Illinois Notary Acknowledgment Form

An Illinois notary acknowledgment form is a legal tool used by a notary public to authenticate a signature on a document, certify signature authenticity, and verify the signer’s identity. Once all notarial duties are satisfied, the notary executes the certificate, and the document is considered notarized.

Notaries are governed by the Illinois Notary Public Act, which outlines the qualifications and duties of notaries in the state. Additionally, the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act allows for notarization of electronic documents.

Is Online Notarization Legal in Illinois?

Yes, as per § 6-102.5, a notary public is allowed to notarize a document online. This became possible due to the passing of SB26,64, which became effective on January 1, 2022.

New notary laws came into effect on June 5, 2023, and now permit notarization for signatures on electronic documents. The Secretary of State is creating an application process for electronic notaries and an approval process for technology providers.

The maximum fee for remote online notarization is $25.

How to Notarize

Step 1 – Find a Notary

Use the Illinois Notary Public Search, check with your bank or credit union, visit a UPS Store or FedEx Office, or look for a local business that offers notary services such as a law office or real estate agency. Some libraries provide free notary services for both library cardholders and the general public.

It is advisable to call ahead to confirm the availability of the notary.

Step 2 – Bring Your Document

Bring the document to the notary and any required identification or witnesses. Ensure you have one of the following government-issued IDs with your photo and signature:

• Driver’s License
• State Identification Card
• U.S. Passport

The notary will check your identity by comparing your photo ID with your face and the name on the document.

Step 3 – Sign the Document

You may need to sign the document in front of the notary, or you can sign it beforehand if it has an attached acknowledgment form. All signers must declare that they signed willingly.

Step 4 – Take an Oath

If you need a jurat, you’ll need to swear or affirm that the document is truthful.

Step 5 – Collect Your Certificate

Your document is considered notarized once the notary has stamped and signed the acknowledgment form or notary certificate.

At this point, you will also be required to pay the notary fee. By law, the maximum fee for non-electronic notarization is $5, but higher fees may apply for services related to immigration applications and real estate transactions, as outlined in section 3-104 of the Illinois Notary Public Act.

How to Verify a Notary

1. Visit the Notary Search page on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
2. Locate the notary by entering their name or commission number and then clicking on the Submit button.
3. The search results will display any matching entries. Click on the name of the notary to view additional information.

How to Write (for Notary)

1. Download a notary acknowledgment form in PDF or Word format.
2. Fill in the county where the notarization is taking place, the date of notarization, and the name of the person being acknowledged in the spaces provided.
3. Include the individual’s signature, seal, and the notary’s signature, title/rank, and commission expiration date.