Make an Appointment
Notary public service is provided at no charge for District cardholders only by authorized library staff. Hours are limited and based on staff availability.
Patrons seeking Notary Service must schedule an appointment online or call the Library at 847-362-2330 for assistance in making an appointment.
If you need multiple notarizations on documents that are 10 pages or longer please book two back to back appointments.
Required Paperwork
A valid photo ID with a signature is required. A current driver’s license or passport is recommended.
Before You Arrive
Do not sign document(s) before you meet with the Notary Public.
Documents must be signed in the Notary’s presence.
If your document requires witnesses as well as your own signature and notarization, you are required to bring your own. The Library cannot provide witnesses and witnesses may not be solicited from patrons using the Library. In order to serve as a witness, the witness must personally know the individual whose document is being notarized and must be in possession of valid photo identification.
Restrictions
- Must have a Cook Memorial Public Library District card in order to schedule a notary appointment.
- Notary services are provided on Library premises only.
- Notary Service is not guaranteed.
- Documents in any language other than English will not be notarized at this facility.
- Notaries are regulated by the Illinois Notary Laws and will not notarize documents that do not follow such laws and regulations.
- Notaries are not authorized to prepare or complete documents for others, nor give legal advice on any matter relating to a document.
- In accordance with Illinois Notarial Law, Notaries will not provide service if the patron’s document or circumstances of the request for Notary Service raise any issues of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt, or uncertainty for the Library. In this event, the Library Notary may at his/her sole discretion, decline to provide Notary Service.
- In accordance with Illinois Notarial Law, the Notary will ask the patron to sign their Notary Public Record Book. Service for patrons who decline to sign the Record Book will not be provided.
Notary service not available for:
- Government Form I-9
- Employment Eligibility Verification
- Documents of conveyance of real estate, mortgages, other real estate loans, documents or 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 and deeds.
- Wills, living wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, codicils or depositions as these types of documents can require technical or legal knowledge that is beyond the scope of this free service.
