All Library locations will be closed Tuesday, December 24 & Wednesday, December 25, for the Christmas holiday.
Need a document notarized? The Kansas City Public Library offers FREE notary services at all locations.
Several Library staff members are certified as notaries and can assist you with most of your official document needs. Be aware this service is dependent on staff availability – we recommend calling ahead (816.701.3400).
We CAN Notarize
- Absentee Ballots
- Mail-in Ballots
- Real Property Deeds
- Powers of Attorney
- Trusts
- Affidavits
- Depositions
We CAN’T Notarize
- Copy certifications
- Birth certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees or marriage licenses. These documents must be obtained from and certified by the issuing agencies.
- Electronic or remote online notarization
Prepare For Your Notary Visit
- Don't sign or date documents in advance. Some papers require a notary to witness parties signing and dating in person.
- Make sure you bring all the pages of the document(s), including the notary certificate; don’t just bring the signature page.
- You must bring an official, government-issued photo ID to your notary appointment.
- State Driver's/Non-Driver’s License
- U.S. Passport
- Military ID
- Social security cards
- Credit cards with picture
- Club membership IDs
- Birth certificates
Frequently Asked Questions
A notary public acts as an impartial third-party witness to the signature of a document, and that all parties who signed a document did so willingly and under their own free will.
Materials that may require notarization include legal documents such as wills, trusts, deeds, contracts, and affidavits.
The certificate must be completed by a notary, whether you need a signature witness or an acknowledgement of your signature, or whether you are signing under oath. If you don't have a certificate, the notary cannot complete the notarial act. The Missouri Notary Handbook shares examples of notary certificate wording in 486.750 (page 19 of the printed version) and samples of certificates on page 81 of the printed version).
The Library provides notary services for free. Many institutions notarize documents for a fee; however, please be aware it is illegal to charge to notarize an election ballot.
We cannot guarantee a notary will be available at all times; it is best to call ahead to your preferred Library location to confirm a time.
You can make an appointment by phone or by calling the Library location you wish to visit. If you need assistance with requesting notary help, contact us.
Generally, it takes 5-10 minutes per document for a notary visit.
No! Anyone can receive these services, regardless of residence.
We would advise against it. Many types of documents require notaries to observe a person sign and date materials in person.
Notarization services in Spanish and Russian are provided by select staff; call the Library directly or schedule an appointment to learn more and make arrangements. Notary services through an interpreter are not permitted.
No, acting as a witness is not a notarial act. Notaries may not act as a witness and notarize the same document. Please plan to bring your own witnesses as needed.