Codicils, Depositions, Mortgage or Real Estate Closing Documents
- I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification forms)
- Gun sales
- Lengthy, complex documents
- Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized, including but not limited to Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, and Marriage Certificates. Certified copies of many documents are available from the original issuing authority.
- Library notaries will not endorse Notary Public or Justice of the Peace applications for individuals, except for notaries for the Town of Goffstown.
Preparing for Your Visit
- Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID.
- Notary service is limited to three documents per person, per visit.
- Complete all information above the signature line before signature notarization and bring all unsigned documents to be notarized. Documents must be signed in the presence of the notary to be valid.
- If your document requires witnesses, they must accompany you. The library does not provide witnesses and witnesses may not be solicited from staff or visitors using the library. To serve as a witness, the witness must be personally known to the individual whose documents are being notarized. All witnesses must bring valid photo identification as described above.
Our notaries reserve the right, at their discretion, to refuse a request that does not satisfy identification or document requirements, exceeds the intention of the services we offer, or prevents staff from assisting visitors with primary library services.