If you need an important document notarized but do not want — or are unable — to travel to a notary's office, a mobile notary may come directly to you. Mobile notary services provide a convenient solution for individuals, families, attorneys, businesses, real estate professionals, hospital patients, seniors, and others who need documents notarized at a location that works for them. In Chicago, that could mean meeting a notary at your home, office, hospital, nursing facility, assisted-living community, rehabilitation facility, hotel, or another agreed-upon location.
What Is a Mobile Notary?
A mobile notary is a commissioned notary public who travels to the signer rather than requiring the signer to travel to a fixed notary location.
The word "mobile" describes how the notary's services are delivered. The notary still performs the notarial act in accordance with applicable Illinois requirements.
Illinois recognizes several common notarial acts, including acknowledgments and jurats. The Illinois Secretary of State explains that personal appearance, proper identification, and appropriate signing procedures are fundamental parts of the notarization process.
The primary advantage of a mobile notary is convenience. Instead of searching for a "notary near me" and then determining whether that location is open, accepts your type of document, or requires an appointment, a mobile notary appointment can be arranged for a location convenient to the signer.
How Does a Mobile Notary Work in Illinois?
Although every appointment is different, the mobile notarization process generally involves several basic steps.
First, contact the mobile notary and provide basic information about the appointment — the type of document, how many people will be signing, the location, your preferred date and time, and whether witnesses are required. Providing this information in advance allows the notary service to confirm availability and provide appropriate details about the appointment.
At the scheduled time, the mobile notary travels to the agreed location. A Chicago mobile notary appointment might take place at a residence, a Downtown Chicago office, a hospital, a senior living community, a hotel, or another appropriate location.
Identity verification is a critical part of notarization. The Illinois Secretary of State states that a signer may be identified through the notary's personal knowledge, qualifying identification, or — in appropriate circumstances — a credible witness. Illinois law generally requires valid identification issued by a state agency, federal government agency, or consulate that contains the individual's photograph and signature. Ask about identification requirements before your appointment if you are uncertain whether your ID is acceptable.
Two common types of notarial acts are an acknowledgment and a jurat. With an acknowledgment, a document may already have been signed in appropriate circumstances, but the signer must personally acknowledge the signature to the notary. A jurat generally involves the signer signing in the notary's presence and taking an oath or affirmation. If the document does not indicate the required notarial act and you are unsure, you may need to obtain instructions from the document's receiving agency or legal counsel.
Once the requirements for the particular notarial act have been satisfied, the notary completes the appropriate notarial certificate and applies the required signature and seal. The notarization relates to the required notarial act — it does not necessarily mean that the notary has reviewed or approved the legal substance of the underlying document.
What Documents Can a Mobile Notary Notarize?
A mobile notary may be requested for many different types of documents. Common appointments may involve powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, trust-related documents, estate-planning documents, affidavits, sworn statements, deeds, consent forms, parental and travel consent documents, contracts and agreements, business documents, and real estate or loan documents including mortgage packages, refinance packages, HELOC documents, and loan modification documents.
Not every document requires notarization, and the requirements may vary depending on the document and its intended use. If you are uncertain whether your document requires notarization, check the document's instructions or contact the attorney, agency, business, title company, lender, or other organization that will receive it.
Where Can a Mobile Notary Meet You in Chicago?
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a mobile notary in Chicago is flexibility. Depending on availability and facility rules, appointments may be arranged at homes, offices, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, rehabilitation facilities and hospice settings, and hotels.
Mobile service can be particularly helpful when the signer has limited mobility, is hospitalized, does not drive, has a demanding work schedule, or simply prefers the convenience of having the notary come to them.
Before scheduling an appointment at a healthcare or residential facility, it is a good idea to confirm the facility's visitor and access requirements.
What Should You Bring to a Mobile Notary Appointment?
The most important thing to bring is a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. Acceptable identification typically includes a driver's license, state-issued ID card, or passport. If you have questions about whether your identification will be accepted, ask when you schedule your appointment.
You should also bring the document or documents to be notarized. For loan signings, your lender or title company will typically provide all documents in advance or at the time of the appointment.
How to Schedule a Mobile Notary in Chicago
Chicago Signing Concierge provides mobile notary services throughout the Chicago metro area, within 30 miles of downtown Chicago. We also offer remote online notarization for eligible documents, available statewide throughout Illinois.
To schedule an appointment, call or text (773) 383-3264, or book online through our Calendly scheduling page. We are available by appointment and can often accommodate same-day or next-day requests.
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