Identification:

A notary has satisfactory evidence if the person (1) is personally known to the notary; (2) is identified by a credible witness personally known to the notary; or (3) is identified on the basis of identification documents.  Proper identification should include a photograph and a signature on a reliable identification card, such as a driver’s license.

Legal Advice:

A notary may not prepare legal documents or give legal advice unless unless he or she is also an attorney.

Accuracy of documents:

Notaries may not verify the truth or accuracy of any document.  The purpose of notarization is to verify the identity of the signer.

Blank documents:

The notary may not notarize a blank or incomplete document. 

Notary Fee:

In Illinois the maximum fee allowed is $1.00 per signature.

Signed before the notary:

The document should always be signed in the presence of the notary.

Witnesses:

If more than one witness is needed, please bring another adult with you to act as a second witness.