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Questions & Clarifications Regarding Virtual Notarization:
Please keep in mind that the RECEIVING PARTY MUST BE IN AGREEMENT with receiving this type of notarization. Whether it is a simple affidavit or a title document; title underwriters, agents, and financial institutions you work with will need to be in agreement on the technology being used and related security compliance procedures.
Background on Remote Notarization
On July 23, 2021, the governor signed Senate Bill 2664, permanently authorizing notarizes public commissioned in the state to remotely notarize electronic documents. This bill will go into effect once the Office of the Secretary of State has adopted the rules necessary to implement the Act.
Illinois remote online notarization laws:
Does the emergency authorization apply to only an Illinois commissioned notary and Illinois notarial
Yes. "Both the notary and the customer must be physically present in the State of Illinois at the time the remote notarization is performed" (see Guidance, Requirements Paragraph No. 2); ""Notary" means a person who is authorized to perform notarial acts such as taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, taking a verification upon oath or affirmation, and witnessing or attesting a signature as provided in 6-101 of the Illinois Notary Pubic Act." (see Guidance, Definitions) (additional note: no reference is made in EO 2020-14 or Guidance to the recognition of out of state electronic or remote notarizations consistent with paragraph 2 of Section 20 of the Illinois Conveyances Act, 765 ILCS 5)
Can a County Recorder reject a document because it has been electronically or remotely notarized?
The answer is "NO." Any documents remotely notarized during the term of Executive Order 2020-14, shall be deemed valid and treated as if the document had been notarized via in-person transaction." (see Guidance, Requirements Paragraph No. 8) However, we reserve the right to not do these types of documents . We do not do Quit Claim Deeds or T.O.D. documents virtually. We only do curbside notary services or in-person services for this type of document. We follow the CDC's guidelines for safe distancing.
So you are ready to book an appointment. What do you need to do?
You must meet all of these requirements:
- You will need to be able to print out your document. You also need to be able to scan them email to: info@chicagonotary.com or fax the document back to us. There are phone scanners you can download in your app store on your phone. All documents including your ID must be emailed together in one email. Let us know which you prefer.
- You must be in the state of Illinois at the time of the meeting. All of our meetings are held on the Zoom platform. We find zoom is the most user friendly.
- You must have a valid ID such as a Drivers License, State ID or Passport. We can only accept government issues identification. You must also be 18 years of age or older.
- You must be able to log into and attend a zoom meeting. The zoom link will be sent you 15 minutes before your appointment. If you have not received the link call us at 312-772-2207. During this meeting you must be able to film yourself speaking and signing the document.
- The Zoom meeting is recorded and will be kept as a legal record for 3 years. You will be emailed a copy of your notarized document. The signed copy you email to us stays in our records for 3 years along with the video recording of our session. This it not returned to you. The copy is your proof of notarization.
- Before booking your appointment you must call us! The times online do not reflect our other appointments which may conflict!
Illinois Executive Order 2020-14
Issued by the Governor March 26, 2020
Filed by the Secretary of State March 26, 2020
Read the order here: Illinois Executive Order 2020-14