Overview of Notary Public Signature
A Notary Public signature serves to confirm a document was properly executed. The primary function of a notary public is to authenticate documents and signatures. A Notary’s duty is to screen signers of documents for identity and awareness of contents.
Notarization Process in Illinois
To notarize a document in Illinois, there are a few basic requirements that must be met for the document to be considered legally valid. All signers must appear before an actively commissioned notary public at the time of the signing. In Illinois, this can be done in-person or online using Remote Online Notarization.
Notarization Fees and Identification
By law, a notary cannot charge more than $1 to simply notarize each signature. Notaries can charge more for immigration application and real estate transactions.
Photo Identification needed for notarization: You should bring a government-issued photo identification that contains your signature. The best forms of ID are: Illinois Driver’s License, Illinois State Identification Card, U.S. Passport.
Remote Online Notarization in Illinois
Remote Online Notarization is now permanently legal in Illinois following the signing of IL Senate Bill 2664. This makes notarization much more convenient for Illinois residents and allows notaries public within the Prairie State better opportunities to work under flexible schedules.
Becoming a Notary in Illinois
An appointed notary public may begin notarizing documents when his or her commission has been recorded with the county clerk and he or she has obtained an official notary public seal. The American Association of Notaries offers an online notary course approved by the Illinois Secretary of State.
Notarization for Family and Remote Options
A notary public may not notarize his or her own signature and may not notarize any document in which the notary’s name appears as a party to the transaction. However, a notary public may notarize the signature of his or her spouse, children, and other relatives. It is possible to notarize a document virtually in Illinois using a Remote Zoom Notary.