Need something notarized? Our notary services are free and follow all guidelines in the Illinois Notary Public Handbook, as well as state and federal laws.
To ensure a Notary is available when you visit, please schedule an appointment in advance. Notaries will respond to appointment requests within 3 business days.
How to Get Help
- Drop-in Hours:
- Monday - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Tuesday - 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Wednesday - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
- Thursday - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
- Friday - By Appointment Only
- Saturday - By Appointment Only
- Online: Fill out our Notary Appointment Request Form.
- By Phone: Call the Library at 217-483-2713 to speak directly with a Notary.
Note: Occasionally, a notary public may be unavailable during these specified times.
What to Bring
- All patrons signing the document(s) MUST be present.
- The completed (no blank spaces), unsigned document to be notarized.
- A witness or witnesses, if required by the document.
- Witnesses MAY NOT be solicited from staff or patrons using the Library.
- To serve as a witness, the witness must personally know the person whose document is being notarized and must have valid photo identification.
- A valid, unexpired state ID, federal ID, or other government ID with a signature and photo.
- Driver’s License
- State ID Card
- US Military ID
- Passport
- FOID card
Notary Services: Scope and Limitations
The Chatham Area Public Library provides basic notary services only. All notarial acts are recorded in the Notary Public Record Book in accordance with Illinois law. The principal’s signature in a paper journal and any additional information that may assist the Notary in recalling the notarization are required.
Limits of Service
- Notaries may refuse service if the principal signer is more than 15 minutes late for their appointment.
- Library Notary Publics MAY DECLINE to notarize documents if there is any question of authenticity, ambiguity, or uncertainty regarding the request, the document, or the circumstances.
- Medallion Signature Guarantees are not provided. These special certification stamps, which authorize the authentic transfer of securities, are outside the scope of Library notary services.
Documents and Services Not Available
The Library cannot notarize:
- Deeds or other documents transferring ownership of real estate
- Mortgages or refinancing documents
- Certification of copies (e.g., passports, driver’s licenses, birth or death certificates, marriage certificates). Individuals requesting certified copies will be referred to the official custodian of the document.
- Documents with incomplete or blank spaces
- Government I-9 forms / Employment Eligibility Verification
- Apostilles or certifications for recognition in foreign countries under the 1961 Hague Convention
Please Note: Verification of the validity of all documents is the responsibility of the signers.