These resources are not endorsed or sponsored by the Alden Public Library and are just informational only.

Notary Service

The Alden Public Library does have a notary available at no charge.  Appointments must be made by calling 515-859-3820.

 

Notary Services

The Alden Public Library offers notary services to help patrons properly execute documents requiring notarization. A notary public can verify the identity of signers, witness signatures, and complete the appropriate notarial certificate.

What a Notary Public Cannot Do

A notary public is an impartial witness and cannot:

  • Provide legal advice or explain the legal meaning of a document.
  • Tell you which type of document you need or how a document should be completed.
  • Prepare or draft legal documents.
  • Advise you about your legal rights or responsibilities.
  • Notarize a document when required identification or other legal requirements have not been met.
  • Notarize a document when the notary cannot properly verify the identity or willingness of the signer.
  • Guarantee that a document is legally valid, accurate, or enforceable.

Please note: Notaries may decline to notarize a document if the requirements for notarization cannot be met. Please contact the library before your visit to confirm notary availability, acceptable identification, and any other requirements.

 

Documents That May Be Witnessed by a Public Notary

Under the current guidance of the Iowa Secretary of State, the following types of documents may be witnessed by a public notary at the Alden Public Library, provided that all applicable requirements, terms, and guidance for the requested notarial act have been fulfilled:

  • Affidavits and sworn statements

  • Acknowledgments

  • Contracts and agreements

  • Powers of attorney

  • Real estate documents

  • Business and financial documents

  • Permission and authorization forms

  • Documents requiring a witnessed or attested signature

  • Documents requiring verification under oath or affirmation

  • Copies of documents when Iowa law permits a notary to certify or attest the copy

Iowa recognizes several types of notarial acts, including taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, taking a verification on an oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, and certifying or attesting a copy.

 

Important Information for Patrons

A public notary cannot determine whether a particular document requires notarization, select the appropriate notarial certificate for a patron, provide legal advice, or determine whether the document has been completed correctly or is legally valid. The Iowa Secretary of State specifically states that a notary should not suggest which notarial certificate a signer should use when one has not been provided. Notary services at the library follow the guidance issued by the Iowa Secretary of State and are subject to change without notice. 

It is the patron's responsibility to:

  • Bring the correct document(s) requiring notarization.

  • Know what type of notarial act is required.

  • Ensure that the document has been properly prepared and completed according to the requirements of the receiving agency, organization, or other party.

  • Consult an attorney or other appropriate legal counsel when legal advice or assistance with a document is needed before scheduling a notary appointment.

The library's notary may verify the identity of the signer and perform the requested notarial act when the requirements of Iowa law have been met. Notarization does not mean that the library or notary has reviewed, approved, verified the accuracy of, or determined the legal validity of the underlying document.