What to Expect

Basic notary services to the community at rates mandated by the State of Texas.

Please note:

• Notaries cannot prepare, draft, select, or give advice about the document being notarized.
• Notaries verify only the identity of the signer and their signature—nothing more.
• By law, notaries cannot give legal advice or help prepare legal documents.
• Notaries may decline service if the signer, document, or circumstances raise questions about authenticity, clarity, or legality.

Requirements for Service

• All signers must bring a valid photo ID (see accepted forms below).
• Your document must have a clearly marked space for the notary’s signature and stamp. Handwritten notary sections are not accepted.
• Every signer must be present in person—no remote signings.
• You must bring your own witnesses. Library staff cannot serve as witnesses, and you may not solicit patrons for this purpose.
• Witnesses must not have a beneficial or financial interest in the document.
• Documents must be in English.
• Sign in front of the notary. Pre-signed documents cannot be notarized.
• Bring all pages of your document.
• You must understand your document before notarizing; the notary cannot explain where to sign or how to fill it out.

Valid Forms of ID

• U.S. state-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card)
• U.S. passport book
• U.S. work visa
• State-issued gun license
• U.S. military ID

Not Accepted:

• Expired IDs
• U.S. passport cards (no signature line)
• Social Security cards
• Birth certificates
• Credit cards
• Foreign-issued IDs, visas, or passports
• Copies or temporary IDs
• Credible witnesses in place of ID

Services We Cannot Provide

We do not notarize:

• Wills, codicils, living wills, or trusts
• Property transfer documents (deeds, titles, etc.)
• Estate settlement documents
• Depositions
• Business transaction documents

We also cannot:

• Notarize or certify public record documents or copies (passport, diploma, birth/marriage/death certificates) — obtain certified copies from the County Clerk’s office.
• Certify I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification forms.

Availability

• Notary services are at the discretion of the notary.
• Notary work is not a primary library responsibility.
• Services will not be performed within the last hour before closing.

📧 Email: fhplsstaff@gmail.com
📞 Phone: (817) 551-5354