Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ - 01
A Notary Public is an official of integrity appointed by the state government, typically by the Secretary of State, to serve the public as an impartial witness in performing a variety of official fraud-deterrent acts related to the signing of important documents.
A Notary’s duty is to screen the signers of important documents for their true identity, their willingness to sign without duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction.
A Notary may not choose the type of notarization on a signer’s behalf. This is considered an
unauthorized practice of law.
- Illinois Drivers License or non-drivers ID card
- Drivers License or non-drivers ID card from another U.S. state, territory, or jurisdiction
- U.S passport or passport card
- A valid foreign passport
- U.S. military ID card
- ID card issued by the USCIS
- Social Security Card
- birth certificate
- credit cards
FAQ - 02
Please note: A Notary is legally prohibited from telling a signer what certificate they should get. Below are the Authorized Notary Acts that may be performed.
Certify that a signer personally appeared before the Notary, was positively identified by the Notary and acknowledged freely signing the document.
Solemn promise to a Supreme Being (oaths) or on one’s own personal honor (affirmations) spoken in the Notary’s presence.
As found in affidavits and other sworn documents, certifying that the signer personally appeared before the Notary, was positively identified by the Notary, signed in the Notary’s presence and took an oath or affirmation from the Notary.
Certifying that the signer personally appeared before the Notary, was positively identified by the Notary and signed the document in the Notary’s
presence.