Skip to Main Content

Library Services & Policies: Notary Services

About

St. John's College Greenfield Library is proud to offer notary services. Emily Connell and Sammy Young are now licensed notaries public. 

You might need a notary to witness your signature of a document such as a job application, auto title, mortgage agreement, or property deed. These are by no means the only documents for which you might need a notary, however.  

Contact Information

For assistance with notary services, please contact:

Emily Connell
Manager of Technical Services
emily.connell@sjc.edu
410-626-2549

Sammy Young
Library Services Assistant
samantha.young@sjc.edu
410-972-4117

What Is a Notary Public?

"A notary public is an officer of the State. By a 1964 constitutional amendment, a notary, unlike other State officers, may hold another public office. A notary public in the exercise of duties is held to the same high standards of public trust as other appointed and elected State officials. A notary public is responsible for reading and understanding State Government Article, Title 18, Annotated Code of Maryland, as well as regulations, this handbook, and other public guidance issued by the Office of the Secretary of State relating to responsibilities of notaries public and performance of notarial acts."

- from the Handbook for Maryland Notaries Public

A notary public is licensed to witness the signature of certain documents and verify the signature for legal purposes. Under Maryland law, a notary public can:

  • Take an acknowledgment of a record;
  • Take a verification on oath or affirmation of a statement;
  • Witness or attest to a signature;
  • Certify or attest a copy of a record or an item that was copied

A notary public CAN notarize a document from, or for, another state as long as the document is notarized while the notary is physically present in Maryland.

As part of the notarization process, the notary must record each act in a notary journal. The record will include the name and address of the person for whom the act is performed and the details of the method of identification the person provides.

What Do I Need to Bring with Me for Notary Services?

You should bring the document you wish to have notarized, along with a current, unexpired government issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. If you have questions about what kind of ID is appropriate, please contact Emily or Sammy.

Please fill out all necessary sections of your document ahead of time, but do NOT sign or date the document, as the notary will need to witness your signature. If your document requires an additional witness, please bring your witness with you as well.

Notary Restrictions

A notary public is NOT licensed to practice law in Maryland and is not allowed to draft legal records or give advice on legal matters, including immigration.

Where Do I Go for Notary Services?

To request notary services, go to the Circulation Desk on the first floor of Greenfield Library.

Notary services are available:

  • Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Emily Connell)
  • Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Sammy Young)

If you have a document that you believe needs to be notarized, please contact Emily Connell or Sammy Young and confirm that they are able and willing to notarize the document. Fees may be assessed. Both notaries reserve the right to refuse a request for notarization for any reason.