What to Bring to a Notary Appointment in Illinois

Being prepared for your notary appointment saves time and ensures your documents are notarized correctly the first time. This guide covers everything you need to bring and what to expect during the appointment.

The Most Important Rule: Do Not Sign Your Documents in Advance

This is the single most important thing to know before meeting with a notary. Never sign documents before your notary appointment. The entire purpose of notarization is for the notary to personally witness you signing the document. If you sign in advance, the notary cannot legally notarize it and you will need a new unsigned copy.

Accepted Forms of Identification in Illinois

You must present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID at every notary appointment. Illinois notaries typically accept the following forms of ID:

Primary ID (most commonly accepted)

• Illinois driver's license — must be current and not expired
• Illinois state ID card — issued by the Secretary of State
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. military ID
• Permanent resident card (green card)

Secondary ID (accepted by some notaries)

• Foreign passport
• Tribal ID card
• Out-of-state driver's license

The ID must include your photo and must match the name on the documents being notarized. If your ID shows a different name than your documents (due to a recent marriage or name change), bring documentation explaining the discrepancy.

Your Documents

Bring all documents you need notarized. Check the following before your appointment:

• All pages are present — make sure no pages are missing from multi-page documents
• Documents are unsigned — leave all signature lines blank
• Fill-in fields are completed — notaries cannot notarize incomplete documents, but all fill-in portions (names, dates, addresses) should be filled in before signing
• Bring extra copies if available — in case a document needs to be re-done

All Required Signers Must Be Present

Every person whose signature needs to be notarized must appear in person before the notary. This means:

• Both spouses for joint real estate documents
• All partners for business agreements
• The grantor and grantee if both signatures require notarization

Each signer must present their own valid photo ID. A notary cannot notarize a signature by proxy — the actual signer must be physically present.

Payment

Confirm accepted payment methods with your notary before the appointment. Most mobile notaries accept:

• Cash
• Venmo, Zelle, or other digital payment apps
• Check (personal check from established clients)
• Some accept credit cards via Square or similar

Have payment ready at the appointment. The notary fee is typically collected at the end of the appointment after all documents have been signed and sealed.

For Loan Signings Specifically

If you are signing mortgage or refinance documents, also bring:

• A personal check for closing costs if required (confirm amount with your lender)
• Homeowner's insurance information if requested
• Any documents your lender specifically asked you to bring

Loan signing packages are large — often 100 to 200 pages. Plan for the appointment to take 45 minutes to an hour. Read each document carefully before signing. If you have questions about what you are signing, contact your lender — the notary cannot provide legal or financial advice about document content.

What the Notary Will Do

At your appointment the notary will:

1. Review your photo ID to verify your identity
2. Confirm you are signing voluntarily and understand what you are signing
3. Watch you sign each document
4. Apply their official notary seal and signature
5. Record the notarization in their notary journal

The process is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes per document. The notary is not there to review the content of your documents or advise you on their legal meaning — they are certifying your identity and the authenticity of your signature.