An affidavit is based upon either the personal knowledge of the affiant or his or her information and belief. Personal knowledge is the recognition of particular facts by either direct observation or experience. Information and belief is what the affiant feels he or she can state as true, although not based on firsthand knowledge.
An affidavit is a written statement of facts voluntarily made by an affiant under an oath or affirmation administered by a person authorized to do so by law.
Key elements of notarized documents include the notary's signature and seal, acknowledgment section, jurisdiction information, date and venue, and the signer's identification. These elements confirm the document's authenticity and secure its use in legal proceedings, providing trust and protecting against fraud.
While the language varies depending on the type of notarization and the law of the state in which you are commissioned, the main body of a certificate will require you to note the date of the notarization, the name of the signer appearing before you, and your official name as the Notary.
A notarized letter or document is certified by a notary public, a licensed public officer who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and establishes the authenticity of the signatures. A notary's signature and seal are required to authenticate the signature on your letter or legal document.
Effective Jan. 1, 2024: New and renewing notaries are required to take a minimum of three hours of training and take a 50-question final exam with a passing score of 85%. There will be an approved list of course providers on the Illinois Secretary of State website.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
The State processing time, once submitted, is 4-6 weeks. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your notary public certificate from the State, and stamp(s) and supplies from us. Once you have your certificate in hand, you may use your new notary stamp and the process is complete.
UPDATE 12-8-23: Under a new law that took effect November 17, 2023, Illinois Notaries are not required to record a journal entry when notarizing the following election documents filed by or on behalf of a candidate for public office: nominating petitions; petitions of candidacy; petitions for nomination; nominating ...
If you have questions regarding the application or process, please contact the Notary Public Division at 217-782-7017 or enotary@ilsos.
You'll be approved as a notary public in Illinois in four to six weeks. Register to take our approved Illinois notary public study course and take the final examination. You must score 85 percent or better to pass the exam.
