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.
To do so, the notary might, for instance, ask the signer, “Do you swear (or affirm) that the statements in this document are true?” The individual making the oath or affirmation will then answer something to the effect of, “I do.”
The 3 ways Notaries can properly identify signers Identification Cards. Personal Knowledge. Credible Identifying Witnesses.
An Illinois notary acknowledgment form certifies the authenticity of signatures inscribed on a legal document. This notarial act does not require the notary to attest to the truthfulness of the document's contents, but they must acknowledge that the document has been signed willingly.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
(a) A notarial act must be evidenced by a certificate signed and dated by the notary public. The certificate must include identification of the jurisdiction in which the notarial act is performed and the official seal of office. those are sufficient to meet the requirements of the designated notarial act.
Notary allows both the customer and notary to sign with an electronic signature, and to electronically attach both the notarial certificate and notary seal to a document. In 2021, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation to allow the Secretary of State to implement electronic notarization.
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.
As a notary public, you are required to keep a notary journal to record important information about your notarial acts. This serves as a permanent record for future reference and verification.
Starting August 1, 2024, Illinois residents applying to be Notary Public or Electronic Notary Public must use our online application. Those who qualify for a hardship exemption can choose to use a paper application. For questions about this policy, please call 217-782-7017 or email enotary@ilsos.
