Notary appointments are required. Walk-in service is not available.
The Library offers free Notary Public services at the Reference Desk on the second floor. Notary service is provided as a courtesy for valid Ela Cardholders only. To request an appointment please call 847-438-3433 x502.
Notary services are a courtesy provided by the Library and not the Librarian's primary duty; therefore, the Librarian may ask the person(s) to wait while tending to other library matters.
Notary service is not guaranteed.
Notary Guidelines
- Please bring a current, valid government-issued photo ID.
- Do not sign the document(s) beforehand; you must sign in the presence of the Notary.
- Documents must be complete (no blank spaces).
- If your document(s) requires a witness, please provide your own. The library cannot provide witnesses, and witnesses may not be solicited from staff or patrons using the Library.
- In accordance with the Illinois Notary Law of 2023, the notary will need to make a journal entry of the notary transaction.
We Cannot Notarize
Notary Services are not available for documents that can require technical or legal knowledge that is beyond the scope of this free service. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Documents of conveyance of real estate, mortgages, other real estate loans, documents of transactions or property transfers, including but not limited to refinancing or other types of real estate loans, purchases, sales, and beneficial interests in land trusts.
- Power of Attorney
- Deeds
- Wills, living wills & trusts
- Visa and/or immigration paperwork
- Codicils or depositions
- Apostilles (certifications for documents to be used in other countries)
- Copies of identification such as passports, driver's licenses, etc.
- Copies of vital records such as birth, marriage, death certificates, etc.
- USCIS Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification
- Documents that are not in English
- Remote or online notarizations
- Documents that do not contain notary language or a notary certificate
We are not attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois. We are not allowed to draft legal documents or records, nor may we give legal advice on any matter, including, but not limited to matters of immigration, or accept or charge fees for the performance of those activities.
Please review our notary policy before booking an appointment.